Greater Sydney Multi-Agency Search & Rescue Exercises (SAREX) 2026
Event Overview & Information
Welcome to the Greater Sydney SAREX/SARDEX Exercise Overview & Information Platform for 2026. We thank you for your expression of interest in participating in the SAREX/SARDEX exercise. This page is for participating Marine Rescue New South Wales (MRNSW) members and has been set up as the central hub for all information relating to the upcoming exercise. Please refer to this page for event updates, key instructions, and links to all documents associated with the SAREX/SARDEX activity, including planning material, schedules, and supporting resources. Please check back regularly as information will be updated leading up to the exercise to ensure you have the most current details.
Please refer to this page for event updates, key instructions, and links to all documents associated with the SAREX/SARDEX activity, including planning material, schedules, and supporting resources. Please check back regularly as information will be updated leading up to the exercise to ensure you have the most current details.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone take part in what will be a valuable and practical training exercise for Central Zone.
Contents
Exercise & Event Information
SAREX
The SAREX/SARDEX exercise is a live, coordinated search and rescue training activity designed to simulate realistic operational scenarios in a controlled environment. Participants can expect to undertake taskings such as vessel deployment, search operations, communications, and coordination with other units and agencies, with a focus on strengthening operational readiness, teamwork, decision-making, and incident management.
All activities will be conducted under the exercise control structure, with safety as the highest priority, and further detailed instructions will be provided to confirmed participants prior to the event.
- When: Saturday 16th May, 2026, 8:30am – 1:00pm
- Where: Live activation from base – Incident Control Centre located Marine Rescue Cronulla, Building 16, 202 Nicholson Parade, Cronulla, NSW, 2230
- Participants: Members participating should be MR Crew, MR Coxswain Restricted, MR Coxswain/Master rated (or working towards MR Coxswain Restricted/Coxswain) to participate.
SARDEX
The SARDEX Radio Exercise is a live, coordinated communications training activity designed to simulate realistic operational radio scenarios in a controlled environment. Participants can expect to engage in structured radio-based taskings, including routine and emergency communications, coordination between units, and interaction with exercise control and other participating agencies, with a focus on strengthening radio discipline, clarity, procedural compliance, and operational communication effectiveness.
All activity will be conducted under the exercise control structure with safety and communications integrity as the highest priority, and further detailed instructions will be provided to confirmed participants prior to the event.
- When: Saturday 16th May, 8:30am – 1:00pm
- Where: Marine Rescue Cronulla, Building 16, 202 Nicholson Parade, CRONULLA, NSW, 2230
- Participants: Members expressing interest in attending should hold the rating MR Radio Operator or MR Watch Officer (or working towards MR Watch Officer) to participate. It is recommended that nominated participants are those that have not previously attended a SARDEX.
Debrief & Presentation Day
The combined Sunday session in Cronulla will feature a series of Search and Rescue presentations delivered by industry and regulatory guests, alongside selected operational experiences from participants and a structured debrief from Marine Area Command on the SAREX/SARDEX activities conducted the previous day.
Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into real-world SAR operations, lessons learned, and best practice approaches across the sector, as well as the opportunity to engage in Q&A and discussions with presenters, participating members, and partner agencies in a collaborative learning environment.
- When: Sunday 17th May, 9:00am – 1:30pm
- Where: Marine Rescue Cronulla, Building 16, 202 Nicholson Parade, CRONULLA, NSW, 2230
- Participants: All MRNSW members are welcome to attend the combined Sunday session. We strongly encourage participants from the Saturday exercises to express their interest, as they will gain the most value from attending.
Event Schedule
Please find attached the event schedule for the upcoming Search and Rescue (SAREX/SARDEX) exercise. It includes key timings and activities across the weekend to help you plan your attendance and participation. Please take a few minutes to review it prior to the event.
Joining Instructions
Please find attached everything you need to know for the upcoming Search and Rescue (SAREX/SARDEX) exercise. This includes key timings, locations, and important information to help you prepare for the weekend. Please take a few minutes to read through the details prior to attending.
Weather
Bus Transfers & Timings
Jump on the Bus!
Bus transportation has been arranged for your convenience to and from Cronulla HQ for this exercise on both days. Buses will depart from NSW Rural Fire Service, Terrey Hills and travel to MRNSW Cronulla HQ each day.
Please confirm your interest in utilising bus transport with Zone Duty Operations Manager, Joel Pemberton, [email protected] as soon as possible.
Buses will be booked based on confirmed numbers. Early confirmation is essential to ensure we secure the appropriate number of seats required.
Bus Joining Instructions Available here: