Frequently asked questions
Can’t find the answer to your question? Check out the Member Induction Handbook
How old do I need to be to join Marine Rescue NSW as a volunteer?
Minimum age is 16 years
How many hours/days am I required to do each month?
To maintain your qualification you will need to do do 1 to 2 days per month. Some units may require a more frequent, regular commitment. We suggest contacting your local unit to find out more.
Are my existing qualifications recognised?
If you have relevant qualifications you can potentially credit transfer/ RPL or join a recognition pathway to attribute those units of competency towards Marine Rescue NSW. You will need to be able to provide a certified copy of the original qualification to the Unit Training Officer. A number of rescue-specific competencies and an operational assessment will still need to be completed.
Do I need boating experience?
No, boating experience is not required. You will be provided with the training required if you wish to become a Crew Member
I am not interested in boats but would like to give back to the community
There are several roles available that don’t require you to get on a boat. Marine Rescue NSW Radio Operators monitor the marine radio network and listen for boaters in distress, there’s also fundraising, PR, community engagement, maintenance, finance and administration roles, among others.
What skills are you looking for?
Our members come from many different walks of life. We have people who are, or have been professional skippers, but we also have people who come to us with limited or no boating experience but bring unique life experiences and skills such as managers, hospitality workers and even basketball coaches! What is more important is that our new members are great team players with enthusiasm, commitment and a drive to live our values in providing an essential service to the public.
What training do members receive?
Marine Rescue NSW is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) which means we are licensed to train our members to recognised standards. Marine Rescue NSW delivers marine rescue and radio operations training to members at their local units and through regional workshops e.g. fight fire at sea and sea survival training.
The following qualifications and units of competencies can be obtained from your Marine Rescue NSW member training:
MAR20321 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)
HLTAID011- Provide First Aid Provide First Aid
HLTAID015- Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy
MARF036- Coordinate search and rescue operations Coordinate search and rescue operations
PUAAMS006- Coordinate search and rescue resources Coordinate search and rescue resources
PUAAMS007- Coordinate search and rescue operations Coordinate search and rescue operations
PUAAMS008- Manage search and rescue operations Manage search and rescue operations
PUACOM001- Communicate in the workplace Communicate in the workplace
PUACOM002- Provide services to clients Provide services to clients
PUACOM007- Liaise with other organisations Liaise with other organisations
PUAEQU001- Prepare, maintain and test response equipment Prepare, maintain and test response equipment
PUAOPE012- Control a Level 1 incident Control a Level 1 incident
PUAOPE013- Operate communications systems and equipment Operate communications systems and equipment
PUAOPE015- Conduct briefings and debriefings Conduct briefings and debriefings
PUASAR013- Participate in an aquatic rescue operation Participate in an aquatic rescue operation
PUASAR016- Operate and maintain a personal watercraft for rescue operations Operate and maintain a personal watercraft for rescue operations
PUASES012- Work as a team member in an emergency operations centre Work as a team member in an emergency operations centre
PUATEA001- Work in a team Work in a team
PUATEA004- Work effectively in a public safety organisation Work effectively in a public safety organisation
PUAWHS001- Follow defined work, health and safety policies and procedures Follow defined work, health and safety policies and procedures