In late 2001 Shoalhaven Marine Rescue Association began investigating the replacement of SA-24 with a new purpose built vessel.  A sub-committee was formed to find a suitable vessel type and manufacturer and obtain quotes.  Members of the organisation were asked to provide input into the type of vessel they wanted to operate.  A number of manufacturers were approached and eventually Seatamer Marine in Newcastle was contracted to build the new SA-24.

The vessel as designed by Ocean Innovations.

Specifications:

Seatamer Ultimate Series - all welded aluminium construction

Length: 9.2 metres

Beam: 3.2 metres

Displacement: 7 tonnes

Engines: Twin Cummins B220 6 cylinder turbo-charged diesels 210hp each

Transmissions: ZF hydraulic V-Drive 1.56:1

Fuel: Twin 650 litre tanks & a single 200 litre reserve tank.

Batteries: 4 x 12 volt heavy duty marine batteries

Water Tank: 100 litre

Sullage: 100 litre

Height: 7.3 metres

Maximum Design Speed: 26 knots at 2600 rpm

Cruising Speed (economic): 17 knots at 2000 rpm

Draught: 0.8 metres

Transducer: location midships  -  starboard side of keel

Survey Capacity: 8 Persons

Radios: 27mHz/VHF marine/HF/CTrak

Radar: Furuno 64 mile

GPS Plotter: Navman

GPS: Furuno GP-30

Sounder: Navman

Fuel dips: Aft deck alloy flush deck fittings 

Emergency steering: Flush deck alloy fittings fwd of transom 

Tow post: Stored between chart table and helm – shackles under chart table tow post fits in deck between engine covers

CONSTRUCTION

In 2002 construction commenced on the new SA-24 at Seatamer Marine's workshops in Newcastle.

Construction of the vessels hull prior to turning it over.

Building the superstructure.