Search & Rescue
Marine Search & Rescue in the Northern Territory
Surf Life Saving NT's Search and Rescue team has been protecting NT waters since 2006. Originally launched as the SLSNT Support Service with two Rescue Water Craft operating on Darwin Estuary beaches, the team expanded to the Gove area in 2007 with a third craft based at Gove Peninsula SLSC.
In 2011, an Offshore Rescue Boat (ORB) service was added to the team's capabilities. The vessel — formerly used by the NT Government for marine patrol work — was refurbished and named Westpac Rescue 1, significantly extending lifesaving coverage across the Territory. Westpac Rescue 1 reached the end of its operational life in 2017 and was replaced with a purpose-built 9.5 m search and rescue vessel: Lifesaver 1.
Lifesaver 1
Lifesaver 1 is Surf Life Saving NT’s purpose-built offshore search and rescue vessel. Officially launched in September 2017 at Cullen Bay, the 9.5 metre vessel replaced Westpac Rescue 1 and provides SLSNT with greater endurance, improved patient care capability and stronger support for marine rescue operations.
Built by Yamba Welding & Engineering in northern NSW, Lifesaver 1 is a custom Naiad Coastal Patrol / Rescue Vessel designed to perform in challenging Top End conditions. The vessel is equipped for day and night operations and can support search and rescue activities, patient transport, patrol operations and water safety for long-distance swimming and craft events.
Lifesaver 1 also plays an important role in supporting the wider lifesaving pathway, giving highly trained volunteer lifesavers the opportunity to develop advanced marine rescue skills. Its effective operating range extends westward to Dundee Beach and eastward to Gunn Point, covering many of the areas used by recreational and commercial water users.
What Lifesaver 1 supports
- NT Police search and rescue activities
- Surf lifesavers during beach patrols
- Marine safety support for major water events
- Patient treatment and transport on the water
- Public awareness of aquatic and marine safety
- Year-round rescue readiness beyond patrolled beaches
Lifesaver 1
Lifesaver 1 is Surf Life Saving NT’s purpose-built offshore search and rescue vessel. Officially launched in September 2017 at Cullen Bay, the 9.5 metre vessel replaced Westpac Rescue 1 and provides SLSNT with greater endurance, improved patient care capability and stronger support for marine rescue operations.
Built by Yamba Welding & Engineering in northern NSW, Lifesaver 1 is a custom Naiad Coastal Patrol / Rescue Vessel designed to perform in challenging Top End conditions. The vessel is equipped for day and night operations and can support search and rescue activities, patient transport, patrol operations and water safety for long-distance swimming and craft events.
Lifesaver 1 also plays an important role in supporting the wider lifesaving pathway, giving highly trained volunteer lifesavers the opportunity to develop advanced marine rescue skills. Its effective operating range extends westward to Dundee Beach and eastward to Gunn Point, covering many of the areas used by recreational and commercial water users.
What Lifesaver 1 supports
- NT Police search and rescue activities
- Surf lifesavers during beach patrols
- Marine safety support for major water events
- Patient treatment and transport on the water
- Public awareness of aquatic and marine safety
- Year-round rescue readiness beyond patrolled beaches
Our rescue assets
Offshore Rescue Boat
Lifesaver 1 offers the greatest sea-keeping ability and towing capability of all SLSNT rescue assets. It is suitable for operations from beyond the surf zone to up to 100 NM from base and up to 12 NM offshore. It can rescue and transport patients — including those with injuries — and is capable of extended day and night operations. It can also take small to medium craft under tow and return them to base.
Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB)
The RHIB is trailerable and can be launched from any boat ramp within the operating region, though it is tide dependent. It operates within the surf zone and throughout Darwin Port Limits, allowing rescue in areas too shallow for the ORB. It can tow small vessels for limited durations to remove them from immediate danger, though it cannot recover vessels back to base. The RHIB is not preferred for extended or night operations, though it can operate under those conditions if required.
Rescue Water Craft (RWC)
SLSNT operates four RWCs — three in Darwin and one in Gove. These single-person craft can access areas where the ORB and RHIB cannot due to their very shallow draught. They are trailerable and can be launched from any boat ramp or beach on almost any tide. RWCs are capable of rescuing and recovering persons but have no capacity for towing or first aid. They are not suitable for night operations and have no navigation equipment fitted, so must operate within sight of the coast or in company with a navigated vessel.
Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs)
NT Surf Life Saving clubs also operate Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs). These agile 3.8 m craft are powered by 25–30 hp outboard motors fitted with propeller guards for safe operation near people in the water. Each IRB carries a two-person crew and is equipped with a rescue tube, towrope, and VHF Marine Radio. Clubs maintain at least one rescue-ready IRB at all times.
