1999 proved to be a big year for VMR Raby Bay, seeing the introduction of a 10 meter Medical Evacuation vessel, and the extension of the building to allow undercover housing of two large vessels, at the top of a dedicated boat ramp constructed at the same time.

This larger vessel, a Cougarcat named RB III, was powered by twin Yamaha Outboard Motors, and had a top speed of 31 knots. She remains in service with the unit to this day. RB III has proved over time to be an excellent heavy weather vessel in offshore waters as well as fulfilling her role as a medical evacuation vessel.

By 2002, the 7.5 meter Tradewind had grown somewhat tired and at this time the advantages of Catamaran vessels were clear, so the unit elected to have an 8.5 meter "Powercat" purpose built for fast response and general purpose rescue work. Powered by twin Yamaha Outboard Motors, with a top speed of 40 knots, the new RB II was placed into service in July 2002.

RBIV was added to our fleet in 2006. A locally build 6.3m Naiad powered by twin 175 HP Suzuki Motors for fast response to emergencies. She is also used as our training vessel for crew exercises.

In December of 1994, RB III's engines were upgraded to 250 HP Suzuki Motors, which has lifted the vessel's top speed to 37 knots and greatly enhanced its maneuverability.

Now in 2009, both our cats run 300 HP Suzuki's for the ultimate in reliability and power.

C-Trak

Early in 2004 VMR Raby Bay with the aid of a grant from the Community Gambling Benefit Fund, purchased new "C-Trak" computer based GPS and tacking systems for both vessels and the base This system has greatly enhanced our safety and ability to respond in adverse conditions with a full 15" colour map and data being fed back to a computer at the base

Crew Training

The modern training package is quite intense with modules in 18 different knowledge areas . Crew train from crew, through Advanced Crew to Skipper and Duty Officer level . Average time for a motivated person to complete the training is 3 years . Training now drawn from national maritime standards, similar to commercial standards