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On the 1 of September 2004 the Paynesville Rescue Squad Inc. joined the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association. Eleven Paynesville Rescue Members came across to the Coast Guard. Four Provisional Members joined in the following six months.
The Rescue Squad, for many years, operated a 6 metre Eden Craft, the vessel was replaced in 2007 with a new 7.59 metre Stabi-Craft.
In 2005, VF 22 acquired new facilities with the assistance of the Paynesville Cruiser Club, East Gippsland Shire and the support of the local Water Police. With space for its radio base and also a permanent birth for its vessel CG22. The Cruiser Club is an excellent location with immediate access to our vessel.
The Shire was very generous in allocating a berth in a magnificent marina facility, keeping the vessel safe in a secure berth ready to go at a moments notice. Of course none of this may have been possible without the support of Sgt. Richard Mostard who supported us in our dealing with the Shire and sees the Flotilla a very necessary organisation.
The Shire was very generous in allocating a berth in a magnificent marina facility, keeping the vessel safe in a secure berth ready to go at a moments notice. Of course none of this may have been possible without the support of Sgt. Richard Mostard who supported us in our dealing with the Shire and sees the Flotilla a very necessary organisation.
From 'Boatmaster' magazine January 2006.
“VMR815 - COAST GUARD PAYNESVILLE”
- goes seven days a week -
The success of the Paynesville radio base during Christmas Holidays 2005/2006 and the continued use of the base each weekend since, has prompted VF22 to go on air 7 days a week from November 2006. Commander Alex Fowler said that the response from members has been nothing short of fantastic and while the flotilla will certainly be a little stretched it is planned to make it a permanent service. The radio coverage will mean that both the local boating community, tourists and transit offshore traffic will have radio coverage 7 days a week between 0730 & 1700 hrs.
The increased hours of operation will be of assistance to boats going over the Lakes Entrance Bar. It is preferred that boat operators logging in their movements across the Bar use VHF Channel 16, as the reception on the 27MHz band is proving unreliable to Paynesville.
After hours coverage will still be available via the Coast guard telephone system, as telephone calls to the Radio base are automatically diverted to the Duty Controller. The Radio Base Number is (03) 5156 0106. It is hoped that in the not-too-distant future the Radio Base will operate 24/7.
“VMR815 - COAST GUARD PAYNESVILLE”
- goes seven days a week -
The success of the Paynesville radio base during Christmas Holidays 2005/2006 and the continued use of the base each weekend since, has prompted VF22 to go on air 7 days a week from November 2006. Commander Alex Fowler said that the response from members has been nothing short of fantastic and while the flotilla will certainly be a little stretched it is planned to make it a permanent service. The radio coverage will mean that both the local boating community, tourists and transit offshore traffic will have radio coverage 7 days a week between 0730 & 1700 hrs.
The increased hours of operation will be of assistance to boats going over the Lakes Entrance Bar. It is preferred that boat operators logging in their movements across the Bar use VHF Channel 16, as the reception on the 27MHz band is proving unreliable to Paynesville.
After hours coverage will still be available via the Coast guard telephone system, as telephone calls to the Radio base are automatically diverted to the Duty Controller. The Radio Base Number is (03) 5156 0106. It is hoped that in the not-too-distant future the Radio Base will operate 24/7.
VF22 were successful in securing $140,000 through the State Government's (Boating Safety & Facility Grants Scheme) for the purchase of a new vessel to replace the Eden Craft. A fundraising committee was established to raise the Flotilla's $45,000 contribution. In 2007, the Flotilla commissioned its new 7.59 metre Stabi-Craft.
The vessel is in 2C and 2D survey, and is capable of operating off-shore. It is able to carry 8 persons off-shore and 10 on the Gippsland Lakes. Cost of vessel as equipped is about $195,000 excluding GST.
The vessel is in 2C and 2D survey, and is capable of operating off-shore. It is able to carry 8 persons off-shore and 10 on the Gippsland Lakes. Cost of vessel as equipped is about $195,000 excluding GST.
From September 2004 to 2006, Flotilla 22's membership increased from 11 to 37! Demographics of our membership are also changing with the number of younger members growing, and also more female members. Our active training program initiated by Training Officer Ray Lyons is one of the reasons for our success in recruiting new members. Ray was appointed as Vice Captain Training Victorian Squadron, this means yet more work for Ray. To assist Ray, David Lindsay has been appointed as Ray’s Assistant with a view to becoming the VF 22 Training Officer.
In 2007, Training Officer David Lyndsay & trainer Horrie Waymouth completed and passed the Survival at Sea Training course, and and were endorsed to conduct Survival at Sea Training.
VF22 Paynesville Statistics from October 2006 to April 2007 the following statistics have been accrued:
Number of activations: 35, Number of persons assisted: 60, Number of vessels assisted: 31, Value of vessels assisted: $1,500,000
Radio calls 27mHZ & VHF: 2241, Public Events attended: 25, VF22 man Hours: 6506.
From May to Dec 2007 the following statistics have been accrued:
Number of activations: 36, Number of persons assisted: 55, Number of vessels assisted: 23, Value of vessels assisted: $1,002,000
Radio calls 27mHZ & VHF: 3,416, Public Events attended: 5, VF22 man Hours: 7,939.
Number of activations: 35, Number of persons assisted: 60, Number of vessels assisted: 31, Value of vessels assisted: $1,500,000
Radio calls 27mHZ & VHF: 2241, Public Events attended: 25, VF22 man Hours: 6506.
From May to Dec 2007 the following statistics have been accrued:
Number of activations: 36, Number of persons assisted: 55, Number of vessels assisted: 23, Value of vessels assisted: $1,002,000
Radio calls 27mHZ & VHF: 3,416, Public Events attended: 5, VF22 man Hours: 7,939.
Marlay Point Yacht Race. Paynesville Rescue Squad has organized and coordinated the rescue fleet for the Marlay Point Overnight Yacht Race for approximately the last fifteen years. In 2004, the Victorian Squadron placed some restrictions on us. This meant no private boats could be co-opted into the rescue fleet but instead two Coast Guard Boats from Melbourne were offered.
With the change from Rescue Squad to Coast Guard, the Yacht race event has created the opportunity for Flotillas and VMR rescue units to work together in a different environment.
The Rescue Fleet consisted of boats from Coast Guard, VF07 Carrum, VF10 Werribee, VF22 Paynesville; SES Bairnsdale, Loch Sport, Yarram, Morwell & Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club. Fleet control was coordinated from a Radio Base in Paynesville. Initially a Liaison Officer was used at Marlay Point and he worked in conjunction with a Deputy Co-coordinator at Holland’s Landing Radio Base, briefings were carried out at Holland’s Landing.
With the change from Rescue Squad to Coast Guard, the Yacht race event has created the opportunity for Flotillas and VMR rescue units to work together in a different environment.
The Rescue Fleet consisted of boats from Coast Guard, VF07 Carrum, VF10 Werribee, VF22 Paynesville; SES Bairnsdale, Loch Sport, Yarram, Morwell & Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club. Fleet control was coordinated from a Radio Base in Paynesville. Initially a Liaison Officer was used at Marlay Point and he worked in conjunction with a Deputy Co-coordinator at Holland’s Landing Radio Base, briefings were carried out at Holland’s Landing.
Flotilla 22 Paynesville moved into the Paynesville Community Centre xxxx
The fire response vessel, CG222 was originally operated by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. In order to enhance the Flotilla's CFA role the vessel was transferred to Paynesville.
23 June, 2018. The Flotilla's 'Pride of the Fleet' CG22 arrives in Paynesville and an Open Day is arranged to thank the public support in raising $200,000 towards the purchase of the 3500 Noosa Cat, powered by twin 325 HP Suzuki Outboards.
Slide Show of CG22 Construction
October 2018, CG22 Commissioning Ceremony at Paynesville
The Members that make it happen