On Wednesday 7 May, our Melbourne Training Centre team took to the water at Wyndham Harbour for a powerful morning of hands-on emergency response exercises – with support from our friends at Ambulance Victoria and Babcock Australia & New Zealand.

With our Command the Operation of Survival Craft training front of mind, the scenario involved our CA-2100 lifeboat and Zodiac RHIB support vessel, testing and refining our Emergency Response Plan through live drills.

Babcock’s helicopter (HEMS5) lifted off from Essendon and conducted multiple live winch operations above open water. Staff from all organisations had the chance to observe and participate in the complexity of a tri-organisation response, including:
– Water-based flare and marker deployment for aerial visibility
– Winching in/out of personnel from the water
– A simulated person-overboard rescue
– Emergency tow simulation for lifeboat engine failure

These shared experiences not only sharpen operational capability but also deepen the trust, communication, and understanding between our emergency service networks. From radio checks to rotor downwash, every detail brought valuable insight – especially as we explore future training offerings involving winching operations.

A big thanks to Andrew Allan and Steve Butts, both MICA (Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance) Flight Paramedics, from Ambulance Victoria, for their professionalism and enthusiasm and to Mark Hurst, our highly experienced pilot and Steve Laycock, Aircrew Officer who managed hoist operations from Babcock. Finally to our own ERGT team for showing what teamwork, preparedness, and practical training can achieve.

Together, we’re making high-risk industries safer and better prepared.