Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba has made history, with Marg Deguara becoming the unit’s first female Coxswain after successfully completing her operational assessment.
With 19 years of volunteer service behind her, Marg’s achievement marks another significant milestone in a long association with marine rescue and a lifelong passion for being on the water.
Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba Unit Commander John Bosward said Marg’s achievement was a proud moment for the unit and the region.
“Marg is an incredible individual and we and the local boating community are privileged to have such a skilled and dedicated volunteer serving the community.
“Earning her Coxswain rating is a fantastic personal milestone and a wonderful achievement.
“Her dedication and commitment are a credit to her, and she will be a valued addition to our team of skippers, supporting our crew and helping keep our boating community safe.
“She is a highly capable mariner with years of search and rescue experience.”
Marg began volunteering with the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard at Yamba in 2003, undertaking a range of roles, including National Captain Training.
She was even encouraged to consider becoming a Coxswain during her early years with the Coast Guard, although the prospect did not initially appeal.
“Back then everyone was saying you should be a Coxswain, and I wasn’t interested. But as time went on, it became a possibility,” Marg said.
After spending several years in South Western Sydney, Marg returned to Yamba and joined Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba in 2018. She progressed through the ranks, beginning as vessel crew before achieving her Coxswain Restricted rating in June 2023.
For the past seven years, she has also served as the unit’s Training Systems Officer, helping support the development and training of fellow volunteers.
Her Coxswain Restricted rating enabled her to skipper the rescue vessel on enclosed waters. Her latest qualification now allows her to command the vessel and crew on offshore operations.
“I had a real sense of self-fulfilment when I earned my Coxswain Restricted rating in 2023. That was an awesome role and I really enjoyed it.
“Becoming a Coxswain isn’t something I always wanted to do, but it’s happened. I more so just evolved into it.
“It’s been many years in the making and the last few months have been intense, finishing the training, but all the experience I have gained over the years has helped greatly and actually made the journey more streamlined.
“Thankfully, I’ve had more time recently to focus on earning the rating.”
Marg said she understood the responsibility that came with the qualification and was grateful for the support she had received along the way.
“Being a Coxswain comes with huge responsibility. Having been volunteering for so long now, I understand and appreciate the enormity of the role. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of my colleagues, family and friends.”
Marg’s passion for the water began in childhood, with her father and brothers regularly taking her boating.
“My dad always had a boat and we spent a lot of time on it. Then my brothers got boats. I’ve always had opportunities to get out on the water, I love it.
“When I moved to Yamba I wanted to do some volunteering and saw an ad for the Coast Guard. Having grown up around boats, I went, yep, that’s the one.”
Now the first female Coxswain at Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba, Marg hopes her achievement will encourage more women to join the Service and pursue operational leadership roles.
“Men and women serve alongside each other daily within Marine Rescue NSW, but I think it’s important for women to realise there are numerous opportunities to progress.
“It takes time and hard work and, for me, I have enjoyed the journey. I encourage women to take the first step and begin volunteering with Marine Rescue NSW.
“The training is comprehensive, free and it feels good knowing you’ve played a role in assisting people stranded at sea or saving a life.”
To find out more about volunteering with Marine Rescue NSW, click HERE.
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