EOI State Operations Group

An exciting opportunity exists for Members to become part of Marine Rescue NSW’s new flood response capability.

The multi-agency response to the 2021-22 floods and the assistance MRNSW provided has now been formally adopted into our operational response charter under the banner of the State Operations Group, or SOG for short.

MRNSW recently received State Government funding specifically to enhance and further develop NSW’s flood response capabilities. As a result, we have commissioned 8 large bow-loading punts that are currently under construction. When delivered, these, along with 5 rigid hull inflatable vessels and 10 support vehicles, will be strategically located across our mainland Units to form the nucleus of our flood response capability.

We want you!

We are now seeking expressions of interest from enthusiastic vessel-rated Members interested in joining the SOG to deliver this capability and support our SES colleagues in keeping the communities of NSW safe in times of flood crises. Of course, there are strict requirements on all rescue agencies under the State Rescue Policy, and much work is underway (led by NSW SES) in examining the safest and most efficient way to provide the required training in a consistent and viable manner for all agencies.

Supplementing those requirements will be our internal training to ensure we minimise and mitigate as much risk as possible associated with all facets of SOG operations. Eligible members will be upskilled in a number of core and supporting training packages required to safely operate in flood deployments.

Whilst all vessel-rated Members are encouraged to consider this opportunity, we are specifically seeking those who feel they have what it takes to operate in an unfamiliar and at times challenging operating environment. To best assist Members in self-assessing their suitability to become SOG endorsed, please consider if you are:

Of good health and physical ability, and not have any impediments that would limit safe operation or emergency response requirements
Are a good team player
Have a willingness to undertake a mix of online and practical training sessions related to flood operations and associated activities
Have a willingness to attend at least one annual exercise and professional development activity (likely a 2-day weekend)
Are flexible in your availability, have a broad capacity to deploy and consider each deployment request on its merits
Are accepting of being deployed into less than ideal operating and accommodation environments
Are accepting of a ‘hurry up and wait’ reality of many deployments

If you would like to know more and explore this opportunity further, please complete and submit this short survey by COB Monday 10 July 2023. The survey should only take you 5 minutes

If you have any specific questions please feel free to contact Capability@mrnsw.com.au