When the Daly River began to rise in December and forced the evacuation of the Nauiyu community, the unit’s unmistakable new flood boat, ESV401, was deployed to provide much-needed assistance to those left behind to combat the murky water.

The boat passed its initiation with flying colours and, after returning to its Katherine base, will now provide support more locally during flood and search and rescue events.

Volunteers took to the swollen Katherine River earlier this month to increase their familiarity with the boat, which will complement the existing vessel that has served the unit since 1999.

Katherine deputy unit officer Ron Green explained that, although ESV401 looked extremely different, it did not take volunteers long to get the hang of operating it in fast-moving water.

“The vessel’s ability to easily load and safely carry cargo assisted in transporting vital operational equipment,” he told the Katherine Times following the exercise.

“Scheduled training is performed throughout the year to train and upskill new and current flood boat operators.

“With the extensive training provided to our members and the skills and knowledge that they acquire on the job, the only glaring difference to the naked eye is the size of the new vessel.”

Designated a bow-loading utility barge, the main point of difference the 6.2-metre long ESV401 offers during operation is its ability to transport larger equipment.

“It enhances NTSES’s capability in the Katherine region by allowing the option of transporting larger quantities relief supplies, or even an all-terrain vehicle, which can assist with relief efforts and searches in difficult-to-access areas during the wet,” Mr Green said.

In addition, EVS401 is permanently fitted with a state-of-the-art 360 Imaging sonar, which provides volunteers with a clear view of what is happening below the surface with “greater speed and accuracy than previously used”.