The Volunteer Coastal Patrol is the oldest voluntary sea rescue organization in Australia, it evolved from discussions between Captain Maurice Blackwood DSO RN and Messrs. HWG Nobbs and W Giles. The concept of using experienced merchant seamen and yachtsmen as an auxiliary service to the Navy and Government maritime authorities was first used in Britain at the turn of the century. The Volunteer Coastal Patrol was based on this concept and was started on 27th March 1937 in NSW  at the Navy’s suggestion and the aims and objectives were issued in a handbook which included the organizational structure, discipline, ranks and bases.

 

In South Australia.

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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.

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From there the network has expanded and the group now has Radio Bases at Yorketown, Port Victoria and Back-up Bases at Point Turton, Urania & Port Gilbert(Port Moorowie) 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.

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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 Port Moorowie, A distance of approximately 200Km.

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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.

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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.

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In 2011 the Coastal Patrol purchased a 7.1m Huntsman (Patrol 109), which is based at Point Turton.

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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.

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The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol is also available at the Police request to attend any search and rescue on the Yorke Peninsula.