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Portland Coast Guard, the first 15 years of service
Formation of Coast Guard Portland
During 2003, Colin Renton (The then Senior Sergeant at Portland Police) had been trying to no avail to have a permanent Water Police presence in Portland. Colin had been talking with CFA , SES and AV, who all agreed that something had to be done to have a Marine rescue group in Portland.
That task was being done by the Portland SES unit with an aging vessel. Colin not to be put off, went on the search to set up a volunteer group, he reviewed two Volunteer Marine Rescue groups, two Coast Guard Flotillas and two Surf Life groups, he then spoke with Marine Safety Victoria to gauge the possibility of funding a vessel for Portland, while this was going on Police Inspector Roger Sorley at Warrnambool also came onboard to do the same thing in Warrnambool.
With support from Ray Polaski Portland SES Controller and Tony Oxford Ambulance Victoria plans were put into place to proceed with a public meeting early 2004 where members from the above three groups were invited to speak to the public. Coast Guard and Surf Life each spoke about how their groups operated and took questions from the floor.
28/1/2004 A public meeting was held at the Portland yacht club, attended by 40 people from the community. It was decided by the attendees, after reviewing the structure and operations of the three entities, to form a Coast Guard Flotilla in Portland. A committee was formed to pursue the formation of a Coast Guard Flotilla. That committee becoming the Flotilla executive.
10/2/2004 At the second public meeting 35 people put their names down to join the Portland Flotilla. Flotilla meetings were set and training was set to start in March with a vessel on loan from Melbourne (CG68 a 6 metre shark cat Coast Guard vessel).
During 2003, Colin Renton (The then Senior Sergeant at Portland Police) had been trying to no avail to have a permanent Water Police presence in Portland. Colin had been talking with CFA , SES and AV, who all agreed that something had to be done to have a Marine rescue group in Portland.
That task was being done by the Portland SES unit with an aging vessel. Colin not to be put off, went on the search to set up a volunteer group, he reviewed two Volunteer Marine Rescue groups, two Coast Guard Flotillas and two Surf Life groups, he then spoke with Marine Safety Victoria to gauge the possibility of funding a vessel for Portland, while this was going on Police Inspector Roger Sorley at Warrnambool also came onboard to do the same thing in Warrnambool.
With support from Ray Polaski Portland SES Controller and Tony Oxford Ambulance Victoria plans were put into place to proceed with a public meeting early 2004 where members from the above three groups were invited to speak to the public. Coast Guard and Surf Life each spoke about how their groups operated and took questions from the floor.
28/1/2004 A public meeting was held at the Portland yacht club, attended by 40 people from the community. It was decided by the attendees, after reviewing the structure and operations of the three entities, to form a Coast Guard Flotilla in Portland. A committee was formed to pursue the formation of a Coast Guard Flotilla. That committee becoming the Flotilla executive.
10/2/2004 At the second public meeting 35 people put their names down to join the Portland Flotilla. Flotilla meetings were set and training was set to start in March with a vessel on loan from Melbourne (CG68 a 6 metre shark cat Coast Guard vessel).
23/2/2004 The newly formed Flotilla Executive, looking for funding sent a letter to the court diversionary fund, registering the Flotilla as a recipient to the fund. Immediately a $500 dollar cheque is received with several more that followed over the next few months. (thanks goes to those people that contributed to the court fund)
24/3/2004 All members undertook Safety induction and OH&S principals (at the yacht Club) conducted by FTO Colin Renton and DFC Gary Hein. Our two commercial skippers. Victor O’Brien and Ryan Nelson, start onboard training.
10/5/2004 20 members under took Marine Radio Operator Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP now known as LROCP) training to gain their Radio licence. Conducted by a Coast Guard Melbourne member at the Portland SES training rooms.
18/6/2004 Coast Guard Aims & Objectives conducted at SES training rooms.
2/7/2004 Transport minister Peter Batchelor announces a grant to fund 80% of the two 12 metre Coast Guard Vessels. One for Portland and one for Warrnambool. Each Flotilla is to fund the remaining 20%, that was $100,000 each. Total combined value of $1.3 million.
Five assists had been completed to date. The members were looking for a location to establish their radio room.
August 2004 After a lot of work by Portland and Warrnambool members, Tender documents were sent through to Coast Guard Melbourne to handle the tender process for the construction of two Coast Guard Vessels. The tender documents were rewritten by the DSCO not informing either Flotilla and released shortly after.
24/3/2004 All members undertook Safety induction and OH&S principals (at the yacht Club) conducted by FTO Colin Renton and DFC Gary Hein. Our two commercial skippers. Victor O’Brien and Ryan Nelson, start onboard training.
10/5/2004 20 members under took Marine Radio Operator Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP now known as LROCP) training to gain their Radio licence. Conducted by a Coast Guard Melbourne member at the Portland SES training rooms.
18/6/2004 Coast Guard Aims & Objectives conducted at SES training rooms.
2/7/2004 Transport minister Peter Batchelor announces a grant to fund 80% of the two 12 metre Coast Guard Vessels. One for Portland and one for Warrnambool. Each Flotilla is to fund the remaining 20%, that was $100,000 each. Total combined value of $1.3 million.
Five assists had been completed to date. The members were looking for a location to establish their radio room.
August 2004 After a lot of work by Portland and Warrnambool members, Tender documents were sent through to Coast Guard Melbourne to handle the tender process for the construction of two Coast Guard Vessels. The tender documents were rewritten by the DSCO not informing either Flotilla and released shortly after.
September 2004 Kepple Prince were approached by our DFC and agreed to donating a room in their office block on Madeira Packet Rd to be used as Coast Guard radio room, member Stephen Brown is put in charge of setting up the new radio room. (It is still our current location today) members set about gaining support from the community to fit out the radio room. Queenscliff Coast Guard VF9 through Garry Tomlins donated backup batteries and cabling for our room. Advice from Marcus Grinblat VF1 and Andrew Robb VF9 in sort for the finer points of the layout and operations.
2/8/2004 VF16 and VF17 undertake Survival at Sea (SAS) training at Portland swimming pool (the training was conducted by coast guard member Sheena Grinblat from VF1 Frankston Melbourne).
26/10/2004 The Flotilla put a Coast Guard display at Portland Aluminium open day. This proved to be very beneficial as it caught the eye of the then plant manager (John Osborne). From discussions with Cyril and Gary it was offered that Portland Aluminium would sponsor our training budget to the value of $10,000 per year (that support continues until 2014 a total of $100,000 over that time).
2/8/2004 VF16 and VF17 undertake Survival at Sea (SAS) training at Portland swimming pool (the training was conducted by coast guard member Sheena Grinblat from VF1 Frankston Melbourne).
26/10/2004 The Flotilla put a Coast Guard display at Portland Aluminium open day. This proved to be very beneficial as it caught the eye of the then plant manager (John Osborne). From discussions with Cyril and Gary it was offered that Portland Aluminium would sponsor our training budget to the value of $10,000 per year (that support continues until 2014 a total of $100,000 over that time).
November 2004 Application was made to Portland Aluminium for space on their west tower to install a marine VHF radio repeater. The application was granted and the repeater was installed by Coast Guard members from Melbourne, Marcus Grinblat Andrew Robb and Gary Tomlins together with help from our Flotilla member Stephen Brown. That repeater operated until November 2013 when it was upgraded with latest technology and is currently operating from the west tower today.
4/12/2004 Final setup and testing of new radio room. The radio room is to be in operation on all weekends and public holidays and during assist operations.
11/12/2004 The first full weekend operations started at 0800 through to 2030 on Saturday and Sunday. Member Stephen Brown completes the first 12.5 hour shift. The Flotilla members review the length of the shifts and are quickly changed to 3 four hour shifts and are still running similar to that today.
20/12/2004 Radio room operated for its first assist. Three hours in duration.
4/12/2004 Final setup and testing of new radio room. The radio room is to be in operation on all weekends and public holidays and during assist operations.
11/12/2004 The first full weekend operations started at 0800 through to 2030 on Saturday and Sunday. Member Stephen Brown completes the first 12.5 hour shift. The Flotilla members review the length of the shifts and are quickly changed to 3 four hour shifts and are still running similar to that today.
20/12/2004 Radio room operated for its first assist. Three hours in duration.
Early 2005 The Flotilla Executive makes application to the Federal Government through our local federal member for funding towards the two vessels.
May 2005 The tender process for the two Vessels comes under fire from our local state MP Denis Napthine as being sloppy. The tender had been awarded to a Sydney firm to build the two vessels.
June 2005 Portland and Warrnambool Executive apply to Transport Safety Victoria for operational funding.
July 2005 Portland Police are putting 10 of its members through a commercial Coxswain course and offer 2 spots to CGP. Two members from VF17 undertake training towards commercial coxswain Gary Hein and Stephen Brown.
21/9/2005 Under much pressure from the Liberal opposition and our local member, the Victorian Labour State Government terminate the tender contract with Vision Boats Sydney. There was considerable disappointment amongst the Flotilla members of Warrnambool and Portland.
October 2005 Federal member David Hawker announce $165,000 funding toward the construction of two Coast Guard vessels.
May 2005 The tender process for the two Vessels comes under fire from our local state MP Denis Napthine as being sloppy. The tender had been awarded to a Sydney firm to build the two vessels.
June 2005 Portland and Warrnambool Executive apply to Transport Safety Victoria for operational funding.
July 2005 Portland Police are putting 10 of its members through a commercial Coxswain course and offer 2 spots to CGP. Two members from VF17 undertake training towards commercial coxswain Gary Hein and Stephen Brown.
21/9/2005 Under much pressure from the Liberal opposition and our local member, the Victorian Labour State Government terminate the tender contract with Vision Boats Sydney. There was considerable disappointment amongst the Flotilla members of Warrnambool and Portland.
October 2005 Federal member David Hawker announce $165,000 funding toward the construction of two Coast Guard vessels.
November 2005 Three assist in three days as the boating season gets underway, unable to restart their engines poor fuel seemed to be the problem.
10/12/2005 While towing a vessel from north shore CG68 is asked to drop the tow and head to Grant Bay where a vessel is reported to be going on rocks. CG68 arrives just as the vessel enters the surf zone and quickly passes a tow line, the vessel was moved to a safer location to reset the tow. Both vessels returned safely to the boat ramp.
31/12/2005 A total of 25 assists had been completed to date.
January 2006 Two members gain their commercial coxswain certificate, then successfully undertake the Coast Guard skipper holistic assessment. That takes our skipper numbers to four.
10/12/2005 While towing a vessel from north shore CG68 is asked to drop the tow and head to Grant Bay where a vessel is reported to be going on rocks. CG68 arrives just as the vessel enters the surf zone and quickly passes a tow line, the vessel was moved to a safer location to reset the tow. Both vessels returned safely to the boat ramp.
31/12/2005 A total of 25 assists had been completed to date.
January 2006 Two members gain their commercial coxswain certificate, then successfully undertake the Coast Guard skipper holistic assessment. That takes our skipper numbers to four.
22/1/2006 CG68 is sent to search for three divers that were reported overdue. Skipper Victor O’Brien and crew Stephen Brown found the divers safe and well on Lawrence Rocks. They had come up from their dive to find there RIB had drifted away. They sat on the rock and watched their RIB fade in the distance, the divers had taken note of the direction from land marks and were able to direct CG68 in that direction, the RIB was found just after dark in the middle of Portland Bay still with it’s anchor deployed.
February 2006 The vessel tender process starts again and at the same time Transport Minister Peter Batchelor announces a grant of $17,000 to be used by both Portland and Warrnambool Flotilla’s towards training.
2/8/2006 Hobart firm Sabre Marine awarded the contract to build the two Coast Guard Vessels.
2/9/2006 A large group of CGP members attend fire fighting training at CFA Penshurst training grounds followed by a BBQ.
31/12/2006 38 assists have been completed using CG68.
18/3/2007 10 members start training for Marine Engine Driver class 3 ( held at Mebus House).
19/3/2007 Four members from VF17 and one from VF16 charter a small plane to fly to Hobart for vessel inspection of CG17 under construction and advise on the cabin layout.
February 2006 The vessel tender process starts again and at the same time Transport Minister Peter Batchelor announces a grant of $17,000 to be used by both Portland and Warrnambool Flotilla’s towards training.
2/8/2006 Hobart firm Sabre Marine awarded the contract to build the two Coast Guard Vessels.
2/9/2006 A large group of CGP members attend fire fighting training at CFA Penshurst training grounds followed by a BBQ.
31/12/2006 38 assists have been completed using CG68.
18/3/2007 10 members start training for Marine Engine Driver class 3 ( held at Mebus House).
19/3/2007 Four members from VF17 and one from VF16 charter a small plane to fly to Hobart for vessel inspection of CG17 under construction and advise on the cabin layout.
29/3/2007 Coast Guard Portland are tasked to help tow a yacht in trouble in Discovery Bay. ( The sea conditions were up, it was decided that we needed to use a larger vessel for the tow. After a phone call by the DFC a 15 metre local Cray boat (Swiftness) is made available. Three CGP members Skipper Stephen Brown Gary Hein and Victor O’Brien and their equipment together with the vessels owner and skipper, Luke complete the tow).
5/5/2007 Four members attend Coast Guard Officer training at Docklands Melbourne
Midyear 2007 Coast Guard Portland looking for a berth for the new vessel , approach the Port of Portland to propose a location to build a berth for the new vessel. Agreement is quickly forthcoming on the location in the canal.
July 2007 Members start work on designing and constructing a new floating berth for CG17. Kepple Prince donate the construction of the floating berth and VF17 members led by Victor O’Brien undertake the earth works.
Mid November 2007 , two weeks before the arrival of CG17 the concrete goes in. The new berth is completed and installed two days prior to the vessels arrival.
5/5/2007 Four members attend Coast Guard Officer training at Docklands Melbourne
Midyear 2007 Coast Guard Portland looking for a berth for the new vessel , approach the Port of Portland to propose a location to build a berth for the new vessel. Agreement is quickly forthcoming on the location in the canal.
July 2007 Members start work on designing and constructing a new floating berth for CG17. Kepple Prince donate the construction of the floating berth and VF17 members led by Victor O’Brien undertake the earth works.
Mid November 2007 , two weeks before the arrival of CG17 the concrete goes in. The new berth is completed and installed two days prior to the vessels arrival.
23/11/2007 The new vessel arrives in Portland (by road ) and is lifted into the water followed by sea trials and acceptance trials.
The next day 24/11/2007 is spent with familiarization with the new vessel ( It was like children with a new toy).
25/11/2007 Two days after CG17 arrived , training with the new vessel is fully underway, it is used for a training exercise at Bridgewater Bay, eight members onboard are very pleased with how the vessel performs but noted the top speed was less than expected but within the contract parameters.
The next day 24/11/2007 is spent with familiarization with the new vessel ( It was like children with a new toy).
25/11/2007 Two days after CG17 arrived , training with the new vessel is fully underway, it is used for a training exercise at Bridgewater Bay, eight members onboard are very pleased with how the vessel performs but noted the top speed was less than expected but within the contract parameters.
31/12/2007 45 Assists completed using CG68.
January 2008 The Flotilla executive decide the crew are up to speed with CG17 and move her into the full operation, this meant CG68 was to retire from Portland and be returned to VF 02 St Kilda.
January 2008 The Flotilla executive decide the crew are up to speed with CG17 and move her into the full operation, this meant CG68 was to retire from Portland and be returned to VF 02 St Kilda.
20/01/2008 CG17 under takes its first assist ( the 46th assist Coast Guard Portland had done) A vessel had gearbox problems, two nautical miles east of the harbour.
1/2/2008 Naming ceremony . CG17 was officially named Helen Handbury by Geoff Handbury OA after his late wife. Geoff had contributed $100,000 (over two years) toward the cost of Helen Handbury and was asked to name the vessel and become the Flotillas patron.
March 2008 CG68 returns to Melbourne to take up duty at Saint Kilda Flotilla 02 ( where she underwent a refit, She was later sent to Lake Hume where she operated while their new vessel is constructed. Today CG68 is in operation at Safety Beach ).
1/2/2008 Naming ceremony . CG17 was officially named Helen Handbury by Geoff Handbury OA after his late wife. Geoff had contributed $100,000 (over two years) toward the cost of Helen Handbury and was asked to name the vessel and become the Flotillas patron.
March 2008 CG68 returns to Melbourne to take up duty at Saint Kilda Flotilla 02 ( where she underwent a refit, She was later sent to Lake Hume where she operated while their new vessel is constructed. Today CG68 is in operation at Safety Beach ).
8/4/2008 Coast Guard Victoria had signed a Memorandum of understanding with the CFA .Coast Guard Portland become the first Coast Guard to receive their certificate of registration as a Coast Guard Brigade under the new MOU. A presentation ceremony held at Portland CFA where FC Cyril Cram receives our registration. Flotilla 17 were the first recipients of a CFA Brigade registration in Victoria.
16/5/2008 Coast Guard Warrnambool take delivery of their 12 meter vessel CG16 the second rescue vessel for western Victoria and completion of the build contract.
29/11/2008 Skipper Stephen Brown and crew Michael Krause, Gary Hein, Victor O’Brien and Omar Ellison while returning from Man Overboard training and see what is thought to be a dog swimming in the water of the harbour. Trainee helmsman Michael move the vessel in to help the animal, as they get closer they remove a Koala from the water, it had drowned. The crew hold him upside down to drain water from him, then Victor begins cardiac compressions, shortly after the little animal coughs and starts to breaths again. The Koala is delivered to the local vet. (The news goes around the world, the Flotilla receives many requests for interviews and many emails, to thank the members for their quick response to the needs of the Koala).
31/12/2008 57 Assists have been completed.
31/12/2008 57 Assists have been completed.
1/2/2009 New 406 EPIRBs are operating and the old 121 EPIRBs are no longer being monitored.
March 2009 Some Bluefin Tuna in excess of 100 kg had been landed in Portland. The news spreads amongst the fishing community quickly. The number of recreational boats heading out to the continental shelf to chase the bluefin increase markedly and the number of call outs to CGP increase with that.
6/3/2009 FC Cyril Cram is briefed by Water Police about a 11 meter wooden vessel in trouble South of Kangaroo Island. Later that day with more information a plan is put into operation to make ready to take two paramedics to meet the vessel recover the person and bring back to medical help in Portland. The vessel named Spirit of Mystery ( an 11 metre wooden lugger )was recreating a voyage by fishermen heading to the gold fields 154 years prior. While dealing with a bad storm 300 nm south of Kangaroo Island Spirit of Mystery was turned on its side causing the on deck crew member to break his leg.
7/3/2009 Skipper Stephen Brown crew Omar Ellison and Chris Sealey set plans to take CG17 out 80nm south west to meet the vessel. CG17 departed the harbour at 0200 and came along side Spirit of Mystery an hour before sunrise, transferred two paramedics to Spirit of Mystery. Shortly after a condition report of the crew member was received, CG17’s crew transferred the information to our radio room who sent it onto Water Police in Melbourne who informed concerned relatives back in England . It is a small world. Preparation, Planning and execution of the assist seen 18 hours duration all the while monitored by members in our radio room.
March 2009 Some Bluefin Tuna in excess of 100 kg had been landed in Portland. The news spreads amongst the fishing community quickly. The number of recreational boats heading out to the continental shelf to chase the bluefin increase markedly and the number of call outs to CGP increase with that.
6/3/2009 FC Cyril Cram is briefed by Water Police about a 11 meter wooden vessel in trouble South of Kangaroo Island. Later that day with more information a plan is put into operation to make ready to take two paramedics to meet the vessel recover the person and bring back to medical help in Portland. The vessel named Spirit of Mystery ( an 11 metre wooden lugger )was recreating a voyage by fishermen heading to the gold fields 154 years prior. While dealing with a bad storm 300 nm south of Kangaroo Island Spirit of Mystery was turned on its side causing the on deck crew member to break his leg.
7/3/2009 Skipper Stephen Brown crew Omar Ellison and Chris Sealey set plans to take CG17 out 80nm south west to meet the vessel. CG17 departed the harbour at 0200 and came along side Spirit of Mystery an hour before sunrise, transferred two paramedics to Spirit of Mystery. Shortly after a condition report of the crew member was received, CG17’s crew transferred the information to our radio room who sent it onto Water Police in Melbourne who informed concerned relatives back in England . It is a small world. Preparation, Planning and execution of the assist seen 18 hours duration all the while monitored by members in our radio room.
13/3/2009 A vessel that had been fishing for Blue Fin Tuna out on the continental shelf south west of Portland had incorrectly selected Port MacDonnell on its GPS as its port to go home too, only to find out when it had come into sight of land they had gone the wrong way. The vessel ran out of fuel while heading towards Portland. Skipper Gary Hein crew Bobbie Lee Nelson, David Lanyon and Ern Harrison take CG17, 30nm west to tow the vessel back to Portland, 8.5 hour duration.
March to July 2009 13 assists for tuna fisherman ( more than once CG17 had been sent to help one vessel and during the operation was asked to deviate their course to pick up a second vessel) Twelve months later and skipper Ian Leck had three vessels simultaneously under tow, that record still stands today.
3/12/2009 At 2300 CG17 sent to search for a reported flare sighting east of Lawrence Rocks. A large Cray boat is at anchor in that location but no one knew anything about flares ? The search was called off by Water Police at 02:30 No other vessel were found in the area.
31/12/2009 82 assists completed to date.
March to July 2009 13 assists for tuna fisherman ( more than once CG17 had been sent to help one vessel and during the operation was asked to deviate their course to pick up a second vessel) Twelve months later and skipper Ian Leck had three vessels simultaneously under tow, that record still stands today.
3/12/2009 At 2300 CG17 sent to search for a reported flare sighting east of Lawrence Rocks. A large Cray boat is at anchor in that location but no one knew anything about flares ? The search was called off by Water Police at 02:30 No other vessel were found in the area.
31/12/2009 82 assists completed to date.
5/4/2010 A diver is missing at Cape Nelson. CG17 sent to help locate the diver. (A body is located by a passing Cray boat, later identified as the missing diver).
June 2010 Cyril Cram reaches 1000 hours in the radio room.
14/6/2010 At 0630 a vessel catches on fire at the Portland Boat ramp. CG17 and a visiting Police vessel sent to put out the fire and recover the remains of the hull.
26/8/2010 Customs in Portland asked CGP to investigate a floating object near Dutton Way. It turned out to be the yacht buoy that had been anchored there for years. Someone at Customs must have taken a while to live that one down.
November 2010 Ian Leck completes intensive training and successfully completes the skipper holistic assessment adding another skipper to our numbers.
31/12/2010 104 assists completed to date.
June 2010 Cyril Cram reaches 1000 hours in the radio room.
14/6/2010 At 0630 a vessel catches on fire at the Portland Boat ramp. CG17 and a visiting Police vessel sent to put out the fire and recover the remains of the hull.
26/8/2010 Customs in Portland asked CGP to investigate a floating object near Dutton Way. It turned out to be the yacht buoy that had been anchored there for years. Someone at Customs must have taken a while to live that one down.
November 2010 Ian Leck completes intensive training and successfully completes the skipper holistic assessment adding another skipper to our numbers.
31/12/2010 104 assists completed to date.
20/3/2011 Coast Guard Portland and Warrnambool participate in a joint exercise at Bridgewater Bay. Surf Life, SES, Portland Police and AV together with VF16 and VF17. Over fifty people volunteer their time to be involved.
25/4/20011 CGP receive a report of a vessel sinking. It had lost power 100 meters short of the boat ramp, CG17 sent to move it to the ramp while doing so pumped it out and help load the vessel on it’s trailer.
25/6/2011 A vessel is swamped south of the rock CG17 attend to pump out the vessel and tow it back to the harbour.
June 2011 Cyril Cram finishes his term as Flotilla Commander, Cyril had been our Commander for seven years and four months. At the Flotilla elections Stephen Brown Flotilla Commander and Bobbie Lee Nelson Dept Flotilla Commander are elected.
August 2011 The Flotilla is asked to host three people from the Yellow boat road that will arrive by sea, The Yellow Boat Road are people circumnavigating Australia in 5.5 metre rubber ducks to raise money and awareness of polio.
25/4/20011 CGP receive a report of a vessel sinking. It had lost power 100 meters short of the boat ramp, CG17 sent to move it to the ramp while doing so pumped it out and help load the vessel on it’s trailer.
25/6/2011 A vessel is swamped south of the rock CG17 attend to pump out the vessel and tow it back to the harbour.
June 2011 Cyril Cram finishes his term as Flotilla Commander, Cyril had been our Commander for seven years and four months. At the Flotilla elections Stephen Brown Flotilla Commander and Bobbie Lee Nelson Dept Flotilla Commander are elected.
August 2011 The Flotilla is asked to host three people from the Yellow boat road that will arrive by sea, The Yellow Boat Road are people circumnavigating Australia in 5.5 metre rubber ducks to raise money and awareness of polio.
30/9/ 2011 Joan at Coast Guard Communications Port Fairy instigated an assist at Farquharson Reef (just off Cairns) after replying to a call for help on the 27meg radio on Friday 30th at 1105. Joan gained the vessels lat/long and named location and passed it onto the Water Police who contacted the Cairns police. Engine failure was the problem.
17/10/2011 Coast Guard Portland join with Portland CFA in a joint exercise in fighting fires onboard ships. The MV Portland is used to hone the skills of all who participate. Skipper Victor O’Brien hold CG17 alongside for 3 hours plus transport many CFA members to the side of the ship for them to climb onboard fully kited out with BA going up the rope ladder.
18/11/2011 CG17 responded to flares sighted near Cape Nelson, nothing was found during the 4 ½ hour search. Later scuttlebutt around the town suggested some adolescents had discharged two flares.
8/12/2011 A triple mast square rigged yacht having trouble in Discovery Bay was towed to Portland by Skipper Stephen Brown crew Cyril Cram and Ian Leck.
30/12/2011 Skipper Stephen Brown crew John Steadman, Ray Polaski, John Wolf and Ern Harrison are sent to help 8 people of a sinking Charter boat near Black nose point. The people on the charter vessel did not need an invitation to board CG17 as she came along side, they were on our deck in less than a minute, the stern of the charter vessel was below water level, CG17 crew were able to tow the vessel back to Portland then pump out the rudder compartment.
17/10/2011 Coast Guard Portland join with Portland CFA in a joint exercise in fighting fires onboard ships. The MV Portland is used to hone the skills of all who participate. Skipper Victor O’Brien hold CG17 alongside for 3 hours plus transport many CFA members to the side of the ship for them to climb onboard fully kited out with BA going up the rope ladder.
18/11/2011 CG17 responded to flares sighted near Cape Nelson, nothing was found during the 4 ½ hour search. Later scuttlebutt around the town suggested some adolescents had discharged two flares.
8/12/2011 A triple mast square rigged yacht having trouble in Discovery Bay was towed to Portland by Skipper Stephen Brown crew Cyril Cram and Ian Leck.
30/12/2011 Skipper Stephen Brown crew John Steadman, Ray Polaski, John Wolf and Ern Harrison are sent to help 8 people of a sinking Charter boat near Black nose point. The people on the charter vessel did not need an invitation to board CG17 as she came along side, they were on our deck in less than a minute, the stern of the charter vessel was below water level, CG17 crew were able to tow the vessel back to Portland then pump out the rudder compartment.
31/12/2011 129 assists completed
7/3/2012 An inter-agency exercise is conducted to simulate an evacuation from the beach. 55 members from Surf Life, SES, CFA , Ambulance Victoria, Coast Guard Portland and Warrnambool plus Police get involved in the logistics of evacuating a large number of people by sea.
14/3/2012 Coast Guard Portland are called to evacuate an injured crew member from the HM Barque Endeavour with suspected broken ribs. Skipper Ian Leck crew Victor O’Brien, John Wolf, John Steadman transported two AV members to the vessel and arranged the safe evacuation and transportation back to a waiting ambulance.
17/3/2012 Skipper Stephen Brown crew John Steadman, Cyril Cram and Ray Polaski tow a vessel from north shore owned by Rod McCreddan who had became a Coast Guard member the month before, Even today I’m not sure that Rod has lived that down yet.
Late March 2012 Coast Guard Portland is asked for help from the Australian Navy. CG 17 transports a group of Navy divers and their equipment to Discovery Bay so they could recover some equipment in deep water. Skipper Victor O’Brien.
April 2012 Stephen Brown reaches 1000 hours in the radio room.
Late April Water Police request our radio room keep an hourly watch on a yacht having trouble and will require help to enter Portland harbour. A half hour radio watch is kept from 1650 through the night and the vessel is helped into the harbour by CG17 at 0900 the next morning.
Late March 2012 Coast Guard Portland is asked for help from the Australian Navy. CG 17 transports a group of Navy divers and their equipment to Discovery Bay so they could recover some equipment in deep water. Skipper Victor O’Brien.
April 2012 Stephen Brown reaches 1000 hours in the radio room.
Late April Water Police request our radio room keep an hourly watch on a yacht having trouble and will require help to enter Portland harbour. A half hour radio watch is kept from 1650 through the night and the vessel is helped into the harbour by CG17 at 0900 the next morning.
12/5/2012 Coast Guard Portland members host Coast Guard Communications Port Fairy Joan Christie farewell dinner as Joan is moving to Melbourne. Coast Guard Communications Port Fairy cease operations at the end of May.
19/5/2012 CG17 participate in a joint exercise with Coast Guard Warrnambool and Port Fairy Marine Rescue on the eastern side of Lady Julia Percy Island. Simulated vessel sunk and two life rafts to be found.
28/6/2012 The minister for Ports Denis Napthine announces a grant of $235,000 to Victorian Marine Search and Rescue. Of that Coast Guard Victoria receive $165,000. Portland and Warrnambool each receive $20,000 to go toward operational costs.
19/5/2012 CG17 participate in a joint exercise with Coast Guard Warrnambool and Port Fairy Marine Rescue on the eastern side of Lady Julia Percy Island. Simulated vessel sunk and two life rafts to be found.
28/6/2012 The minister for Ports Denis Napthine announces a grant of $235,000 to Victorian Marine Search and Rescue. Of that Coast Guard Victoria receive $165,000. Portland and Warrnambool each receive $20,000 to go toward operational costs.
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Joan started at Port Fairy in December 2006 and ceased Radio Operations in May 2012.
In that time Joan monitored the radios in excess of 2000 days, at 7.5 hours per day for a total of 15,000 hours.
During the 15,000 hours, Joan handled 17,500 27 Mhz calls, 33,700 VHF calls and 3,700 HF calls. 1,200 Phone calls were made or received and 660 were safely logged On and Off.
Many assists were attended to, one of note was received on the 27 Mhz of a vessel broken down and needing help, the vessel gave their Lat and Long and it was confirmed to be at Farquharson Reef off Cairns. The information was past to Victoria Water Police and then relayed to Queensland Police, the vessel was assisted by Coast Guard Innisfail.
Thank you Joan from all VF17 members for your time and dedication as a volunteer in Coast Guard.
7/7/2012 A charter vessel Blue Fin 2 catches fire with 8 people onboard. Skipper Ian Leck crew Bobbie Le Nelson and John Steadman respond to a EPIRB activation , in transit that changes to a vessel fire. All people were picked up by close by charter boats CG17 is asked to remove the navigational hazard by towing the hull back to Portland but the hull sinks in 65 meters of water while under tow.
11/7/2012 A 190 tonne trawler has engine failure 30nm south west of Portland. Coast Guard Portland undertake an 11 hour assist towing the trawler back to Portland. Skipper Ian Leck crew Bobbie Lee Nelson and John Steadman complete the heaviest tow that CG17 had undertaken, only to tow that vessel two more times in the coming years.
21/12/2012 CGP members remove the floating berth for a refit. John Steadman put in charge of these works. All works completed by our members over three weeks, with the old floatation tank replaced with solid foam floatation and the berth returned to duty. Coast Guard Portland, remains fully operational during the refit.
31/12/2012 159 assists completed to date
31/12/2012 159 assists completed to date
February 2013 No assists for the month of January and February (a first for our group). That did not last as on the 9/3/2013 the flood gates opened. The Flotilla completing 17 assists over the next three months.
19/4/2013 A vessel taking on water had been taken under tow by a passing oil rig tender, CG17 sent to take over the tow and return the vessel back to Portland.
7/5/2013 A vessel 30nm south of Portland signalled mayday we are sinking, 4 POB. We are going into the water in 10 minutes. A charter fishing vessel close by gets to them just as the vessel goes down, taking two people straight onboard and one from the water. The fourth person is not visible around the upturned hull, The charter boat skipper decides to try and roll the upturned hull over, just as they get a grip of the hull with boat hooks the person pops up between the two vessels. Later talking to the fourth person he recounted that he was on the off side as the vessel went down , it rolled over him, when he had tried to surface he had come up under the hull and it took a few moments to work his way to the side. He surfaced facing the upturned hull and did not know the charter vessel was right there. One minute I was catching my breath in the water trying to hold on and the next I was on the deck of a boat he said. Four guys had grabbed me. A close call but all people ok. Skipper Ian Leck crew BL Nelson, John Steadman, John Atkins and John Murfett are sent to remove the navigational hazard by righting the upturned hull and towing it back to port.
18/5/2013 CG17 sent to tow a vessel in trouble 15 nm south of Portland. The vessel was not located at the co-ordinates given, after searching for six hours it was called off by the Water Police. Later the next day we find out that the vessel had got itself going and had passed CG17 on its way home, but had not thought to mention to Coast Guard that fact. It failed to answer Coast Guards radio calls. Skipper Ian Leck crew BL Neleson, R McCreddan, John Atkins, J Steadman and Carole Cram spent the six hours searching.
19/5/2013 Coast Guard Portland radio room operating for four hours to monitor the progress of a vessel limping to Portland with one failed engine.
June 2013 Flotilla Elections. Stephen Brown as Flotilla Commander unable to commit to another term, the Flotilla elects Michael Krause Flotilla Commander and David Lanyon Dept Flotilla Commander.
July 2013 Trainers Victor O’Brien and Stephen Brown start intensive onboard Coxswain training for David Lanyon and John Steadman who had finish their Advanced Crew training.
For the rest of the year 10 more assist completed, of the assists one vessel owner was towed back to port three times, once from Discovery Bay, once from Portland Bay and once from within the harbour (that vessel has a new engine installed, he has not needed our services since).
Late 2013 Pacific Hydro approved a grant to upgrade our radio room (replace old antennas and cables together with new marine radios. Work undertaken by FC Mick Krause).
Late November 2013 After three months intensive training two members undertake and pass assessment for Coast Guard Coxswain, John Steadman and David Lanyon. A first for our flotilla to have fully in house trained, Coast Guard Coxswains commanding CG17.
Late November 2013 The repeater at Portland Aluminium is replaced with updated equipment, the work undertaken by Coast Guard member Marcus Grinblat form Melbourne and member John Wolf.
31/12/2013 184 assists completed to date.
19/4/2013 A vessel taking on water had been taken under tow by a passing oil rig tender, CG17 sent to take over the tow and return the vessel back to Portland.
7/5/2013 A vessel 30nm south of Portland signalled mayday we are sinking, 4 POB. We are going into the water in 10 minutes. A charter fishing vessel close by gets to them just as the vessel goes down, taking two people straight onboard and one from the water. The fourth person is not visible around the upturned hull, The charter boat skipper decides to try and roll the upturned hull over, just as they get a grip of the hull with boat hooks the person pops up between the two vessels. Later talking to the fourth person he recounted that he was on the off side as the vessel went down , it rolled over him, when he had tried to surface he had come up under the hull and it took a few moments to work his way to the side. He surfaced facing the upturned hull and did not know the charter vessel was right there. One minute I was catching my breath in the water trying to hold on and the next I was on the deck of a boat he said. Four guys had grabbed me. A close call but all people ok. Skipper Ian Leck crew BL Nelson, John Steadman, John Atkins and John Murfett are sent to remove the navigational hazard by righting the upturned hull and towing it back to port.
18/5/2013 CG17 sent to tow a vessel in trouble 15 nm south of Portland. The vessel was not located at the co-ordinates given, after searching for six hours it was called off by the Water Police. Later the next day we find out that the vessel had got itself going and had passed CG17 on its way home, but had not thought to mention to Coast Guard that fact. It failed to answer Coast Guards radio calls. Skipper Ian Leck crew BL Neleson, R McCreddan, John Atkins, J Steadman and Carole Cram spent the six hours searching.
19/5/2013 Coast Guard Portland radio room operating for four hours to monitor the progress of a vessel limping to Portland with one failed engine.
June 2013 Flotilla Elections. Stephen Brown as Flotilla Commander unable to commit to another term, the Flotilla elects Michael Krause Flotilla Commander and David Lanyon Dept Flotilla Commander.
July 2013 Trainers Victor O’Brien and Stephen Brown start intensive onboard Coxswain training for David Lanyon and John Steadman who had finish their Advanced Crew training.
For the rest of the year 10 more assist completed, of the assists one vessel owner was towed back to port three times, once from Discovery Bay, once from Portland Bay and once from within the harbour (that vessel has a new engine installed, he has not needed our services since).
Late 2013 Pacific Hydro approved a grant to upgrade our radio room (replace old antennas and cables together with new marine radios. Work undertaken by FC Mick Krause).
Late November 2013 After three months intensive training two members undertake and pass assessment for Coast Guard Coxswain, John Steadman and David Lanyon. A first for our flotilla to have fully in house trained, Coast Guard Coxswains commanding CG17.
Late November 2013 The repeater at Portland Aluminium is replaced with updated equipment, the work undertaken by Coast Guard member Marcus Grinblat form Melbourne and member John Wolf.
31/12/2013 184 assists completed to date.
15/1/2014 Cruise ship Silver Shadow diverts to Portland. A passenger with suspected stroke. Skipper Victor O’Brien crew Stephen Brown, David Lanyon and Rod McCreddan meets the ship with paramedics and transfers the patient and his wife to Portland.
27/1/2014 CG17 respond to vessel taking on water in the middle of Portland Bay. As CG17 approaches the vessel, the water leak is stopped, the vessel is towed back to the boat ramp (footnote the crew of CG17 were witness to who can move the most amount of sea water, A bilge pump or a frighten crew member with a bucket. That bucket was moving hundreds of litres a minute).
8/2/2014 A new skippers first assist, David Lanyon (a vessel with engine failure near the Surry River mouth) an easy run across the bay in calm conditions to tow the vessel back to port. The next day not so easy.
8/2/2014 A new skippers first assist, David Lanyon (a vessel with engine failure near the Surry River mouth) an easy run across the bay in calm conditions to tow the vessel back to port. The next day not so easy.
9/2/2014 CGP respond to a 60 tonne squid boat adrift in the bay (it had broken its moorings in the harbour during an overnight storm and found its way into the bay) as the skipper David Lanyon crew Stephen Brown, Victor O’Brien were getting underway reports of flares being sighted further east of the squid boat meant a change of priority for CG17. The wind reaching 35 knots, a 4 metre tinny found drifting with one person very pleased to see Coast Guard. The person was taken onto CG17 in the rough conditions. He was fully wet and cold. The crew attended to his needs and with the tinny under tow, both returned to the boat ramp. The squid boat was attended to by one of the Port of Portland Tugs.
10/2/2014 The Flotilla terns ten years old today. Plans to celebrate the milestone in early May.
20/4/2014 Mayday call, 5.8mt vessel sinking with 6 pob 30 nm from Portland. CG17 sent plus HEMS4 helicopter and two fixed wing aircraft. One person airlifted by HEMS4 and the remaining 5 taken onboard CG17. Very rough to extreme conditions tests all involved. Skipper Victor O’Brien crew David Lanyon, Joan Stanford, Rod McCreddan and Shirley Stanford are later awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Award for their actions on that day and night.
25/4/2014 A vessel south of Portland had mechanical problems, 45 minutes to get to him and 3 hours tow back to Portland.
27/4/2014 Three assists today , the first started at 10:40 and finished at 12:30 then straight into the second assist, only took half an hour and again straight into the third assist, it was completed at 22:30. Eleven hours and fifty minutes for the day. Skipper V O’Brien crew Carole Cram ,Stephen Brown, John Steadman, Joan and Shirley Stanford said the coffee and fruit bars took a hammering on that day.
30/4/2014 203 assists to date.
3/5/2014 Tenth Year anniversary dinner
20/4/2014 Mayday call, 5.8mt vessel sinking with 6 pob 30 nm from Portland. CG17 sent plus HEMS4 helicopter and two fixed wing aircraft. One person airlifted by HEMS4 and the remaining 5 taken onboard CG17. Very rough to extreme conditions tests all involved. Skipper Victor O’Brien crew David Lanyon, Joan Stanford, Rod McCreddan and Shirley Stanford are later awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Award for their actions on that day and night.
25/4/2014 A vessel south of Portland had mechanical problems, 45 minutes to get to him and 3 hours tow back to Portland.
27/4/2014 Three assists today , the first started at 10:40 and finished at 12:30 then straight into the second assist, only took half an hour and again straight into the third assist, it was completed at 22:30. Eleven hours and fifty minutes for the day. Skipper V O’Brien crew Carole Cram ,Stephen Brown, John Steadman, Joan and Shirley Stanford said the coffee and fruit bars took a hammering on that day.
30/4/2014 203 assists to date.
3/5/2014 Tenth Year anniversary dinner
SLIDE SHOW FLOTILLA 17 TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY DINNER
13/5/2014 Stephen Brown becomes the first member to reach 100 activations. Bobbie Lee Nelson reaches 100 a month later. Both receive their awards in October 2014.
9/6/2014 Skipper Stephen Brown crew Shirley and Joan Stanford, Rod McCreddan and Carole Cram are tasked at 20:30 hours to search for a Kayaker reported over due later found in Grant Bay trying to sail into a head wind and making no progress.
9/6/2014 Skipper Stephen Brown crew Shirley and Joan Stanford, Rod McCreddan and Carole Cram are tasked at 20:30 hours to search for a Kayaker reported over due later found in Grant Bay trying to sail into a head wind and making no progress.
19-20/6/2014 Skipper John Steadman day one and Skipper Victor O’Brien day two crew Stephen Brown, David Lanyon ,Joan Stanford, Carole Cram and Rod McCreddan depart Portland at 0500 to join in the search for an overdue commercial fisherman south of Port Fairy. Four rescue vessels, two helicopters and three fixed wing planes search all day. The vessel is located by border force SAR plane just after dark. CG17 plus the police boat are sent 18 nm south to the vessel. After providing lighting to the scene for the police to search the vessel, CG17 takes the unmanned vessel in tow, arriving back in Port Fairy at 0500. Day one crew complete 25 hours nonstop. The crew are exchanged at 0600 and the search continues all the next day. It was scaled down the day after. The lost vessels anchor and rope was recovered some days later. The fisherman was never found.
June 2014 Michael Krause awarded 1000 hours in the radio room.
30/7/2014 Bendigo Bank Portland raise much needed funds for Coast Guard. They donate $1,800 to go towards small equipment upgrades.
August 2014 Flotilla Commander Michael Krause steps down through Ill health. DFC David Lanyon fills the role while the group look for a replacement.
August 2014 Diane Dent reaches 1000 hours in the radio room.
17/9/2014 CGP engage in a media campaign to urge the boating public to be ready for the coming boating season.
November 2014 After some arm twisting by David, Stephen Brown accepts the nomination and is elected Flotilla Commander to complete the term vacated by Michael. Stephen is re-elected for a third term in June 2015.
December 2014 A record high of 38 assist for the calendar year.
30/7/2014 Bendigo Bank Portland raise much needed funds for Coast Guard. They donate $1,800 to go towards small equipment upgrades.
August 2014 Flotilla Commander Michael Krause steps down through Ill health. DFC David Lanyon fills the role while the group look for a replacement.
August 2014 Diane Dent reaches 1000 hours in the radio room.
17/9/2014 CGP engage in a media campaign to urge the boating public to be ready for the coming boating season.
November 2014 After some arm twisting by David, Stephen Brown accepts the nomination and is elected Flotilla Commander to complete the term vacated by Michael. Stephen is re-elected for a third term in June 2015.
December 2014 A record high of 38 assist for the calendar year.
18/1/2015 A fisherman swept off rocks near the blow holes west of Cape Bridgewater. Skipper Stephen Brown crew Jeff Field, Joan Stanford, David Lanyon and Rod McCreddan search for two days, The person’s body is recovered on day three by Water Police. Member Victor O’Brien on the cliff top provided radio relay communications for the police and Coast Guard.
7/2/2015 VF17 alerted to assist a cruise ship Crystal Serenity with a medical evacuation. Skipper Victor O’Brien crew Rod McCreddan, John Steadman, Shirley and Joan Stanford together with two AV members completed the transfer.
27/3/2015 Another medical evacuation from a cruise ship, the Voyager of the Seas had been battling the huge seas and diverted to Portland to off load the sick passenger. Skipper John Steadman crew Joan and Shirley Stanford, Victor O’Brien together with AV members transported the sick passenger and the ships doctor back to Portland.
13/4/2015 Six new members were put through the survival at sea training. Getting used to handling the life raft in the water.
May June & July 8 assist mostly for Tuna fisherman and one Kayaker caught in a strong north wind at north shore.
22/8/2015 The day started with a navigation exercise across to Julia reef then down the coast to the Surry mouth then back to Portland. The crew washing down the vessel at 11:30 to get a call to assist a vessel 9 nm SE of the Rock. That job completed at the Old ramp at 14:00. Before the lines were let go another vessel needing a tow 13 nm SE of the rock the crew finished that job at the new ramp by 18:00 Skipper Stephen Brown crew Carole Cram, Rod McCreddan.
23/08/2015 246 MIR’s completed to date.
Early September 2015 Helen Handbury is up on the slip for survey. CG16 is re-deployed to Portland to cover the week. On the first day the crew were required to recover a vessel 8 nm south of Portland and later that same day were called to a sinking yacht in the marina. Using the fire pump to remove the water from the yacht.
14/9/2015 A busy three days. 1 assist on Thursday 1 on the Friday and 2 on Saturday.
18/9/2015 The Masonic lodge of Portland donate $2,700 to purchase first aid training equipment.
17/10/2015 At the Coast Guard awards night in Melbourne Cyril Cram is awarded the Ted Madden Award for Excellence in Training. Flotilla Commander Stephen Brown is awarded the Andy Varga Memorial Shield for outstanding Flotilla Commander of the year. In front of 150 Coast Guard Volunteers the Victorian Squadron Commodore Mark Bainbridge made special mention of the Portland Flotilla. As its members being an outstanding example of the commitment and service they provide to the boating public around Portland.
27/3/2015 Another medical evacuation from a cruise ship, the Voyager of the Seas had been battling the huge seas and diverted to Portland to off load the sick passenger. Skipper John Steadman crew Joan and Shirley Stanford, Victor O’Brien together with AV members transported the sick passenger and the ships doctor back to Portland.
13/4/2015 Six new members were put through the survival at sea training. Getting used to handling the life raft in the water.
May June & July 8 assist mostly for Tuna fisherman and one Kayaker caught in a strong north wind at north shore.
22/8/2015 The day started with a navigation exercise across to Julia reef then down the coast to the Surry mouth then back to Portland. The crew washing down the vessel at 11:30 to get a call to assist a vessel 9 nm SE of the Rock. That job completed at the Old ramp at 14:00. Before the lines were let go another vessel needing a tow 13 nm SE of the rock the crew finished that job at the new ramp by 18:00 Skipper Stephen Brown crew Carole Cram, Rod McCreddan.
23/08/2015 246 MIR’s completed to date.
Early September 2015 Helen Handbury is up on the slip for survey. CG16 is re-deployed to Portland to cover the week. On the first day the crew were required to recover a vessel 8 nm south of Portland and later that same day were called to a sinking yacht in the marina. Using the fire pump to remove the water from the yacht.
14/9/2015 A busy three days. 1 assist on Thursday 1 on the Friday and 2 on Saturday.
18/9/2015 The Masonic lodge of Portland donate $2,700 to purchase first aid training equipment.
17/10/2015 At the Coast Guard awards night in Melbourne Cyril Cram is awarded the Ted Madden Award for Excellence in Training. Flotilla Commander Stephen Brown is awarded the Andy Varga Memorial Shield for outstanding Flotilla Commander of the year. In front of 150 Coast Guard Volunteers the Victorian Squadron Commodore Mark Bainbridge made special mention of the Portland Flotilla. As its members being an outstanding example of the commitment and service they provide to the boating public around Portland.
18/10/2015 Skipper David Lanyon crew John Steadman, Stephen Brown and Victor O’Brien were dispatched to help a vessel with engine failure just outside the KS Anderson breakwater. Two other vessels came to help. One taking the vessel under tow. As CG17 was moving through the harbour they received a call from the second vessel that it had lost engine power and was going to be washed up on the rock wall in two minutes. CG17 arrived shortly after to see the two men scrambling up on the rocks and their vessel beginning to break up on the rocks. The men were recovered fully wet and okay but their vessel was lost.
5/11/2015 Two skipper holistic assessments today (in total 8.5 hours) Rod McCreddan and Shirley Stanford gain their Coast Guard Coxswain ratings.
19/12/2015 Skipper Stephen Brown crew Shirley Stanford and Victor O’Brien respond to a code red at Julie reef a boat had gone over and one person missing. HEMS 4 located the upturned vessel just as CG17 arrived. A search was conducted but the person was not located. CG17 later righted and towed the vessel back to Portland. The missing person was found deceased on the beach at 0100 the next morning.
39 Assists completed in the year 258 since CGP started.
5/11/2015 Two skipper holistic assessments today (in total 8.5 hours) Rod McCreddan and Shirley Stanford gain their Coast Guard Coxswain ratings.
19/12/2015 Skipper Stephen Brown crew Shirley Stanford and Victor O’Brien respond to a code red at Julie reef a boat had gone over and one person missing. HEMS 4 located the upturned vessel just as CG17 arrived. A search was conducted but the person was not located. CG17 later righted and towed the vessel back to Portland. The missing person was found deceased on the beach at 0100 the next morning.
39 Assists completed in the year 258 since CGP started.
18/1/2016 Skipper John Steadman crew Victor O’Brien , Shirley and Joan Stanford, Rod McCreddan and David Lanyon are sent to tow a 180 tonne vessel that had broken down. CG17 came along side at midnight in rough conditions, to make things worse the vessels port side stabilizer would not retract. The crew completed the job at 05:15 at the trawler wharf.
January seen 4 assists.
6/2/2016 A failed rescue vessel at VF 9 Queenscliff and squadron want to move the Warrnambool vessel to take up the load. Only to provide CG68 to Warrnambool. A media campaign by VF16 prevents the move.
15/2/2016 Coast Guard state wide fed up with state government inaction on adequate funding decide to go on strike. A media blitz is arranged across the state. News papers, TV and radio pick up the story. A progressive shut down of the rescue service across the state, concluding in a total stoppage by Easter is expected.
10/3/2016 The State Premier calls a meeting with Coast Guard to resolve the funding crisis. Coast Guard agree to a moratorium on the strike to allow the government time to investigate what can be done.
21/3/2016 Skipper Rod McCreddan crew Victor O’Brien, Shirley Stanford and David Lanyon are sent to assist a 70 tonne squid boat south of Julia Percy Island. It takes three hours travelling in heavy seas to arrive then take the squid boat under tow. 11 hours later arriving back in Portland.
April 2016 The state government provide insurance funding for two years and an undertaking to come up with a more reliable funding situation for the marine rescue sector.
13/4/2016 Flotilla member Shirley Stanford managed a raffle for the Flotilla. The prize was a replica of the Batavia. The raffle exceeded all expiations and raised $5,000 and additional $2,000 in donations $7,000 in total, many members helped in selling tickets.
May 2016 The first Hooked on Tuna fishing competition was run with hundreds of vessels competing. CGP provided the weather forecast for the fishing days $12,000 in prize money up for grabs. One thousand dollars donated to CGP from the comp.
January seen 4 assists.
6/2/2016 A failed rescue vessel at VF 9 Queenscliff and squadron want to move the Warrnambool vessel to take up the load. Only to provide CG68 to Warrnambool. A media campaign by VF16 prevents the move.
15/2/2016 Coast Guard state wide fed up with state government inaction on adequate funding decide to go on strike. A media blitz is arranged across the state. News papers, TV and radio pick up the story. A progressive shut down of the rescue service across the state, concluding in a total stoppage by Easter is expected.
10/3/2016 The State Premier calls a meeting with Coast Guard to resolve the funding crisis. Coast Guard agree to a moratorium on the strike to allow the government time to investigate what can be done.
21/3/2016 Skipper Rod McCreddan crew Victor O’Brien, Shirley Stanford and David Lanyon are sent to assist a 70 tonne squid boat south of Julia Percy Island. It takes three hours travelling in heavy seas to arrive then take the squid boat under tow. 11 hours later arriving back in Portland.
April 2016 The state government provide insurance funding for two years and an undertaking to come up with a more reliable funding situation for the marine rescue sector.
13/4/2016 Flotilla member Shirley Stanford managed a raffle for the Flotilla. The prize was a replica of the Batavia. The raffle exceeded all expiations and raised $5,000 and additional $2,000 in donations $7,000 in total, many members helped in selling tickets.
May 2016 The first Hooked on Tuna fishing competition was run with hundreds of vessels competing. CGP provided the weather forecast for the fishing days $12,000 in prize money up for grabs. One thousand dollars donated to CGP from the comp.
2017 Australia Day awards in the Glenelg shire sees Coast Guard Portland receiving community group of the year and a special note Cyril Cram awarded Glenelg citizen of the year.
28/1/2017 Skipper Stephen Brown crew John Steadman, Alan Palmer and Shirley Stanford Complete a double tow that nearly turns into a triple tow as a third vessel tries to cross one of the tow lines inside the harbour.
17/2/2017 A small vessel sinking at anchor near the ship anchorage. Skipper John Steadman crew Shirley Stanford, Jeff Field and Peter Starick assisted by directions from one of the ships at anchor found the vessel. Quickly stabilized it then towed it back to Portland. At midnight a call for a medical evacuation from a yacht at anchor near the golf club. Again Skipper John Steadman crew Shirley Stanford, Peter Starick, Jeffrey Field, Victor O’Brien and Alan Palmer plus one member of AV stabilized the person and moved him to CG17 then returned him to the waiting ambulance. The yacht was recovered the next day.
The push for State Government funding is ongoing.
April 2017 John Davis reaches 1000 hours in the radio room.
June 2017 Flotilla Elections. Stephen Brown had completed his third term as Flotilla Commander. Peter Starick elected Commander and David Lanyon elected for his third term as Deputy Flotilla Commander.
June 2017 John Steadman and Victor O’Brien are awarded for 100 activations. Cyril Cram awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Award for Training.
4/10/2017 Medical transfer from a research vessel diverted to Portland, Skipper Victor O’Brien crew John Wolf, Shirley Stanford and Peter Starick meet the vessel in Portland Bay at 13:30 to take the person onboard. He was met by the ships agent who transported him to the hospital.
23/10/2017 Helen Handbury is out of the water for seven days for survey CG16 replaced CG17 while it was up on the slip. VF17 crew onboard CG16 assisted a vessel at midnight in the middle of that week.
23/11/2017 CG17 skipper Stephen Brown crew Victor O’Brien, Joan and Shirley Stanford and Peter Starick are sent to a yacht aground at Nunns beach. CG17 apply force to the yacht and it comes off the beach after a while. Later a video of the rescue is posted to Face Book by a member of the public that had filmed it all from his drone.
17/2/2017 A small vessel sinking at anchor near the ship anchorage. Skipper John Steadman crew Shirley Stanford, Jeff Field and Peter Starick assisted by directions from one of the ships at anchor found the vessel. Quickly stabilized it then towed it back to Portland. At midnight a call for a medical evacuation from a yacht at anchor near the golf club. Again Skipper John Steadman crew Shirley Stanford, Peter Starick, Jeffrey Field, Victor O’Brien and Alan Palmer plus one member of AV stabilized the person and moved him to CG17 then returned him to the waiting ambulance. The yacht was recovered the next day.
The push for State Government funding is ongoing.
April 2017 John Davis reaches 1000 hours in the radio room.
June 2017 Flotilla Elections. Stephen Brown had completed his third term as Flotilla Commander. Peter Starick elected Commander and David Lanyon elected for his third term as Deputy Flotilla Commander.
June 2017 John Steadman and Victor O’Brien are awarded for 100 activations. Cyril Cram awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Award for Training.
4/10/2017 Medical transfer from a research vessel diverted to Portland, Skipper Victor O’Brien crew John Wolf, Shirley Stanford and Peter Starick meet the vessel in Portland Bay at 13:30 to take the person onboard. He was met by the ships agent who transported him to the hospital.
23/10/2017 Helen Handbury is out of the water for seven days for survey CG16 replaced CG17 while it was up on the slip. VF17 crew onboard CG16 assisted a vessel at midnight in the middle of that week.
23/11/2017 CG17 skipper Stephen Brown crew Victor O’Brien, Joan and Shirley Stanford and Peter Starick are sent to a yacht aground at Nunns beach. CG17 apply force to the yacht and it comes off the beach after a while. Later a video of the rescue is posted to Face Book by a member of the public that had filmed it all from his drone.
SLIDE SHOW FLOTILLA 17 VESSEL 'Helen Handbury' CG17
24/6/2016 An historic first for the Portland Flotilla. An all female crew completed two assists. One at 17:00 and another at 22:00. Skipper Shirley Stanford Crew Donna McKinnon and Joan Stanford.
18/7/2016 Two calls for help from tuna fishermen. One at 22nm South East of Portland completed at 18:00 and the second 10nm South of Bridgewater completed by 22:00.
2/11/2016 Beautiful one day and gale force the next. CG17 attended the Bonny Upwelling blessing of the fleet and had the vessel on display in warm sunshine. The next day in force 8 conditions a yacht had broken its forward stay and was forced to turn around and head to Portland CG17 Skipper Rod McCreddan crew John Steadman, Victor O’Brien, Jeff Field, Peter Starick, Joan and Shirley Stanford met the yacht as it turned into Portland Bay and took it under tow. The rain was horizontal with hail stones at times. Visibility was at zero entering the harbour with another storm front going through.
7/11/2016 286 Mir’s completed.
December 2016 Dot Ayling reaches 1000 hours in the radio room.
4/12/2016 A small racing yacht capsized in the mouth of the harbour as a shipping movement is underway The wind was increasing to 30 kts with a front going through, after many attempts to right the yacht it’s skipper released its mast and CG17 towed it to the old ramp upside down.
2/11/2016 Beautiful one day and gale force the next. CG17 attended the Bonny Upwelling blessing of the fleet and had the vessel on display in warm sunshine. The next day in force 8 conditions a yacht had broken its forward stay and was forced to turn around and head to Portland CG17 Skipper Rod McCreddan crew John Steadman, Victor O’Brien, Jeff Field, Peter Starick, Joan and Shirley Stanford met the yacht as it turned into Portland Bay and took it under tow. The rain was horizontal with hail stones at times. Visibility was at zero entering the harbour with another storm front going through.
7/11/2016 286 Mir’s completed.
December 2016 Dot Ayling reaches 1000 hours in the radio room.
4/12/2016 A small racing yacht capsized in the mouth of the harbour as a shipping movement is underway The wind was increasing to 30 kts with a front going through, after many attempts to right the yacht it’s skipper released its mast and CG17 towed it to the old ramp upside down.
SLIDE SHOW FLOTILLA 17 SURVIVAL AT SEA TRAINING
18/12/2017 $11.3 million over the next two years announced for the Marine Search and Rescue sector. An office is setup under the Minister of Emergency Service to look after the Marine Rescue Sector. A capital program to replace vessels and operational budgets is part of the package.
December 2017 John Wolf reaches 1000 hours AND Diane Dent reaches 2000 Hours in the radio room.
31/12/2017 319 Assists completed.
December 2017 John Wolf reaches 1000 hours AND Diane Dent reaches 2000 Hours in the radio room.
31/12/2017 319 Assists completed.
January 2018 and the influx of holiday makers see Coast Guard Portland assist 3 vessel in the first week. Broken gearbox drive shaft and another with engine not restarting, the third with a seized engine.
The Flotilla Commander starts work on a new building for Coast Guard Portland. A location seems to be agreed on until later the management of Port of Portland change and all things go on hold.
April and the Hooked on Tuna fishing comp is on again. Again the Flotilla receive $1,000 for helping out during the comp.
19/4/2018 A new 12 meter rescue vessel for Port Fairy Marine Rescue is announced at a cost of $1.1 million.
23/5/2018 Federal Member Dan Tehan announce $2,500 for Coast Guard Portland from the stronger communities fund to provide an upgrade to Coast Guard signage at the boat ramps.
27/5/2018 MAYDAY call with limited info south of Cape Bridgewater. Skipper Victor O’Brien crew John Steadman, Stephen Brown, Peter Starick and Joan Stanford depart at 09:45 to meet the vessel at a position given by Water Police. The vessel was not found, the crew were stood down after 5 hours.
6/9/2018 Code Red people in the water from an over turned vessel at north shore. CG17 skipper John Steadman crew Stephen Brown, David Webb, Peter Starick plus an AV member arrive on scene to a person standing on the upturned vessel and two in the water with a fourth missing. The three are taken onto CG17 and HEMS4 lower another AV member to CG17. The three are returned to waiting Ambulances at our berth. CG17 collect Water Police divers and return to the upturned vessel. The fourth person is located deceased entangled under the vessel.
30/9/2018 A vessel has gone up on the KS Anderson break water just 80 meters from the mouth of the harbour in the early hours of the morning. Water Police task CG17 crew to assess if the vessel will pose a navigation hazard. The crew review the vessel and is thought that it will not be a hazard as it is half way up the rock wall and has a large split in its side. Later that day the owner had a crane lift it of the wall.
Flotilla Commander Peter Starick gain’s funding for a membership drive to run during October and November. A lot of work by many members makes the drive so successful that 43 people are interviewed about half go ahead to join Coast Guard Portland.
October 2018 Skipper Shirley Stanford reaches 100 activations.
November 2018 Skipper Stephen Brown reaches 200 activation.
Two assist in the last three days of December close out the 2018 year.
31/12/2018 353 Assists completed.
The Flotilla Commander starts work on a new building for Coast Guard Portland. A location seems to be agreed on until later the management of Port of Portland change and all things go on hold.
April and the Hooked on Tuna fishing comp is on again. Again the Flotilla receive $1,000 for helping out during the comp.
19/4/2018 A new 12 meter rescue vessel for Port Fairy Marine Rescue is announced at a cost of $1.1 million.
23/5/2018 Federal Member Dan Tehan announce $2,500 for Coast Guard Portland from the stronger communities fund to provide an upgrade to Coast Guard signage at the boat ramps.
27/5/2018 MAYDAY call with limited info south of Cape Bridgewater. Skipper Victor O’Brien crew John Steadman, Stephen Brown, Peter Starick and Joan Stanford depart at 09:45 to meet the vessel at a position given by Water Police. The vessel was not found, the crew were stood down after 5 hours.
6/9/2018 Code Red people in the water from an over turned vessel at north shore. CG17 skipper John Steadman crew Stephen Brown, David Webb, Peter Starick plus an AV member arrive on scene to a person standing on the upturned vessel and two in the water with a fourth missing. The three are taken onto CG17 and HEMS4 lower another AV member to CG17. The three are returned to waiting Ambulances at our berth. CG17 collect Water Police divers and return to the upturned vessel. The fourth person is located deceased entangled under the vessel.
30/9/2018 A vessel has gone up on the KS Anderson break water just 80 meters from the mouth of the harbour in the early hours of the morning. Water Police task CG17 crew to assess if the vessel will pose a navigation hazard. The crew review the vessel and is thought that it will not be a hazard as it is half way up the rock wall and has a large split in its side. Later that day the owner had a crane lift it of the wall.
Flotilla Commander Peter Starick gain’s funding for a membership drive to run during October and November. A lot of work by many members makes the drive so successful that 43 people are interviewed about half go ahead to join Coast Guard Portland.
October 2018 Skipper Shirley Stanford reaches 100 activations.
November 2018 Skipper Stephen Brown reaches 200 activation.
Two assist in the last three days of December close out the 2018 year.
31/12/2018 353 Assists completed.
26/1/2019 Joan Stanford reaches 100 activations.
January 2019 A quiet month 2 Assists completed.
2/2/2019 New members undertake Shipboard Safety Skill Set ( Safety at Sea).
17/2/2019 Skipper Stephen Brown crew Joan & Shirley Stanford with Carole Cram in the radio room were activated at 21:20 to assist a vessel near Dutton Way with a flat battery. 2 hours duration.
1/3/2019 Fifteenth Year anniversary Dinner held at the Royal Hotel 18:00.
January 2019 A quiet month 2 Assists completed.
2/2/2019 New members undertake Shipboard Safety Skill Set ( Safety at Sea).
17/2/2019 Skipper Stephen Brown crew Joan & Shirley Stanford with Carole Cram in the radio room were activated at 21:20 to assist a vessel near Dutton Way with a flat battery. 2 hours duration.
1/3/2019 Fifteenth Year anniversary Dinner held at the Royal Hotel 18:00.
SLIDE SHOW FLOTILLA 17 'THE MEMBERS' THAT MAKE IT HAPPEN
In the Fifteen years Portland members past and present have completed.
- 55,022 unit man hours covering members training, Vessel training and assists, Monitoring in our radio room, maintenance of our radio room and vessel.
- Our members have attended or participated in 270 public events around Portland.
- Our radio operators have attended to 79,341 radio calls.
- The vessel crew have completed 21,657 hours operating and maintaining the vessel.
- The Flotilla have completed 356 Activations 5 for May Day, 15 Pan Pan, 6 Medivac, 13 Search And Rescues (SAR) and unfortunately activated for 6 fatalities.
- Our Flotilla have help 950 people at sea, with a total combined vessel value of $596,343,000 in the fifteen years of operation.