Part of select panel of boatbuilders for future new marine rescue craft and refits
Dongara Marine is proud to report we have been selected by Western Australia's Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) to be on a panel of contractors for the supply of new ‘fit for purpose’ rescue vessels and vessel refit services.
Our first confirmed order is for a new 8.3 metre rescue craft for Marine Rescue Shark Bay which is based in Denham, Western Australia.
Designed by the naval architects at our long-standing partner Southerly Designs, the aluminium hulled rigid inflatable boat (RIB) will have foam filled collars. It features an enclosed cabin with seating for three crew. The cabin is open at the rear, enabling direct access to the work deck which is sheltered by a fixed canopy.
Bayside Marine will supply the boat's twin 200hp Yamaha outboards, while another long term Dongara Marine supplier, Geraldton Marine Electronics, will provide a comprehensive suite of navigation and communications electronics. This includes radar, chart plotter, sounder, a forward looking infra-red (FLIR) thermal camera, and underwater cameras.
Dongara Marine is one of only four boatbuilders selected for the panel. Our selection followed a competitive request for tender process run by DFES last year which called for offers for the supply of new rescue vessels as well as the provision of vessel refit services.
New build rescue craft for which DFES sought offers included both fibreglass and aluminium vessels of the following types and sizes:
Under the arrangement DFES will procure new vessels and refits from qualified contractors on the panel for selected marine rescue groups. There are 38 marine rescue groups, comprising some 1,400 volunteers, around the Western Australian coastline. These groups are represented by the not-for-profit organisation Volunteer Marine Rescue Western Australia (VMRWA).
Here’s the official statement regarding the panel selection as issued by the Hon Francis Logan BA (Hons) MLA, Western Australia's Minister for Emergency Services:
Friday, 17 April 2020
Western Australia's newest Marine Rescue vessels will be manufactured by local boat builders in Bibra Lake, Henderson and Dongara.
The WA boat builders have secured approximately $4 million of work to construct vessels for the State's Marine Rescue service volunteers.
Marine Rescue Port Denison and Shark Bay will be among the first to receive new rigid hulled inflatable boats.
The new tenders are part of the McGowan Government's record $19.5 million investment in the State's Marine Rescue groups.
As well as new boat builds, the increased funding has helped refit and refurbish existing vessels with the latest communications and radar technology, and safety equipment.
Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:
"This is a great result for our WA boat building industry and demonstrates that the skills and experience we have are some of the best in the nation.
"I am sure that these companies will also take great pride in preparing vessels that will be used to save people's lives.
"It is also pleasing to see $4 million of local work being awarded during a tough economic time as we manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Our Marine Rescue volunteers do a fantastic job out on the water and thanks to the record $19.5 million funding from the Emergency Services Levy, our State can now provide them with some of the best equipment they need to keep supporting our community."
