Australia’s most sophisticated search and rescue helicopter has been unveiled.

The $38 million chopper, dubbed ‘Rescue 625’, is based in Broome.

It is now prepped and ready to deal with emergencies linked to the offshore oil and gas industry.

Among its many high-tech advantages, Rescue 625 can travel further offshore, contains more reliable equipment (including a rare double winch system), and can perform rescues at sea during pitch black conditions.

It even has an auto-hover function, which allows the pilot to remain at a constant height while winching up patients, for example.

It will be operated by a Broome-based unit made up of a rotating crew of five pilots and paramedics.

They live in quarters located right next to the tarmac, so they can respond to emergencies within minutes.

'Rescue 625' was commissioned by oil giant Shell as part of agreements for its move into the Browse Basin.

In just a few years, Shell will be operating the world's first floating LNG facility about 200 kilometres off the Kimberley coast.

The search and rescue chopper will protect staff during transfers offshore, as well as responding to emergencies on the incredible 600,000 tonne vessel.

Other oil and gas companies in the region can call on the aircraft to assist, for a fee, and it will also be on call for civilian emergencies.

The search and rescue team has already been sent out to find three missing fishermen for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

All were recovered safely.