Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol SA Inc. - Point Turton Division

Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol SA Inc. - Point Turton Division Volunteer Marine Rescue Group - Based at Point Turton with it's Main Radio Base Located in Yorketown. The Coastal Patrol owns 3 rescue craft 2 are based at Pt.

In the 1936 Commander Rupert Long, OBE,RAN, Director of the Naval Intelligence raised with retired Captain Maurice Blackwood, DSO, RN the possibility of raising a group of trained yachtsmen as a Naval Auxiliary Service. Discussions were held with HWG Nobbs and W Giles, both Sydney yachtsmen and a proposal sent to the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board that a Volunteer Coastal Patrol be establish under the command of Captain Blackwood. The Naval Board supported this and on the 27th of March 1937 the Volunteer Coastal Patrol was established under the command of Captain Blackwood, DSO, RN (rtd) With H.W.G Nobbs as Staff Officer Operations and W Giles as Staff Officer Administration. During WWII Coastal Patrol member’s special constables and guarded commercial wharves, oil installations and bridges additional divisions were quickly formed in various ports of NSW and Victoria and by December 1940, the Patrol had some of 500 vessels and 2,000 members on its register. Captain Blackwood resigned to take up the post of Commodore of Convoys and died while on convoy duty. HWG Nobbs was appointed his successor in 1941, acknowledging its indebtedness; the NSW government awarded the Coastal Patrol the authority of a State Department. The first and until recent years the only organisation ever to have received such an honour the Victoria and the South Australia governments later followed suit and granted Coastal Patrol the Blue Ensigns of their respective states. By WWII ended, Coastal Patrol vessels had patrolled 128,000miles of harbour and coastal waters and donated 393,000 man hours of unpaid war service The Water Police awarded a special commissioned pennant to the Coastal Patrol in recognition of this service. This pennant, in diagonal cantons, bears the word “Nemesis” Members craft now fly this pennant at the yardarm to signify that they are vessels of the Coastal Patrol, ready and willing to give help whenever it is required. Post war development saw the Coastal Patrol undertake civilian search and rescue operations as their primary role but maintain their original RAN inspired organisation structure, ranks and uniform. 1955 saw the patrol become as incorporated compony and the articles of association written. In 1970, HWG Nobbs, one of the founders and former commanding officer, was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Honours and later in 1974, Her Majesty the Queen granted the Coastal Patrol the privilege of adding the “royal” prefix to its title when it became the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol.


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In South Australia. The Formation of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol started in 1984 with Captain Frank Johns approached Charles Cornish and David Mumford, to work out the Constitution for South Australia. In the same year David Mumford ESM started the Coastal Patrol in Port Victoria. On the 25th of may 1986 Sue Mumford purchased a 6.8m Voyager Vessel, (patrol 5) and was on loan to the Coastal Patrol for Rescue and training operations. This vessel was the first full time rescue vessel on the Yorke Peninsula. From there the network has expanded and the group now has Radio Bases at Yorketown, Port Victoria and also 3 mobile radio bases, one being a quick response vehicle in Yorketown And 2 vans one at Point Turton the other being in Port Victoria. Victoria & one at Point Turton. The coverage area for the group on Yorke Peninsula extends from Cape Elizabeth in the North, South around the coast to Cape Spencer (Innes National Park). (In other areas of South Australia please call either the Coast Guard radio bases or S.A. Sea Rescue Squadron)

Over the years the Coastal Patrol has been involved in a number of events such as YP sail boarding Club, The Adelaide Boat Show (1985 - 1991), Port Vincent Classic, Maitland and Minlaton Shows, Blue water Classic (Adelaide - Port Lincoln), Spooner Cup Wooden Boat Club and Greek Night's. Our annual fund raiser for the year is the fishing Competition on Easter Saturday at Port Victoria. In 1987 the Coastal Patrol won The NSW Water Police Trophy for the Most Improves Rescue Vessel. This was the first time this award had been won outside of NSW. In 1999 the Coastal Patrol received a grant from the government to purchase a 1997 Toyota Troop Carrier for the towing of Patrol 5. In 2003 the Patrol received another grant to purchase a 7.4m Clayton (Patrol 6) with a 230 Volvo Penta and a year later in 2004 the Patrol received $37,000 to build a 75ft x 40ft shed to house the new Patrol 6 and Patrol 5. In 2009 Alpha Industries erected a 40ft extension on the southern end of the shed, as part donation received for numerous rescues over the years. In 2011 the Coastal Patrol purchased a 7.1m Huntsman (Patrol 109), which is based at Point Turton. In 2017 the new Coastal Patrol vessel was delivered and commissioned. Through the Volunteer Marine Rescue vessel replacement program and with SA Government funding and Coastal Patrol funds we were provided with an 8.1m Nautic Star Custom Rescue Vessel. The vessel is equipped with a full complement of communications and navigation equipment including radar and FLIR. (Forward Looking Infra-red camera). The vessel is powered by a Yanmar 315HP turbo charged diesel inboard motor and has a top speed of 35 knots and a range of 200 nautical miles. The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol is also available at the Police request to attend any search and rescue on the Yorke Peninsula.

Just a quick update the One & All is now leaving Point Turton For Port Adelaide. 11:40am Monday 9/03/26.📷 Photo Credit: ...
09/03/2026

Just a quick update the One & All is now leaving Point Turton For Port Adelaide. 11:40am Monday 9/03/26.

📷 Photo Credit: Rob Elsdon.

Today, Sunday 08/03/26, Colin, our Coastal Patrol Yorketown radio base operator, spoke with the radio operator aboard th...
07/03/2026

Today, Sunday 08/03/26, Colin, our Coastal Patrol Yorketown radio base operator, spoke with the radio operator aboard the South Australian sail training vessel One & All to welcome them to Point Turton. During the conversation, he asked how long they planned to stay and was advised that the vessel will remain at Point Turton until early Monday morning, 09/03/26.

They also mentioned that later today the crew will be coming ashore to collect returning passengers, and tomorrow morning the vessel will depart for Port Adelaide.

That means you have all day today to capture some fantastic photos of this unexpected visitor at Point Turton! 😀

Photos taken Sunday 08/03/26 at Point Turton by Colin.

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A message from the Friends of the One And All Sailing Ship Inc. can also be found in the photos. Please note that some other pages have obtained their information from this message, not directly from any Coastal Patrol member.
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Ship Statistics:

The STV One and All is a brigantine tall ship based in Port Adelaide, South Australia, used mainly for sail training and public voyages. It was built locally and commissioned in 1987.

Basic Vessel Information.
Type: Brigantine tall ship
Launched: 1985
Commissioned: 5 April 1987
Builder: W.G. Porter & Son, North Haven (SA)
Hull: Timber (carvel-built)

Dimensions (Metric).
Length overall: 42.68 m
Length on deck: 30.05 m
Waterline length: 26.5 m
Beam (width): 8.20 m
Draft:
2.85 m (centreboard up)
3.9–3.96 m (centreboard down)

Rigging & Sail Plan.
Rig type: Brigantine
Number of masts: 2 (foremast and mainmast)
Height of main mast: ~27 m above waterline
Number of sails: 12
Total sail area: ~581 m²

Weight & Tonnage.
Displacement / weight: ~207 tonnes
Gross tonnage: 121 t
Net tonnage: 26 t

Crew & Capacity.
Typical sailing complement:
Professional crew: ~9
Volunteers: ~3
Trainees: up to ~27
Total people onboard: about 39

Other Technical Details.
Engine: Caterpillar 6-cylinder diesel auxiliary engine
Rigging complexity: ~100 control lines
Anchors: 2

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If you’d like to learn more about our Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) group, visit the Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division website: www.coastalpatrol.org

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Australian Coastal Radio Service - Adelaide Radio, Callsign VIA.A group of Coastal Patrol members from the Yorke Peninsu...
07/03/2026

Australian Coastal Radio Service - Adelaide Radio, Callsign VIA.

A group of Coastal Patrol members from the Yorke Peninsula Division (what we were called before we had the Point Turton & Port Victoria Divisions) visited Coast Radio Adelaide at McLaren Vale in the late 80s/early 90s before it closed in 1993.

The facilities provided at McLaren Vale included the most modem types of transmitters and receivers available and in the intervening years the equipment had been replaced or upgraded to ensure a high standard of efficiency. By 1975 transmitters were operating with output powers between 300 and 2000 watts using AWA types CTH P5J, CLH IL and CTM 2k.

More information & photos on the original Coast Radio Adelaide Radio station can be found at https://www.coastalradio.au/adelaide.html
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Photo Credit: https://www.coastalradio.au/ you will also find information on other Coast Radio Stations around Australia on this website.

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If you’d like to learn more about our Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) group, visit the Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division website: www.coastalpatrol.org

Tracking The Søren Larsen & the One & All with AIS.--Do you want to help with tracking shipping around the coast, includ...
05/03/2026

Tracking The Søren Larsen & the One & All with AIS.
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Do you want to help with tracking shipping around the coast, including Tall Ships, Rescue Vessels, Bulk Carriers, Yachts & more?

You may ask what is AIS?
AIS Stands for Automatic Identification System.
It broadcasts real-time information—including vessel ID, position, speed, and course—to enhance situational awareness, aid in navigation, and prevent collisions.

I know more AIS receiving stations are required down the bottom end of the Yorke Peninsula in SA around the coast from Point Souttar To Corny Point & Marion Bay to Edithburgh as no MarineTraffic AIS receiving stations are currently in those areas, but if you are in any other area close to the coast or at a location with a view of the ocean or a river it is well worth applying for a receiver as well.

Join the world’s largest AIS terrestrial network! MarineTraffic constantly works towards further improving its coverage by expanding its network of AIS-receiving stations.

Become a contributor to this project by installing your own station and sharing your data with MarineTraffic. In many cases, MarineTraffic may be able to provide you with high-quality AIS equipment for free!
All you have to supply is power (very little used) & Internet (also very little used) & install an antenna that is also supplied.

If you are interested in contributing to the collection of AIS Data, please submit the following form: https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/join-us/free-receiver-application

Please Enter Reference Number: REF01443 in the Installation details box on the application form as this helps them track applications.

Any vessels your AIS receiver picks up will show live on the www.marinetraffic.com website & their mobile app for the World to see. :-)

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As always, if you’d like to learn more about our Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) group, visit the Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division website: www.coastalpatrol.org

With the tall ships One & All and Søren Larsen visiting Port Victoria, I thought I’d share a couple of old photos from w...
05/03/2026

With the tall ships One & All and Søren Larsen visiting Port Victoria, I thought I’d share a couple of old photos from when two tall ships — One & All and Enterprize — visited Point Turton. (Apologies for the photo quality!)

The ships were originally planning to bypass Point Turton, but when our Coastal Patrol members went out to meet them on the water and mentioned that so many people were gathered on the jetty to see them, both vessels decided to make a special visit into Point Turton.

Did you see them when they came into Point Turton?

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I’ve also included some photos from Port Victoria & information about the Port Victoria and Wauraltee 150 Years Celebration .

The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol SA Inc. - Port Victoria Division will be out on the water to greet One & All and Søren Larsen as they arrive at Port Victoria. They will also be assisting boaters at the Port Victoria boat ramp over the weekend.

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You can track the tall ships and yachts here: https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:137.2/centery:-34.9/zoom:10

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As always, if you’d like to learn more about our Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) group, visit the Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division website: www.coastalpatrol.org

GME EPIRB's - What's the Difference?
04/03/2026

GME EPIRB's - What's the Difference?

In this video, Tony explains the key differences between the various models in the current GME EPIRB range to help you decide which one might be the right ch...

Community Notice:Supporting the Supporters.Point Turton Algal Bloom Workshop.A workshop for those supporting communities...
04/03/2026

Community Notice:
Supporting the Supporters.
Point Turton Algal Bloom Workshop.

A workshop for those supporting communities in disaster.

Are you supporting your community and would like to know more about how we react to stress, how you can support those who find themselves in challenging times and make sure you’re supporting yourself as well?

This workshop is aimed at people impacted by the SA Algal Bloom and looks at the theory behind stress and the impacts it has on people, and the importance of and tips around wellbeing and selfcare.

Supporting the Supporters workshop aims to provide time for reflection as well as assisting people to reprioritise their wellbeing when living, working and supporting in challenging situations.

For more information contact Cristel: 0415 695 836 or cchambers@redcross.org.au

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When: 2.30-4.30pm Thursday 12th March
Where: Point Turton Community Hall
RSVP to Cristel for catering: 0415 695 836
This workshop is supported by the South Australian Government

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Would you like to learn more about our Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Group? Visit our Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division website at www.coastalpatrol.org

A Search & Rescue Exercise (SAREX) was held by our counterparts in the West Beach (Adelaide) area Friday night 20/02/26....
20/02/2026

A Search & Rescue Exercise (SAREX) was held by our counterparts in the West Beach (Adelaide) area Friday night 20/02/26.

The exercise, conducted under the auspices of the State Marine Rescue Committee, is designed to build interoperability between groups and ensure preparedness for when, not ‘if’, a multi-agency response to a marine emergency is required.

The exercise was held between approximately 6.30pm and 10.00pm.

Pictured are the Rescue Vessels involved & the AIS tracking of the search area covered by the 4 Volunteer Marine Rescue vessels from the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard & SA Sea Rescue Squadron, all back at the West Beach ramp at approx. 9.30pm.

Surf Life Saving SA were also involved, but no AIS tracking available.

Bravo Zulu everyone involved.
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Vessel photos supplied by Adelaide Emergency Media

AIS tracking images supplied by our Coastal Patrol Yorketown radio base.
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Would you like to learn more about our Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Group? Visit our Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division website at www.coastalpatrol.org

13/02/2026

One of the advanced features on our new Stabicraft 2350 Supercab rescue vessel, arriving later in 2026, is FLIR technology.

FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) thermal imaging cameras are heavily used on rescue vessels across Australia to enhance search and rescue (SAR) capabilities, particularly for locating people in the water, unlit vessels, or hazards in total darkness or poor visibility. These systems are frequently integrated with navigation, radar, and AIS systems.

Find out more about FLIR here: https://marine.flir.com/en-gb/marine-cameras
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Would you like to learn more about our Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Group? Visit our Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division website at www.coastalpatrol.org

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A good turn out for our Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division February 2026 meeting. :-) Join now and get qualified as a ...
10/02/2026

A good turn out for our Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division February 2026 meeting. :-)

Join now and get qualified as a Rescue Vessel Crew Member, Rescue Vessel Skipper, or Radio Operator before our new rescue vessel arrives later in 2026.

Not keen on heading out to sea? No problem—we’ll also be offering land-based Radio Operator roles from our Point Turton HQ radio room later in the year. Or if fundraising is more your thing, we can always use extra members at our famous sausage sizzles 😊

All operational roles require official training.
Radio Operators must hold an SROCP (or equivalent/higher qualification such as LROCP). Training and exams for Radio Operators are provided by the Coastal Patrol, while Rescue Vessel Crew and Skipper training is delivered by the SA SES Marine Operations Unit.

Membership costs only $10 annually, and your uniform will be supplied free of charge once you’re operational.

Contact details are on our website www.coastalpatrol.org

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04/02/2026

The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol SA Inc. - Port Victoria Division Annual Fishing Competition is coming up on the 4th April 2026.

Help us continue supporting you by getting behind our biggest fundraiser of the year!

You don’t need to fish to be part of the fun — everyone is welcome to join the festivities 🙂

Morning activities:
Boat entries
Jetty and shore entries
BBQ breakfast at the boat ramp

Afternoon & evening activities:
Weigh-in
Bar
BBQ
Raffles
Kids’ activities
Presentations
Gino’s Monster Raffle

Please note: The evening activities — including the bar, BBQ and Monster Raffle — will go ahead regardless of weather conditions or potential algal bloom issues. So come along, bring your friends and family, and show your support!

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Visit the main Coastal Patrol website for information on both our Port Victoria & Point Turton Divisions: www.coastalpatrol.org.au

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Address

Shed 1, 68 Esplanade
Point Turton, SA
5575

Telephone

+61455111263

Website

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Our Story

Born in the Shadow of Wartime

The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol is the oldest volunteer marine rescue organisation in Australia.

During the mid-1930’s, the world was becoming increasingly worried about the war clouds gathering over Europe. Australia was no exception to the international concern.

The concept of using experienced merchantmen, naval seamen and yachtsmen as an auxiliary service to the Navy and government maritime authorities in time of conflict, had first been used in Britain at the start of the 20th Century.