PORT Stephens still has two marine rescue groups despite moves by the State Government to stop the duplication of resources and volunteer effort separate outfits create.
From January 1 the Port Stephens coastal patrol and coast guard units were to merge and operate as Marine Rescue Port Stephens. The change was embraced by the Nelson Bay-based coastal patrol for the January 1 deadline.
It is now operating as Marine Rescue Port Stephens. But this week the Port's coast guard commander Warren Bracht confirmed his Lemon Tree Passage-based organisation had not come on board.
"There's a few legal and technical issues to sort out first," Mr Bracht said.
It is understood some of the 'issues' relate to differences over the value of the coast guard's assets.
Mr Bracht said the merger which he supported would now happen later rather than sooner.
"I'm sure we can sort it out," he said.
In the meantime the coast guard would continue as normal offering its service to most of the inner Port and up into the Myall Lakes.
"We're the quiet achievers," he said.
Marine Rescue Port Stephens commander Geoff Moore said the merger would probably take another two or three months to achieve. The delay was understandable in a port where two organisations had operated.
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