THE Port Fairy Marine Rescue will be able to locate boats in distress at night, thanks to a state government grant.
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The south-west will share in more than $75,000 for projects to improve coastal and inland waterways.
Port Fairy Marine Rescue treasurer Tony Goode said $15,900 would go towards a radar sounder plotter, which would replace a less adequate system in finding boats after dark.
“It will help us pinpoint more accurately, particularly in big swells,” Mr Goode said. “We definitely need something like that.
“A large percentage of our responses are at night time, when they (those being rescued) have no light. It will also help us find upturned boats.” The group also received $3000 to run a coxswain examination.
Mr Goode said as part of the group’s drive to improve boat safety, from Sunday at 10am it would be providing a free marine radio service test.
In other grants, Warrnambool City Council will receive $36,000 for an additional study of wave and climate analysis in Lady Bay.
Corangamite Shire Council picks up $15,000 for an upgrade of south beach navigational aids at Lake Bullen Merri and the Lake Purrumbete Angling Club receives navigational aids upgrades worth $6500.
Minister for Ports Denis Napthine said the successful recipients were funded from the Boating Safety and Facilities Program.