At the helm: Kim makes history at Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet
Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet has strengthened its on-water response capability with the qualification of its newest skipper, Kim Vernon, who has become the unit’s first female Coxswain (Restricted).
A Coxswain (Restricted) is qualified to skipper Marine Rescue NSW vessels during search and rescue operations on enclosed waters, such as rivers, lakes, inlets and certain bays. The qualification is the penultimate step towards becoming a fully rated Coxswain, who can operate vessels on all waters.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Kim’s achievement boosts the unit’s operational capability.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels must be operated by a Coxswain or Coxswain (Restricted) during search and rescue missions,” Inspector Massey said.
“A Coxswain (Restricted) is authorised to command vessels on enclosed waters, while a fully rated Coxswain can operate on any waters. Kim’s commitment to earning this rating is a remarkable personal milestone, she is a valuable asset to the unit and the local boating community.
“Kim can now deploy and lead a crew on board the unit’s vessels for search and rescue operations on the waters of Sussex Inlet and St Georges Basin,” he said.
Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet is supported by 78 dedicated volunteers, with females representing 32 per cent of the unit’s membership. Kim is the first female Coxswain (Restricted) at Sussex Inlet and one of 24 female Coxswain (Restricted) volunteers across Marine Rescue NSW.
Kim’s path to the helm has been built on service. Since joining Marine Rescue NSW, she has gained qualifications as Crew, Radio Operator and Rescue Watercraft Operator, and now serves as the unit’s Training Officer. Over the past 18 months, she has coordinated the training and assessment of dozens of volunteers, quietly strengthening the unit from within.
Her connection to the sea began long before she donned a uniform. As a child holidaying at Sussex Inlet, Kim remembers watching rescue vessels heading out to help people she assumed needed assistance on the water.
After careers in nursing and teaching, Kim returned to the South Coast seeking connection and community. Encouraged by a family member already volunteering with Marine Rescue NSW, she joined the service and progressed through her ratings with the support of experienced skippers who recognised her potential.
Training to become a skipper was demanding. While confident around boats, Kim worked hard to develop a strong, authoritative presence on deck, drawing on her professional experience to remain calm and decisive under pressure.
“Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet is powered by an incredible group of highly skilled volunteers,” Kim said. “Training, preparation and teamwork can mean the difference between success and tragedy.”
The importance of that teamwork was evident last summer, when the unit responded to a range of incidents including overturned vessels, people in the water, a vessel fire and an EPIRB activation from a sinking boat.
Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet experienced record demand in 2025, with volunteers completing 71 search and rescue missions across the year.
As Training Officer, Kim brings empathy and honesty to the role, having completed each qualification herself. Her focus remains firmly on capability, ensuring the unit is ready to respond when the call comes.
Unit Commander Brett Eurell described Kim as “an inspiration to the entire unit”, praising her operational skills and tireless commitment to supporting others.