Coastal Patrol Lifeboats

The Coastal Patrol operates a fleet of 34 accredited lifeboats and 9 training vessels from its bases on the NSW coast. We are the only volunteer marine rescue organisation whose fleet includes eight ocean-going, self-righting vessels acquired from the famous Royal National Lifeboat Institute whose home waters are the fearsome North Sea, North Atlanic and Arctic Ocean surrounding the UK and Ireland. 

These vessels are strategically deployed along the NSW coast and comprise two 52ft “Arun” class lifeboats - based in Ulladulla and Port Stephens, and six 44ft “Waveney” class lifeboats - based in Trial Bay, Broken Bay, Sydney, Botany Bay, Batemans Bay and Narooma.

Marine rescue lifeboats are designated by category;

Category 1. A rescue lifeboat typically less than 6m length overall, capable of operating within closed waters or slight seas (wave height to 1.25m, Beaufort Force 4) to half a nautical mile seawards.

Category 2. An offshore rescue vessel capable of operating rough seas to Beaufort Force 6 with winds to 27knots and waves to 5m, and operating to 7 nautical miles seaward. 

Category 3. An offshore rescue vessel capable of operating to 15 nautical miles to sea in severe weather conditions with winds to 40 knots and wave height to 6m, and skippered by a Certificated Ocean Master Coxwain.