Steber International to launch new marine rescue vessel

Taree-based boat maker Steber International is set to launch its new marine rescue vessel SLR (super long rescue) 3800 in the Manning River, New South Wales, Australia.

The new vessel will undergo sea trials over the next few weeks, to allow the Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry crew to get familiarised to the vessel’s electronic and operating systems.

Marine Rescue NSW Forster Tuncurry works closely with the NSW Maritime Authority, NSW Police and Water Police, NSW SES, Australian Customs, NSW Ambulance, NSW Fire Brigade and the Rural Fire Services, St John Ambulance, WICEN, local councils and other government agencies.

Claimed to be the Taree boat maker’s seventh marine rescue vessel built in the past five years, the 38ft SLR 3800 vessel has been built to the new National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV).

Valued at $800,000, funding for the boat has been collected partly by the Forster community through several fundraising activities, including from the $7.50 registration and licence levy in place for some four years, according to manningrivertimes.

The Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry already has a 34ft Steber vessel in operation since 2006 as a rescue vehicle on the far north coast.

In addition to building the marine rescue vessel, Steber International has also been working on a Northern Territory fishermen’s research boat and a series of refurbishments.

With four Steber-made boats already being deployed in Dubai and eight in Papua New Guinea, the boat manufacturer also has proposals in Oman, Dubai and Papua New Guinea.