Marine Rescue NSW Board of Directors

The inaugural Board of Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW (which trades as Marine Rescue NSW) was elected at the Annual General Meeting held in Sydney on December 11, 2010. Directors must have been active members of Marine Rescue NSW for at least one year, unless there are special circumstances or qualifications.

The Board comprises three General Directors, elected by members across the State, and six Regional Directors, elected by members in their respective regions. The 2012 Board is:

General Directors: James Glissan QC (Chair), Tony Drover and Michael Stringer AM ESM.

Regional Directors: John Lynch (Mid North Coast), Peter Campton ESM (Northern Rivers), Doug Musker (Illawarra), Bob Wilson (Greater Sydney), Peter Phillipson ESM (Hunter/Central Coast) and Howard Staples (Monaro).

James Glissan QC, General Director and Board Chair

A member of Marine Rescue Botany Bay, Jim Glissan joined the volunteer marine rescue community in 2008. He holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws. He was admitted to practice as a Barrister in NSW and the High Court of Australia in 1971 and appointed Public Defender for NSW (1981-1985). He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1985, Acting NSW District Court Judge (1989-91) and Arbitrator of the Supreme Court of NSW (1992-1998) and is an Adjunct Professor of Law – School of Advocacy – University of Canberra.  “As a Director of Marine Rescue NSW I intend to ensure the organisation is fully functional, properly funded and independent, while satisfying community needs and the Service Delivery Model.”

Tony Drover, General Director

Tony Drover is a member of Marine Rescue Jervis Bay. He joined the AVCGA in 2003, rising to the rank of Squadron Deputy Commodore before relocating to Queensland and rising to the rank of Commander of Coast Guard Southport in 2009. He brings extensive experience to MRNSW from his career as an Officer in the Royal Australian Navy, which he joined in 1969. His professional skills include ATPL Helicopter and Commercial fixed wing pilot and flight instructor, Master 5 and Cert 4 TAA. “My expectation as a Director of MRNSW is to help guide the organisation to provide a superior service to the boating public of NSW.”

Michael Stringer AM ESM, General Director

Michael Stringer is a member of Marine Rescue Middle Harbour. He joined the RVCP in 1973 and has held all operational positions from crew to Ocean Yacht Master and coxswain trainer examiner to level 3 coxswain. He is a former member of the State Rescue Board and Volunteer Marine Rescue Council of NSW and serves on the Australian Emergency Management Volunteer Forum. He has received a number of awards including the National SAR Award, Medal of the Order of Australia, Emergency Service Medal and the NSW Maritime Medal for his contribution to marine rescue. Mr Stringer fulfills the role of MRNSW Protocol Officer. “I have always had the vision that a single organisation will provide the NSW community with the most efficient marine rescue service, the best boating safety communications network and a comprehensive maritime education program.”

Peter Campton ESM, Regional Director Northern Rivers

Peter Campton is a member of Marine Rescue Ballina and has been an active volunteer since 1985 when he joined the SES and a year later joined the AVCGA at Kingscliff. He has held a number of positions, including Purser, Staff Officer, Deputy Commander and Commander at Kingscliff and Commodore Northern NSW. Nine years in the Army and a career as a heavy vehicle driver and despatch manager has given him a keen interest in radios and mechanics. “My expectations as a Director of MRNSW are to look after the interests of the volunteer members and see that they get the best equipment and training we can supply to support them.”

John Lynch, Regional Director Mid North Coast

John Lynch is a member of Marine Rescue Forster. He joined the RVCP in 1995 and on completion of his Marine Radio Certificate of Proficiency was appointed Secretary, followed by 10 years as Secretary Treasurer. As the Unit Commander for six years and with a dedicated team, he oversaw the funding and construction of a dedicated Search and Rescue Co Ordination Centre on the Forster breakwall. He was the RVCP delegate on the Mid North Coast Marine Advisory Committee for more than 12 years and a member of the State Rescue Board Accreditation Team. His professional background in the finance and banking industry saw him retire as Company Secretary of a regional bank. "With the Registered Training Organisation now approved, the policies and procedures already in place can now be refined and put into practice, enabling our members to receive the best possible training and respect they deserve."

Peter Phillipson ESM, Regional Director Hunter/Central Coast

Peter Phillipson is a member of Marine Rescue Port Stephens, where he joined the RVCP in 1989. He has served in most positions up to Division Commander and Chairman Nelson Head Reserve Trust at Division level. He brings professional experience in engineering and financial planning to the Board together with his extensive knowledge developed during his four year term as Officer Commanding of the RVCP. He received the NSW Maritime Medal for his contribution to the formation of Marine Rescue NSW. “As a regional director, it will be my responsibility to communicate with the units within the region to keep them informed of matters pertaining to the Board. Our progress will be challenging for everybody but the new elected Board has the responsibility to get it right, to set the course for Marine Rescue to become a world class marine SAR organisation working together with the Commissioner, the Executive and of course, the volunteers, without whom we would not exist."

Bob Wilson, Regional Director, Greater Sydney

Bob Wilson is a member of Marine Rescue Botany Bay, after joining the AVCGA Botany Bay Flotilla in 2008. His roles have included Boat and Radio Duty Crew, Skipper-in-training, Vice-Captain BIA Representative for the Sydney Squadron, Deputy Commander Botany Bay Flotilla and now Deputy Commander Botany Bay Unit, as well as the BIA representative and Boat Show coordinator for Marine Rescue NSW. He has worked as a teacher, TAFE lecturer, auditor in the ANZ Bank and Australian Taxation office, a director of the tax practice within a Chartered Accounting firm and his own consultancy.  Mr Wilson fulfills the role of Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW Company Secretary.  “I intend to see and be seen by members, to convey the Board’s message to members and listen to the ideas and concerns of members, without whom we are nothing.”

Doug Musker, Regional Director Illawarra

An avid sailor, Mr Musker joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol Ulladulla in 2002. Soon after, he completed the NSW Maritime Coxswain Certificate. Mr Musker’s qualifications and experience include Skipper III, Radio Operator, Unit Administration Officer and Unit Commander of Marine Rescue Ulladulla for five years until he stood down in 2012.

Howard Staples, Regional Director Monaro

Howard Staples is a member of Marine Rescue Batemans Bay, after joining the RVCP in 2007. He has since been Administration Officer, Division Commander and Training and Education Officer. He is a Marine Rescue Coxswain, having completed his Master Class 5 at TAFE. He is a retired computer industry Service Delivery Manager and a qualified and experienced coach captain. “I will look to my experience at the Batemans Bay unit and represent all the Units of the Monaro region, providing leadership in local, regional and organisation-wide issues. A huge amount has been achieved in the short time since MRNSW has been established and this momentum needs to be maintained in many aspects of our organisation.”