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. (Forward Looking Infra-red camera).

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 started the Coastal Patrol in Port Victoria in 1985 the Coastal Patrol was incorporated into South Australia. 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 full time rescue vessel on the Yorke Peninsula and still in use today. 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. The Coastal Patrol owns 3 rescue craft 2 are based at Pt.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. 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.

09/01/2026

DO NOT BLOCK +61 444 444 444.
This number is related to Emergency Alert service. If the caller ID number or message header on your phone displays the number '+61 444 444 444' it is genuine.
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Received an Emergency Alert warning message on your phone?
Emergency Alert is the national telephone warning system used by emergency services to send voice messages to landlines and text messages to mobile phones within a defined area about potential emergencies. ie “Floods, fires and other significant events can impact pose significant threat to members of the community in impacted area. Emergency Alert allows telephony notifications to be distributed to these areas, through both mobile and land line services, to provide warning of these events.

Emergency Alert is just one way of warning communities and will not be used in all circumstances. Emergency Alert relies on telecommunications networks to send messages, and message delivery cannot be guaranteed.
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Don't wait on a warning to act
Do not wait for an official warning. It is important that you do not rely solely on receiving an official message and should always be aware of what is happening around you, as you could find yourself suddenly in danger. Act decisively the moment you know there is danger.
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Emergency Services Contacts.

SA Police: https://www.police.sa.gov.au/

South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS): https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/

South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service: https://www.mfs.sa.gov.au/

State Emergency Service (SES) - South Australia: https://www.ses.sa.gov.au/

South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM): https://www.safecom.sa.gov.au/

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All above information is from the Emergency Alert website: https://www.emergencyalert.gov.au/

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Visit the Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division website: www.coastalpatrol.org

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**Please Note**
Many modern home phone services operate using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, often bundled with internet and TV packages.

This means that losing your internet connection—due to an outage, power failure, or equipment issue—will also result in the loss of your home phone service.

08/01/2026

What is an EPIRB and how does it actually save lives at sea? In this video, Learn how Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons work and how they alert Search and Rescue teams anywhere on the planet.

EPIRBs are emergency beacons used on ships, aircraft and survival craft to send a distress signal through the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system. When activated, they transmit your position so rescuers can locate you even in the most extreme conditions.

We’ll cover EPIRB types, activation modes, release mechanisms, and the difference between older and new GNSS-equipped models. You will also learn how the LEOSAR and GEOSAR satellite segments work together to detect and locate a distress signal.

This guide is essential for anyone interested in maritime safety, ship equipment, and modern rescue technology.

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In South Australia It is mandatory to carry an EPIRB when operating in waters more than 3 nautical miles (approximately 5.5 km) from shore on coastal waters and more than 5 nautical miles (approximately 9.2 km) from shore in the Gulf of St Vincent and Spencer Gulf waters. It is a great idea to always carry an EPIRB even if you are operating in waters closer to shore.

A Personal Locater Beacon (PLB) is also handy to have at hand. They are designed to be worn attached to your lifejacket or clothing and are especially useful if you fall overboard and you can’t get to your EPIRB. PLBs tend to be smaller and more lightweight. Many paddlers or people that boat alone use a PLB. If you are operating in un-protected waters more than 3 nautical miles from shore then carrying a PLB does not meet the requirement to carry an EPIRB, but they are a great addition to your safety kit.
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More EPIRB info from Marine Safety SA can be found here: https://marinesafety.sa.gov.au/your-safety-and-operations/emergency-position-indicating-radio-beacons-epirb
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More Info on registering your EPIRB can be found here: https://beacons.amsa.gov.au/registration/

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Visit the Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division website: www.coastalpatrol.org

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One of our Point Turton Division members, Colin Mason, has officially been a member of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patro...
02/01/2026

One of our Point Turton Division members, Colin Mason, has officially been a member of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol SA Inc. for 40 years in 2026. He joined the Coastal Patrol in 1986 at around 14 years of age, becoming the first Coastal Patrol member on the Southern Yorke Peninsula.

His commitment to the organisation became a family legacy when his parents joined a year later and established a Coastal Patrol radio base at Point Souttar.

Colin currently serves as our Coastal Patrol Yorketown Radio Base Operator and the Point Turton Division Communications Officer.

Over the years, Colin has served in many roles, including rescue vessel crew member, radio operator, Search Master for the southern area, Flag Officer (Commanding Officer), Head Communications Officer, and Marine Radio Exam Invigilator.

Since the age of 16—when he obtained his Restricted Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency in Radiotelephony—Colin has consistently maintained licensed marine rescue radio bases in his vehicles. This has provided vital communications support in areas with limited radio coverage and during search operations.

In recognition of his outstanding dedication and service, Colin was awarded Life Membership of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol SA Inc. in 2023.

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Visit the Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division website: www.coastalpatrol.org

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02/01/2026
Distress Flares Are NOT Fireworks!Distress flares are emergency signaling devices designed to be used only when life or ...
31/12/2025

Distress Flares Are NOT Fireworks!

Distress flares are emergency signaling devices designed to be used only when life or property is in danger. When a flare is fired, it triggers an emergency response from Volunteer Marine Rescue services, and first responders - putting crews at risk and diverting resources from real emergencies.

🚓 Using distress flares as fireworks, for celebration, or “for fun” is an offense, Misuse can result in heavy fines.

🚨 If you see a flare, authorities must assume someone needs help.

🚤 Only use distress flares when you are truly in distress. Lives depend on it.

🚒 Distress flares also pose a significant fire hazard on land and can readily cause fires. They are pyrotechnic devices that burn at extremely high temperatures and can ignite flammable materials, especially in dry conditions.

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For more information on Distress Flares visit the Marine Safety SA website: https://marinesafety.sa.gov.au/your-safety-and-operations/flares

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Visit the Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division website: www.coastalpatrol.org

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Tuesday 30/12/25, our Coastal Patrol Point Turton Rescue Vessel 'Patrol 109' was tasked to assist in a search for a kaya...
30/12/2025

Tuesday 30/12/25, our Coastal Patrol Point Turton Rescue Vessel 'Patrol 109' was tasked to assist in a search for a kayaker who had been blown out to sea at Burners Beach (Point Souttar).

The kayaker was safely retrieved by another vessel in the area.

Our crew recovered a kayak at the scene and later returned it to its owner at the Point Turton boat ramp.

Conditions were windy and choppy for the rescue vessel crew, though they were rewarded with a beautiful sunset along the way.

Coastal Patrol members also attended Burners Beach by vehicle, alongside Police and Ambulance services, with support from our Yorketown Mobile Radio Base.

The Rescue Helicopter was tasked but later stood down.
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Visit the Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division website: www.coastalpatrol.org

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Stay Afloat Clinic Info: https://www.marinesafety.sa.gov.au/your-safety-and-operations/stay-afloat
30/12/2025

Stay Afloat Clinic Info: https://www.marinesafety.sa.gov.au/your-safety-and-operations/stay-afloat

Stay Afloat clinics will be back in 2026! We’re kicking off the year in Port Hughes this Saturday.

Bring your lifejacket down to the boat ramp from 9am to 12 noon for help with servicing and tips on how to maintain it. We’re also giving away a free lifejacket at every clinic this summer!

We’ll be back on Yorke Peninsula later in the month at Port Turton and Edithburgh. Check our website for full details and upcoming locations.

Fundraising BBQ's & VACSWIM Info.Dates: During VACSWIM Lessons 12-16 January 2026.Approx. 10am - 2pm unless sold out ear...
25/12/2025

Fundraising BBQ's & VACSWIM Info.
Dates: During VACSWIM Lessons 12-16 January 2026.
Approx. 10am - 2pm unless sold out earlier.
Point Turton Jetty Car Park Area.
Every bite helps us keep our operation afloat. 🛥

Cash or EFTPOS.
Sausage in bread (onion & sauce optional at no extra cost). $3.50
Sausage in Bread & Can of Soft Drink Combo. $5.00
Soft Drink. $2.50
Bottled Water. $2.00
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VACSWIM.
Affordable, fun and essential water safety lessons for South Aussie kids aged 3 to 15 years — choose from over 100 locations this summer.

VACSWIM is a government funded school holiday initiative offering fun, affordable swimming and water safety lessons for children aged 3 to 15. Held at beaches, rivers, lakes and pools across South Australia in December and January, our programs teach vital survival skills and build water confidence for all ability levels.

Join thousands of families each year and give your child the skills to stay safe in and around water!

Point Turton VACSWIM Info: https://www.vacswimsa.com.au/point-turton-beach

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If you can not make it to our Fundraising Sausage Sizzle & would still like to support us, you can always make a donation via our secure website, just go to the 'Donate' page on our Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division website at: www.coastalpatrol.org
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Emergency Services Xmas Trading Hours.
24/12/2025

Emergency Services Xmas Trading Hours.

If you’re heading out on the water, please remember these key checks:Weather & Plans: Check the forecast, tell someone y...
21/12/2025

If you’re heading out on the water, please remember these key checks:

Weather & Plans: Check the forecast, tell someone your trip details (where, when returning).

Safety Gear: Life jackets (worn!), flares, torch, 4L fresh water, EPIRB, fire extinguisher.

Engine & Fuel: Enough fuel (1/3 out, 1/3 back, 1/3 reserve), oil, hose/line checks, test engine.

Electrical: Charged battery, working lights, comms (VHF), GPS, navigation aids.

Hull & Deck: Drain plugs in, secure hatches/portholes, clear decks, check bilges, secure anchor.

Steering & Prop: Test steering, check propeller/rudder.

And Don't drink alcohol before or while operating your vessel, The alcohol limit for operating a vessel is the same as for driving a vehicle: a (BAC) of 0.05%, This applies to the skipper, essential crew, observers, and even water skiers/towed individuals.

Your safety is our priority. Have a safe and enjoyable Christmas on the water, and remember - we’re here if you need us.

🎅⚓ Safe boating. ⚓🎅

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Safety equipment checker tool: https://marinesafety.sa.gov.au/safety_equipment_checker_tool

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Visit the Coastal Patrol Point Turton Division website: www.coastalpatrol.org

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All we want for Christmas is safe boating.Before you set sail this season: plan your trip, check the weather, wear your ...
18/12/2025

All we want for Christmas is safe boating.
Before you set sail this season: plan your trip, check the weather, wear your lifejacket, and let someone know your course. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a safe return to shore.
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Christmas/New Year Fundraising BBQ's.
Proposed Dates are Saturday 27th December, Sunday 28th December, Wednesday 31st December, Saturday 3rd January & during VacSwim Lessons 12-16 January.
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Visit our website: www.coastalpatrol.org

Merry Christmas.

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.