New Sentinel 550 delivered to Marine Rescue Port Kembla
Sentinel Boats has delivered a fully Australian-designed and manufactured Sentinel 550 search and rescue vessel to Marine Rescue Port Kembla, providing volunteers with enhanced operational capability in the challenging conditions of Lake Illawarra and broader region.
The vessel, commissioned as Port Kembla 20 (PK 20), has been purpose-built to support fast-response search and rescue operations, vessel towage and in-water recovery missions.
Sentinel Boats CEO George McGuire said the versatile high-density polyethylene (HDPE) vessel is designed for demanding environments.
“We are proud to support the vital work carried out by Marine Rescue Port Kembla’s volunteers,” Mr McGuire said.
“The Sentinel 550 was designed and manufactured in Australia for the toughest conditions. Its rugged HDPE construction, shallow-water capability and low maintenance requirements make it ideally suited to organisations that need dependable and exceptional performance day after day.
“While vessels like PK 20 provide outstanding outcomes for rescue organisations, the same qualities are increasingly valued across defence, border protection, maritime policing and commercial sectors.”
The Sentinel 550 has been specifically designed for inshore and near-shore patrol applications, with a highly configurable layout and a heavy-duty HDPE hull capable of withstanding hard beaching and demanding operational use. The vessels are already in service with organisations including Queensland Police, Northern Territory Police and Tasmania’s Inland Fisheries Service.
Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin said PK 20 is the first vessel of its kind in their fleet.
“It introduces a number of innovative features that make it exceptionally well suited to the conditions on Lake Illawarra,” Mr Parkin said.
“The hull has a lifespan upward of 40 years and its HDPE construction is incredibly strong, corrosion resistant and fully recyclable.
“Importantly, the vessel is fitted with a jacking plate system, which allows the engines to be vertically trimmed. This provides improved manoeuvrability and access in shallow waters, which is a real game changer for operations on Lake Illawarra.”
PK 20 is fitted with a Seakeeper Ride system, advanced Raymarine search and rescue technology, shock-mitigating seating and weather protection features to improve both crew safety and operational effectiveness. It has twin 90-horsepower outboard engines and a top speed of 35 knots.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla is the busiest of seven units in the Illawarra region. As of June, volunteers had completed 61 search and rescue missions, including 34 emergency responses, safely returning 132 people to shore. The delivery of PK 20 has been supported through ongoing NSW Government investment in Marine Rescue NSW.