Safety Boat Joins Rescue Helicopter Fleet

The North Island’s largest helicopter rescue service, Philips Search & Rescue Trust (PSRT), has acquired their own safety boat with thanks to the generosity of Device Technologies.

Presented at an official launch event yesterday in Tauranga, the IRB will be used during Philips Search & Rescue Trust’s rescue helicopter crew’s critical wet and vessel hoist training operations. The acquisition of their own craft provides flexibility and independence ensuring rescue crews can undertake wet and vessel hoist training operations without the ongoing aid of an external supplier.

“The safety boat, purchased from the Mount Maunganui Surf Club, will be used across all our helicopter bases. It has been completely funded by Peter Mears and his team at Device Technologies,” said Philips Search & Rescue Trust Crew Trainer Simon Barton.

The boat will be fitted out with all the appropriate safety equipment and radio communications and will be operated by qualified Rescue Swimmers, who will be on the water in close proximity to the operating aircraft and in full radio communications, always ready to provide assistance if needed.

Device Technologies Managing Director, Peter Mears, has been actively involved with search and rescue services for over two decades. Mears donated and named the safety boat in memory of Device Technologies employee, 29 year old Ladislav Svarc, who was tragically taken during a kayak expedition in July.

Earlier this month two of Philips Search & Rescue Trust’s helicopters; the BayTrust and the Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopters, were part of the aerial search effort to locate missing Tauranga boy, Jack Dixon. In the unfortunate event PSRT’s services are required, the stringent and continuous training and development of crew ensure the skilled team are always in premium condition for search and rescue operations.

Philips Search and Rescue Trust is a charitable organisation, operating rescue helicopters throughout the Central North Island. Philips Search and Rescue Trust relies on support from principal sponsors and community donations. This crucial financial support ensures our rescue helicopters can continue to bring life-saving equipment, rescue personnel and trauma-trained medics directly to the patient. For further information about PSRT visit our website http://rescue.org.nz.

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