The 34th National Search and Rescue Council Annual Meeting was held in Darwin at the Convention Centre this week.
Four NT Police representatives attended the meeting which was held to primarily discuss search and rescue operations and future directions throughout Australia.
As part of the meeting the 2010 National Search and Rescue Award was presented to Bob Kent and David Dodge from Esperance, Western Australia, last night.
Bob, the owner and pilot of Esperance Helitours Helicopters, and David, a local SES volunteer, assisted in the rescue of two people off the coast of Esperance in August 2009. The two men, a father and son, were thrown into the water approximately two kilometres offshore when a king wave destroyed their boat. Bob and David were tasked by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's Rescue Coordination Centre to provide assistance.
The rescue was notable in that it was the first time the local SES had used flotation grenades which provided vital extra buoyancy to the two men in the water. Bob and David also removed their own clothing to support the survivors who were suffering from hypothermia.
They received the award at a dinner in Darwin City last night.
Members from the NT Water Police and Territory Response Group were also recently awarded Commissioner's Unit Commendations for their intense search and rescue efforts in the Gulf of Carpentaria in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Paul during this years Easter period.
In extreme weather conditions, with vast areas to search and increased operational demands, a total of 14 persons in six separate incidents were located and rescued successfully. The officers involved displayed a high degree of unwavering determination to save lives in a demanding and sometimes dangerous environment.
The commendation was issued to those involved on Wednesday 6 October by the Commissioner of Police at a small investiture held at Police Headquarters

Media Note - The Australian Maritime Safety Authority have arranged for a media opportunity with the National Award recipients.

Where: Bicentennial Park (opposite Novotel Darwin Atrium)
When: 10 am, Friday, 15 October 2010
Media contact: Carly Lusk 0458 714 570 AMSA
Media Contact
Rickie Scoot
8922 3185