A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Newcastle navigated darkness and a fast-flowing run-out tide overnight to rescue a stranded sailor four nautical miles (7.4 km) south of Nobbys Head.
Marine Rescue Newcastle Unit Commander Lyn Van Homrigh said the skipper of a Logged On 11-metre sailing catamaran called radio operators at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre at 10 pm last night (Tuesday 29 April) to ask for help after his vessel suffered engine failure.
“A volunteer crew was assembled and rescue vessel Newcastle 30 was deployed.
“The crew reached the disabled vessel at 11:15 pm and checked the welfare of the sailor, who was fine. A towline was then secured to his vessel.
“Because of the weight and width of the vessel, it was a slow trip back into the harbour.
“We used FLIR (forward-looking infrared camera) technology on board Newcastle 30 to assist with safe passage.
“The strong run-out tide on the Hunter River restricted our travelling speed, and Newcastle 30 was required to perform a number of challenging manoeuvres to safely place the disabled vessel on a mooring near Stockton Bridge. At 1:20 am, the skipper and his vessel were secured,” she said.
Unit Commander Van Homrigh is also advising boaters to avoid going out on the water while a hazardous surf warning is in place for the Hunter Coast.
“Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous today and tomorrow.
“Boaters should delay their plans until conditions improve, and always Log On with Marine Rescue NSW via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16,” she said.
More than 80 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the South Coast will take part in a simulated live activation, real-time, multi-agency search and rescue exercise (SAREX) this Saturday (3 May).
Seven vessels and volunteers from six Marine Rescue NSW units (Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula and Eden) will converge on two major search areas along the coast to locate numerous objects offshore associated with a simulated on-water emergency.
This weekend’s search and rescue exercise is one of the largest ever to be held on the NSW Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a SAREX of this magnitude is vital for maintaining skills and providing valuable experience for volunteers who may not have previously been involved in a major multi-agency operation.
“Our crews will be briefed on the scenario and required to be at the designated search area to commence searching on Saturday morning.
“This training exercise is vital for all agencies — it brings us together to combine our efforts and training into one large-scale, multi-agency search and rescue operation.
“It’s a real-time simulation of what we do.
“NSW Water Police and one of their boats are also taking part in the multi-agency exercise, along with aerial assets from PolAir and Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopters. Members from Surf Life Saving NSW will also participate,” he said.
Inspector Sullivan said Marine Rescue NSW vessel crews would be supported by volunteer radio operators during the exercise from multiple unit bases.
“Clear communication is vital in any mission, and our radio operators play a crucial role in the response effort.
“The exercise is a coastal search and will take place up to 15 nautical miles offshore. The search area that we will be undertaking is just under 400 square nautical miles across two search areas,” he said.
All Marine Rescue NSW units involved will maintain radio and on-water response in their local areas during Saturday’s exercise.
“The community can be assured that in the event of a real emergency on our waterways, Marine Rescue NSW craft and crews are ready to respond,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Marine Rescue NSW is reminding boaters to remain vigilant on the state’s waterways, despite the official boating season concluding on ANZAC Day.
Commissioner Alex Barrell said incidents and emergencies could happen at any time, on any day.
“Even though the boating season is coming to an end, the risk never goes away. Always check and monitor the weather, as changes in conditions can lead to life-threatening emergencies,” he said.
Following a busy Easter period, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state have completed more than 3,000 search and rescue missions since the boating season commenced on 1 October last year. Data shows that responses are on par with the 2022/23 boating season, which saw crews perform a record 3,251 missions.
Boaters are encouraged to always Log On with Marine Rescue NSW, either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or on VHF Channel 16. Logging on saves precious time in the event of an emergency, and if a boater does not return as planned, a search will be initiated.
Commissioner Barrell also reminded boaters to plan their voyage, giving themselves the best chance of returning home safely without incident.
“There is often a spike in grounding incidents over long weekends, which are avoidable. Boaters must be aware of the tides, the environment, and the conditions.”
“Always wear a lifejacket — it can only save you if you are wearing it — and please make sure you have the correct safety equipment on board,” Commissioner Barrell said.
“Boaters and paddlers can be assured that our three and a half thousand volunteers are ready to rapidly respond from any of our 46 units across the state this long weekend,” he said.
More than 3,500 highly skilled Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready to respond to boaters needing assistance this Easter long weekend.
“From the Tweed, right along the east coast to Eden, and inland on the Alpine Lakes and Murray River at Moama, our volunteers are prepared to be deployed at any time of the day or night this Easter period,” said Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell.
Marine Rescue NSW crews had their busiest Easter ever last year, completing 163 search and rescue missions over the four days and safely returning almost 450 people to shore.
“Weather permitting, Marine Rescue NSW is expecting large numbers of boaters and paddlers to take to the state’s waterways this long weekend,” Commissioner Barrell said.
“With increased traffic expected on our waterways, and some boaters venturing into unfamiliar locations, we are urging people to double-check their vessel and safety equipment before heading out on the water this Easter.”
“If boating in an unfamiliar area, refer to local charts and speak with the local Marine Rescue NSW unit before launching your vessel.
“Check your engine, make sure your battery is charged, carry plenty of clean fuel, and ensure you have the correct safety equipment on board — including lifejackets.
“If people follow this advice, they will give themselves the best chance of having a safe and enjoyable Easter, and avoid becoming a statistic,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Commissioner Barrell said 20 Marine Rescue NSW rescue watercraft (jet skis) are strategically placed at holiday locations across the state, with the Point Danger, Brunswick, Nambucca, Port Macquarie, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, Port Kembla, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet and Tuross Moruya units all having RWCs as part of their rescue fleet.
“Marine Rescue NSW RWCs are rapid response craft, which are highly manoeuvrable and able to access areas that rescue vessels can’t.
“Boaters and paddlers should also download the free Marine Rescue NSW app so they can Log On with our dedicated volunteers, who will keep watch for their safe return.
“Logging On can also be done via VHF channel 16. Hit the water with caution, return with confidence,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers by region
Northern Rivers: 479 volunteers across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Mid North Coast: 695 volunteers across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Hunter Central Coast: 795 volunteers across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Greater Sydney: 711 volunteers across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Illawarra: 474 volunteers across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Monaro: 381 volunteers across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Bermagui battled steep seas during a 4.5-hour rescue mission last night to safely return a stranded fisherman and his 10-metre vessel to Bermagui Harbour.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said the skipper of the motor cruiser contacted Marine Rescue Bermagui after his vessel became disabled eight nautical miles (15km) north-east of Montague Island around 5pm on Sunday, 13 April.
“A rope had wrapped around one of the propellers on his vessel and disabled an engine. His vessel also suffered steering damage, leaving him stranded offshore.
“Because of the size of the disabled vessel, the skipper’s need to return to Bermagui, and the conditions, a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Bermagui was immediately assembled and deployed on board rescue vessel Bermagui 30,” he said.
“BG 30 reached the stranded fisherman at around 7:30pm, checked his welfare, and secured a towline for the trip back to Bermagui Harbour,” Inspector Massey said.
“Conditions were very choppy and uncomfortable offshore, with the crew returning the disabled vessel and its skipper to Bermagui Harbour just after 10pm.
“The volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Bermagui did a wonderful job in challenging conditions, but they were grateful for the full moon, which assisted with visibility.
“Our radio operators also provided excellent communication support during the mission.
“All boaters are encouraged to Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF Channel 16. Logging On saves precious time in the event of an emergency and ensures our dedicated volunteers keep watch for their safe return,” Inspector Massey said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Ballina have negotiated challenging two to three metre swell on the Ballina Bar today to rescue a male foilboarder who was swept out to sea during the outgoing tide.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said NSW Police Marine Area Command tasked Marine Rescue Ballina with the mission just after 12pm today, Sunday 13 April.
“Because of the rough conditions on the bar, Marine Rescue NSW vessel Ballina 21 was deployed for the mission. Ballina 21 is a highly manoeuvrable rapid-response jet boat.
“With conditions against him, the foilboarder was unable to return to shore and was being swept further out to sea.
“Within 10 minutes of getting on the water, the volunteer crew on board Ballina 21 located the foilboarder approximately one kilometre east of the north wall. Members from Surf Life Saving NSW arrived on the scene simultaneously in an IRB and retrieved the man from the water before transferring him to the Marine Rescue NSW jet boat.
“The IRB requested the Marine Rescue NSW crew return the man to shore because conditions on the bar were too dangerous for their vessel,” he said.
“The man was extremely lucky. The conditions were quite challenging, and the Marine Rescue NSW jet boat was the ideal vessel for the mission,” Inspector Murray said.
“The foilboarder was taken on board Ballina 21 and returned to Shaws Bay. He was uninjured,” he said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Newcastle are assisting a multi-agency search for a missing female swimmer off Newcastle Beach.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said a volunteer crew was assembled and rescue vessel Newcastle 30 deployed before sunrise today (Sunday 13 April).
“Newcastle 30 was on the water at 5:25 am, with volunteer radio operators managing communications from the Marine Rescue Newcastle base at Stockton.
“Newcastle 30 is conducting a parallel line search with a NSW Water Police vessel.
“Marine Rescue Newcastle volunteers will continue to assist NSW Police Marine Area Command until instructed otherwise.
“Conditions are favourable offshore this morning, with seas under a metre and a 10-knot east to north-easterly wind,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state experienced their quietest March since 2022, completing 348 search and rescue missions, including 108 emergency responses last month.
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“Whilst missions were down this March and we would like to see that trend continue, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state still returned 799 people to shore,” said Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell.
“Engine and battery failure accounted for just over 50% of responses in March. Boaters can help reduce these incidents by ensuring their vessels undergo regular maintenance,” he said.
March missions by year
2025: 348
2024: 515
2023: 427
2022: 270
Commissioner Alex Barrell praised boaters for not going out on the water during several days of dangerous conditions in March, when Tropical Cyclone Alfred caused hazardous weather along a large stretch of the NSW coast early in the month.
“Boaters heeded the warnings and did not put their lives or others at risk by venturing out. We thank them for monitoring the weather and making smart choices.
“During that time, almost 30 Marine Rescue NSW flood rescue and support volunteers were deployed across the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers to assist communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators kept watch over more than 19,500 people on board 5,842 logged on vessels and managed 18,797 radio calls last month including eight MAYDAYs and three PAN PANs.
“It was wonderful to see almost 6,000 vessels use our free Log On, Log Off service in March,” Commissioner Barrell said.
“It takes a boater just one minute to Log On via the Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16, it ensures our volunteers keep watch for their safe return,” he said.
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie was the busiest unit in the state with volunteers completing 52 search and rescue missions while the Tuggerah Lakes (12 missions), Cottage Point (15 missions) and Ulladulla (8 missions) units all experienced a busy March.
Breakdown of March 2025 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
NORTHERN RIVERS – 23 search & rescue missions including 10 emergency responses with 32 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Point Danger 12, Brunswick 3, Ballina 3, Iluka Yamba 3
MID NORTH COAST – 24 search & rescue missions including 14 emergency responses with 50 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Macquarie 9, Forster Tuncurry 8, Coffs Harbour 3
HUNTER CENTRAL COAST – 87 search & rescue missions including 17 emergency responses with 187 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 52, Central Coast 17, Tuggerah Lakes 12
GREATER SYDNEY – 131 search & rescue missions including 18 emergency responses with 341 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney State Communications Centre 41, Botany Port Hacking 29, Cottage Point 15
ILLAWARRA – 55 search & rescue missions including 30 emergency responses with 135 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Kembla 17, Jervis Bay 14, Ulladulla 8
MONARO – 28 search & rescue missions including 19 emergency response with 54 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand: Eden 9, Batemans Bay 7, Narooma 5
Marine Rescue NSW will welcome the world to Sydney this winter after being named host of two major International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) events.
The third International Women in SAR (Search and Rescue) training course will mark the beginning of a historic five days for maritime search and rescue in Australia, as the global maritime SAR community converges on the harbour city for three intense days of training and classroom discussions in late August ahead of the IMRF Regional Seminar.
IMRF CEO Caroline Jupe said the Women in SAR training is an incredible opportunity for female coxswains or those on the path to becoming coxswains, operating on maritime SAR vessels from IMRF member organisations, to enhance their learning.
“The training course is limited to just 16 participants and covers several aspects of leadership on SAR vessels, including communication, mission handling, and various tools and procedures to assist in leading the unit. It will include both facilitated classroom discussions and practical exercises conducted on Marine Rescue NSW vessels.
“The Finnish Lifeboat Institution were wonderful hosts in 2022 and again last year, and the IMRF is excited to be taking Women in SAR to the other side of the world in 2025.
Image by Oskar Krogell: Finnish Lifeboat Institution vessels played a major role during on-water components of the course in 2022 and 2024
“Sydney will be the focus, with Marine Rescue NSW also hosting the IMRF Regional Seminar on 25 and 26 August, immediately following the Women in SAR training course,” Jupe said.
The course, which is open to all members of the IMRF, is ideal for women looking to bolster their leadership and communication skills as they rise the ranks in maritime SAR.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner and IMRF Trustee Alex Barrell said Greater Sydney offers many unique boating locations for participants to develop and practise their skills.
“From the heavy traffic areas on Sydney Harbour around the iconic bridge and Opera House, to numerous bays, unpredictable heads, and open ocean, Sydney’s maritime environment will be the perfect practical classroom for participants.
“The Marine Rescue Middle Harbour base will also be used throughout Women in SAR, where rescue vessels can be rapidly deployed,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Bermagui volunteer and Marine Rescue NSW Board Member Caron Parfitt ESM (pictured above), attended last year’s training in Finland and is encouraging all female coxswains from IMRF member organisations to register their interest in the course.
“The training was excellent. It was well organised and provided a huge opportunity to learn and share ideas with women from other countries.
“There was a strong focus on leadership at the coxswain level, not just technical ability. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said.
The event is part of the IMRF’s Women In SAR initiative, which was launched in 2019 at the World Maritime Rescue Congress in Canada. Since its launch, the campaign has made great strides to bolster the profile and role of women in maritime SAR and making the industry more accessible to women.
Beyond the training events, the campaign has also produced critical best guidance documents for maritime SAR organisations, developed an industry-first mentoring scheme, and told the stories of dozens of inspiring women in the sector.
Three Marine Rescue NSW vessels and volunteer crew have been tasked by NSW SES to assist communities on the state’s Mid North Coast that may be affected by floodwaters in the coming days.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Darren Hulm said four volunteer crew members from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie, and two from Marine Rescue Brunswick Heads along with vessels from the Port Macquarie, and Coffs Harbour units, will be deployed early tomorrow morning (Wednesday, 2 April).
“Marine Rescue NSW flood rescue and support operators are ready to assist whenever the call comes,” he said.
“Our highly skilled volunteers are being deployed to assist NSW SES, if required, with on-water support for local communities in the mid North Coast region,” Zone Commander Hulm said.
“At this stage, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and vessels will be on the ground and in position from tomorrow morning until Friday afternoon.”
The Winston Churchill Trust awards fellowships to people across a range of disciplines, giving them the opportunity to travel and research ways to improve their community at home, with around 100 fellowships awarded each year in Australia.
Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond applied last year and was awarded a 2024 Churchill Fellowship to study how marine rescue services in Australia must adapt to new boating technologies.
He has been a lifelong recreational boater and a commercial skipper for over 20 years, and worked at NSW Maritime and NSW SES before joining Marine Rescue NSW three years ago.
Noticing that electric boating was growing in popularity, with many more electric boats and motors entering the market—and quite large electric boats, up to eight metres in length, displayed at the Sydney Boat Show—Zone Commander Hammond started to wonder what it might mean when operators of these boats call Marine Rescue NSW for help in the future. This concern extended to both how they could be assisted and how the Service’s volunteers could be kept safe in the process.
“Electric boats tend to be fitted with lithium batteries, in some cases quite large ones. While the high-quality batteries used for marine propulsion are very safe, some lithium batteries in other types of products have failed, sometimes quite spectacularly, and we can’t rule out a battery failure in a boat at some stage,” he said.
“Just as our counterparts in the fire and land rescue services are grappling with how to deal with battery and EV incidents, I wanted to look at what it means for Marine Rescue NSW and our interstate partners.”
Image: Zone Commander Hammond toured the impressive RNLI Training College in Poole, UK
Zone Commander Hammond travelled for six weeks in January and February, visiting the UK, Sweden, Germany, Ireland, the USA, and Japan. Along the way, he met with marine rescue organisations, including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the Swedish Sea Rescue Society, the US Coast Guard, the Japan Coast Guard, and the marine rescue sections of the Chicago and Miami-Dade Fire Departments. He visited several boat builders and had the opportunity to experience a few electric boats first-hand, while also attending two of the largest boat shows in the world—Boot Düsseldorf and the Miami International Boat Show.
Image: One of the 17 giant halls at Boot Düsseldorf, where there were many electric boats and motors on display
What he found was that many boat builders are embracing electric propulsion, including some in Australia, with recreational and commercial vessels already in service worldwide, powered by battery-electric systems, hybrid systems, and even electric vessels powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
“Many of these vessels also include other advanced technologies, such as carbon fibre construction and active hydrofoil systems, and it seems likely that some unique and different types of vessels will be on our waters over the next few years.
Image: Mike was all smiles after riding the amazing Candela P12 foiling electric passenger ferry in Stockholm
“There are also some marine rescue organisations exploring these technologies for rescue vessels, not only for the environmental benefits but also for practical benefits—such as the smooth ride provided by hydrofoils reducing crew injuries and the silent operation of electric propulsion assisting in search situations.
“I also learned that only a few of these organisations have started to think about what these innovations might mean for volunteer safety, and few are collecting rescue data in a way that identifies if an alternative propulsion system was a factor. We need to put some strategies in place to understand and prepare for rescues involving these kinds of vessels,” he said.
Zone Commander Hammond looked at other innovations during his journey, including the use of artificial intelligence watch-keeping systems.
“The technology is being increasingly used to ensure safe navigation and has the potential to be very useful in search and rescue at sea.”
He is now working on a report and several recommendations for marine rescue organisations, maritime regulators, and the marine industry to ensure that when Marine Rescue NSW receives a call for help from someone on an electric, hybrid, or hydrogen vessel, the Service will have procedures, training, and equipment in place to respond safely and effectively.
Image: Mike travelled to Tokyo and met with officers from the Japan Coast Guard
Zone Commander Hammond has been invited to present his findings to the NATSAR Council and the National Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue Committee.
“I am hoping the distribution of my report will help move the conversation along about alternative propulsion and help ensure that marine first responder safety becomes part of that discussion.
“I am grateful for the faith the Winston Churchill Trust has put in me. It has been a great opportunity to ‘learn globally, inspire locally’,” he said.
Title image: Southern Zone Commander Hammond cruising the Chicago River with the Chicago Fire Department Air Sea Rescue Division
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Eden have safely returned a solo sailor and his 10-metre yacht to Twofold Bay following an epic two-part, 21.5-hour mission.
At 2am yesterday (Friday, 28 March), radio operators at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre received a call for assistance from a distressed skipper on board a yacht somewhere on the Far South Coast beyond Green Cape.
Marine Rescue Eden was tasked with the mission, with Unit Commander Roger Barson managing radio communications while a volunteer crew was deployed at 3am on board Marine Rescue NSW boat XRAY 30 to search for the distressed vessel.
“Radio contact was initially loud but broken,” said Marine Rescue Eden Unit Commander Roger Barson.
“Coast Guard Mallacoota radio also responded but experienced the same broken transmission. Radio communications then ceased, and calls to the skipper’s mobile went unanswered.
“XRAY 30 proceeded to Green Cape, searching the rugged coastline to the NSW/Victorian border, but no lights were seen, nor was a vessel located,” Barson said.
At 5:30am, XRAY 30 turned and continued the search north, back to Green Cape, before returning to Eden to refuel.
Unit Commander Barson said radio contact was re-established with the distressed yacht just after 11:30am, with the skipper confirming his location off Black Point, four nautical miles (7.5 km) north of the border.
“Marine Rescue Eden was tasked again, with XRAY 30 departing Snug Cove at 1:30pm.
“The distressed yacht was, thankfully, sighted by our crew an hour later.
“The XRAY 30 crew conducted a welfare check on the skipper, who informed them that he was out of fuel and his mainsail was jammed.
“With conditions deteriorating and a gale warning forecast for Saturday, the disabled yacht was taken under tow, with the return trip to Eden limited to five knots (9 km/h),” he said.
“Sea conditions were unfavourable, with two-metre swells, and there were numerous challenges with the towline. However, after an eight-and-a-half-hour tow back to Eden, the disabled yacht and its skipper were safely returned and anchored in Twofold Bay at 11:40pm last night (Friday, 28 March), Unit Commander Barson said.
“This was an extremely long and challenging rescue mission for the six crew members and three radio operators involved in both legs. It began in the dark and finished in darkness 21-and-a-half hours later. Our training held us all in good stead, leading to a positive outcome in the end,” he said.
Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes will host a search and rescue exercise involving three Central Coast-based Marine Rescue NSW units this Saturday, 29 March.
Marine Rescue NSW Hunter Central Coast Zone Training Manager, Jane Shirriff, said 34 volunteers from the Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast, and Norah Head units will take part in the vital training exercise.
“We practise our search and rescue skills in a controlled environment so that when the real call comes, our volunteers are best prepared to respond,” Shirriff said.
Twenty volunteers on board five Marine Rescue NSW boats and two rescue watercraft (jet skis) will take part in the on-water search, while 14 volunteer radio operators will manage radio communications for the search scenario from the Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Toukley base.
Shirriff said a scenario will be delivered to participants on Saturday afternoon, focusing on different areas of the lake.
“We will have two search locations on Tuggerah Lake, with four manikins in the water that our crews will need to locate and retrieve in a timely manner using various search techniques,” she said.
One search area will be on the southern side of Toukley Bridge, with crews conducting a parallel line search, while a contour search will be held on waters around Pelican Island.
“Members of the public will notice increased Marine Rescue NSW activity on Tuggerah Lake this Saturday; please don’t be alarmed, we are training. Should an emergency happen, our volunteers will rapidly respond,” Shirriff said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers will be on Tuggerah Lake from 9 am this Saturday, with the search and rescue exercise taking place between 1 pm and 4 pm.
A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie was activated late last night (Sunday, 23 March) to assist two boaters stranded 13 nautical miles (24km) off Swansea Heads.
Radio operators at Marine Rescue Sydney received a Pan Pan call from the skipper of an 11-metre power catamaran after both engines failed at around 10pm.
A Pan Pan call is made to indicate an urgent situation that is serious but not immediately life-threatening.
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Unit Commander Jim Wright was part of the three-person crew deployed for the mission on board Lake Macquarie 30.
“A volunteer crew was quickly assembled and headed for the location of the disabled vessel, while radio operators at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie managed communications after they were transferred from Marine Rescue Sydney,” Wright said.
“Lake Macquarie 30 reached the disabled vessel at midnight and immediately checked on the welfare of the two crew members on board, who were both fine.
“A towline was secured to the disabled vessel before the long and slow trip back to Swansea.
“We safely crossed the bar and returned the two boaters and their vessel to a mooring on the eastern side of Swansea Bridge just before 2:30am today (Monday, 24 March).
“Thankfully, conditions offshore were reasonable, and our night training served us well.
“It was a seamless response, with excellent communication between the rescue boat, the disabled vessel, and our radio operators, who did a wonderful job,” Unit Commander Wright said.
With just over a month remaining in the boating season, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell is urging boaters not to become complacent, after engine, battery, and fuel issues accounted for 67 per cent of responses in February.
Image: Volunteers from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay answered the call on February 26 after this vessel suffered engine failure 20kms offshore
“It is concerning that two-thirds of the missions conducted by our volunteers last month were for preventable issues,” said Commissioner Barrell.
“Boaters need to ensure their vessel is in good working order every time they launch and that they have enough fuel on board, with some in reserve.
“Please don’t think for one minute, ‘I’ve got through the season without any issues, it won’t happen to me.’
“Don’t let a preventable issue ruin your day on the water and potentially put your life and others’ lives at risk,” he said.
Image: Marine Rescue Wooli assisted a family of three after running out of fuel off Wooli Beach
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state completed 415 search and rescue missions last month, including 114 emergency responses, safely returning 936 people to shore.
Across the state, Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 19,013 radio calls and kept watch over more than 22,500 Logged On vessels.
Commissioner Barrell said boaters should make Logging On part of their pre-launch routine by using the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16.
“Logging On provides details of their trip, and in the event they don’t return as planned, a search can be initiated. Logging On saves precious time in an emergency—it only takes a minute to protect a lifetime,” he said.
Image: Marine Rescue Shoalhaven skipper Mark Dolence returns four boaters to shore after their vessel ran out of fuel on February 1
Of Marine Rescue NSW’s six regions, the Illawarra (Port Kembla to Kioloa) was the only region to experience record demand in February, with volunteers completing 46 search and rescue missions—six more than the previous record set 12 months ago.
The boating season began on 1 October 2024 and finishes on ANZAC Day 2025.
Breakdown of February 2025 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
NORTHERN RIVERS – 23 search & rescue missions including 13 emergency responses with 55 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Point Danger 11, Iluka Yamba 7, Evans Head 2
MID NORTH COAST – 31 search & rescue missions including 17 emergency responses with 65 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Forster Tuncurry 11, Coffs Harbour 8, Port Macquarie 7
Image: Marine Rescue Port Stephens secures a capsized vessel which was a navigational hazard on February 15
HUNTER CENTRAL COAST – 118 search & rescue missions including 27 emergency responses with 266 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 50, Central Coast 22, Port Stephens 22
Image: Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking volunteers assisted two kayakers after their craft capsized off Lilli Pilli Point on February 9
GREATER SYDNEY – 171 search & rescue missions including 22 emergency responses with 411 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney State Communications Centre 55, Botany Port Hacking 39, Middle Harbour 19, Port Jackson 19
Image: Rescue watercraft operators from Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet assisted two sailors on St Georges Basin in early February
ILLAWARRA **FEBRUARY REGION RECORD** – 46 search & rescue missions including 21 emergency responses with 89 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Jervis Bay 15, Port Kembla 11, Shoalhaven 8
MONARO – 26 search & rescue missions including 14 emergency response with 50 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Marine Rescue Trial Bay Unit Commander Ian Turner has two missions: saving lives on the water and growing the unit’s volunteer numbers.
Mr Turner said the South West Rocks-based unit is looking to add to its volunteer ranks when it hosts an open day this Sunday, 23 March, at the radio base, perched on top of Horseshoe Bay Headland.
“Marine Rescue Trial Bay currently has 58 skilled and dedicated volunteer members, but we are keen to recruit more from the local community and surrounding areas to join the service and help keep boaters safe on local waterways.
“Volunteers are crucial for the safety of local boaters.
“South West Rocks is a busy boating area, with volunteers at Marine Rescue Trial Bay completing a unit-record 43 search and rescue missions last year and safely returning 89 people to shore.
“The unit is looking to fill a variety of roles, from vessel crew to radio operations and fundraising.
“New volunteers don’t need any boating experience; we teach them everything they need to know, and all the training is free,” he said.
Marine Rescue Trial Bay is a not-for-profit volunteer search and rescue service and relies on community fundraising to assist with local operating costs.
“Our costs include fuel for the rescue vessel, maintenance and keeping the lights on at the base.
“It costs around $2,500 to service our rescue vessel, Trial Bay 30, which is a 10-metre Naiad powered by twin Suzuki 300-horsepower outboard engines,” Mr Turner said.
The Unit Commander praised the small but dedicated team of fundraisers who help keep the unit going.
“Our fundraisers are an amazing group of people who raise funds for the unit at a number of different events, including raffles and BBQs. They would appreciate more assistance,” Mr Turner said.
The Marine Rescue Trial Bay open day will run from 11 am to 1 pm this Sunday, 23 March at Horseshoe Bay Headland. Attendees will be able to tour the unit’s radio base, learn about the rescue vessel, and gain further knowledge about volunteering and safe boating, including the process behind Marine Rescue NSW’s internationally recognised app, which encourages boaters to always Log On and Log Off—saving precious time in the event of an emergency.
“We are also putting on a sausage sizzle and plenty of conversation with our dedicated volunteers,” Mr Turner said.
A combined half-century of service by two volunteers at Marine Rescue Cottage Point was celebrated today, with Christopher Gillett ESM and Paul Millar both honoured during a ceremony at the unit base on the banks of Cowan Creek.
Image: (L to R) Marine Rescue NSW Greater Sydney Regional Director Peter Steigrad, Marine Rescue Cottage Point Acting Unit Commander Leanne Chandler, Marine Rescue Cottage Point Deputy Unit Commander Elizabeth Watts, Chris Gillett ESM, Paul Millar, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell and Marine Rescue NSW Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer
One of Marine Rescue Cottage Point’s longest-serving volunteers, Christopher Gillett, was acknowledged for more than 35 years of dedicated service and was presented with his Second National Medal Clasp. He was also awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation for Service by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell.
“Chris is an incredible individual who has dedicated more than three decades to serving the local boating community and carrying out Marine Rescue NSW’s mission of saving lives on the water.
“He has played a crucial role in developing and providing leadership, capability, and professionalism at the unit. The quality of training and ongoing mentoring of volunteers has ensured that Marine Rescue Cottage Point has the capability to deliver a professional rescue service.
“Chris is a highly skilled vessel Master and continues to impart his knowledge to other volunteers in his role as the unit’s Trainer and Assessor. He has had a major influence on the performance and direction of the unit and has made a significant contribution to the safety of the boating community on NSW waters.
“Chris began volunteering with the Coast Guard back in 1989. He has saved countless lives over the years, and Marine Rescue NSW is grateful for his service,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Image: (L to R) Director Steigrad, Chris Gillett ESM, Commissioner Barrell and Central Zone Commander Duemmer
The Second National Medal Clasp and Commissioner’s Commendation for Service are the latest on a long list of honours for the retired teacher, who was awarded the Emergency Services Medal in the 2001 Queen’s Birthday Honours list and Life Membership of Marine Rescue NSW in 2010. The unit’s rescue vessel, CP 30, bears his name and is affectionately known as the Chris Gillett.
Marine Rescue NSW Greater Sydney Regional Director Peter Steigrad and Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer also attended the ceremony, with Director Steigrad presenting Coxswain Paul Millar with the National Medal for 15 years of service. The National Medal recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations who risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in times of emergency or natural disaster.
“Paul is a valued and trusted member of Marine Rescue Cottage Point. The local community is privileged to have such a highly skilled seaman ready to assist them in their time of need.
“Paul knows the operation inside out. He began his journey at the unit with Volunteer Coast Guard and has previously served as Unit Commander and Treasurer. We congratulate him on his diligent service,” Regional Director Steigrad said.
Image: Chris and Paul were all smiles following the ceremony
Marine Rescue Cottage Point Acting Unit Commander Leanne Chandler said both Gillett and Millar continually go above and beyond to ensure the safety of boaters on local waterways.
“Chris and Paul are brilliant operators, and Marine Rescue Cottage Point is extremely appreciative of what they bring to the unit day in, day out.
“Both men continue to give their time to train and educate our members. They are excellent teachers and great mentors,” she said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Eden will continue searching for a missing rock fisherman on the NSW Far South Coast tomorrow (Saturday, 8 March) after spending more than an hour on the water searching this evening.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Eden was tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command at 5:25 pm this evening (Friday, 7 March) following reports that an angler had been swept off rocks near Boyd’s Tower, south of Eden.
“A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Eden was immediately activated and deployed on board rescue vessel XRAY 30.
“Marine Rescue Eden volunteers searched an area off Boyd’s Tower before being stood down for the day just before 7:15 pm.
“XRAY 30 conducted a coastal search on return to base.
“Volunteers from Marine Rescue Eden will continue the search at 8:00 am tomorrow,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Marine Rescue NSW has begun deploying volunteer flood rescue and support operators, along with staff, specialised vessels, and equipment, to Northern NSW as part of the NSW Government’s response to assist communities expected to be impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Marine Rescue NSW currently has 6-metre multi-purpose vessels (MPVs) and specialised crew located at Tweed Heads (Point Danger), Coffs Harbour, and Nambucca Heads.
Two multi-purpose vessels departed Marine Rescue NSW State Headquarters at Cronulla this morning, along with the Mobile Incident Command van, while another MPV from Marine Rescue Port Kembla also began the trip north, crewed by volunteers from Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet and Shoalhaven.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie are ready to be tasked, while Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) are in position at Marine Rescue Brunswick and Coffs Harbour. An IRB is also being transported north from Marine Rescue Hawkesbury.
Marine Rescue NSW Superintendent Dan Duemmer said Coffs Harbour is the initial staging point for the Service’s flood rescue and support operators and assets.
“Marine Rescue NSW began pre-deploying multi-purpose vessels from the Lemon Tree Passage and Tuggerah Lakes units yesterday.
“Our flood rescue and support operators are highly trained and committed to supporting the multi-agency response when tasked by NSW SES,” he said.
Image: Marine Rescue NSW Superintendent Dan Duemmer during this morning’s Tropical Cyclone Alfred briefing
Superintendent Duemmer advised boaters to avoid going out on the water until the weather system has passed.
“Conditions will be very dangerous on our waterways. It is not worth endangering yourself or others for a day out on the water.
“The forecast winds and swells will make boating hazardous – don’t risk it.
“If safe to do so, boaters should ensure their vessels are moored securely and anchored safely,” Superintendent Duemmer said.
For assistance, contact Marine Rescue NSW on VHF Channel 16 or call Triple Zero (000).
Volunteer radio operators at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay received a MAYDAY call just before 9 a.m. this morning (Wednesday, 5 March), reporting that a vessel with four males on board was taking on water and at risk of sinking two nautical miles (3.7 km) east of Bowen Island off Jervis Bay.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay was quickly assembled, and rescue vessel Jervis Bay 41 was deployed for the mission.
“Jervis Bay 41 arrived on the scene and immediately transferred the four males on board the rescue vessel. They were uninjured.
“The JB 41 crew then rafted the disabled six-metre centre console boat to the rescue vessel and began moving to shallow waters while pumping out excess water.
“An Australian Federal Police (AFP) crew arrived to assist, and while the disabled vessel was being transferred from JB 41 to the AFP boat, it was inundated and capsized in waters off the Hole in the wall, just south of Murrays Beach boat ramp” he said.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Jervis Bay 41 then safely returned the four anglers to Murrays Beach boat ramp,” Inspector Massey said.
As Jervis Bay 41 was returning to base, the crew was tasked with assisting three boaters stranded eight nautical miles (15 km) off Point Perpendicular after their vessel lost propulsion.
Inspector Massey said conditions off Jervis Bay were not favourable for boating today.
“A hazardous surf warning is in place, with the Illawarra Coast feeling the effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Marine Rescue NSW is urging boaters to stay off the water until conditions improve,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW is urging boaters not to risk their lives or vessels as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches.
Marine Rescue NSW Superintendent Dan Duemmer said the New South Wales coast would feel the effects of the system over the coming days.
“Boaters should avoid going out on the water until this system has passed. It is going to be very dangerous on our waterways, and it is not worth endangering yourself or others for a day out on the water.
“The forecast winds and swell will make boating hazardous—don’t risk it.
“Boaters should ensure their vessels are moored securely and anchored safely.
“Be aware that over the coming days and weeks, there will be debris and hazards in our waterways—stay cautious,” Superintendent Duemmer said.
Marine Rescue NSW now has almost 130 endorsed flood rescue and support field operators within its State Operations Group (SOG) after 12 female volunteers from ten units (Point Danger, Brunswick, Nambucca, Tuggerah Lakes, Broken Bay, Port Jackson, Botany Port Hacking, Narooma, Bermagui, and Merimbula) took part in intensive training at Marine Rescue NSW’s first-ever Women in Flood Rescue course, ahead of International Women’s Day this Saturday, 8 March.
In response to recommendations from the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry, Marine Rescue NSW created a State Operations Group and has built capability and capacity to support the NSW Government’s response during weather emergencies.
The Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood course was held at Marine Rescue NSW State Headquarters at Cronulla and Penrith’s Whitewater Stadium and included practical on and off-water training and assessment, as well as a leadership seminar.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said this group of highly skilled women is an asset to their local communities and the state.
“Now that they have had this specialised training, these women can be deployed either in their local communities or throughout NSW with specialist vessels and equipment to ensure they can support the community.
“Marine Rescue NSW is committed to the training and development of all its volunteers. Now this core group of women, who have been trained in this specialist skill, can take that expertise back to their communities to support them in times of need,” Commissioner Barrell said.
The three-day Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue course was supported through a $25,000 NAB Foundation Community Grant.
Commissioner Barrell said the generosity of the NAB Foundation was greatly appreciated.
“The NAB Foundation’s support is vital in helping Marine Rescue NSW expand its flood rescue and support capabilities in local communities,” he said.
Image: (L to R) Courtney Greenslade, NAB Private Client Director David Novakovic, Commissioner Alex Barrell, Dave Bowing, Liv Ford and Jane Shirriff
NAB Private Client Director David Novakovic attended the leadership seminar and was in awe of what the women achieved during the course.
“For them to achieve what they have in three days is incredible. It is really a testament to them, giving them confidence to take on leadership positions in marine services—that is what it is all about.
“The NAB Foundation chose to support this particular course for two reasons. First, flood and rescue services are so needed in Australia due to the climate and environment in which we live.
“Secondly, it is great to see women gain confidence and be empowered to take on leadership roles. For those two reasons, this grant submission was received so highly.
“Flood rescue and support is one of those things—you always want to be prepared but hope you never have to use it. These are exactly the kinds of causes the NAB Foundation loves to support,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW Capability Manager Dave Bowing said participants took part in extensive training before being assessed.
“The women who participated in this course over the last three days undertook prerequisite training in electrical safety, flood rescue awareness, and a range of fitness assessments.
“They attended and completed the self-rescue / land-based flood rescue course at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.
“They also completed their induction on multi-purpose vessels and IRBs (inflatable rescue boats), which are the SOG assets, in addition to deployment activities and taskings, as well as vehicle and equipment familiarisation,” he said.
Bowing said understanding the transport and logistical challenges involved with flood rescue and support is crucial.
“SOG members on deployment may find themselves in locations they have never been to before and deployed with people they do not know. They may be driving a vehicle or a vessel that is unfamiliar to them on roads they have never travelled. Those roads may be damaged or flood-impacted, and the conditions under which they find themselves could be quite strenuous,” he said.
Ten participants passed the course, which is gruelling and complex to ensure they are well prepared to assist during real-life flood emergencies.
The average age of the female participants in Marine Rescue NSW’s Women in Flood Rescue course was 49.3.
Saffron Brun-Smits from Marine Rescue Brunswick said:
“I found it extremely educational; it created a lot of awareness around the potential ways water can act in a flood situation.
“I am much better equipped to deal with those situations if I get the call, and I feel confident that the training I’ve received over the past few days will help me support those in need when we are out there.”
Liz Ellis from Marine Rescue Nambucca said:
“It was a great refresher for me because I’m at Nambucca, and we actually have one of the multi-purpose vessels stationed there, so we have done a fair bit of training on it. But it’s always good to get on a different vessel and go through the whole process from the beginning—checking all the equipment is there and that everything is working as it should.
“A really, really good refresher—driving a vessel that’s basically the same construction, but every vessel is a bit different. We were on unfamiliar waters, which is actually a great experience if you are going to be deployed, as we eventually will be in unfamiliar areas.
“It was all very good practice—refreshing, reinforcing, and working with different team members whom we hadn’t met before. A very good experience.
“Saturday was incredibly physically demanding. They took us right out of our comfort zone—it was very challenging going into that white water, not quite knowing what to expect, having to act very quickly to rescue yourself or someone else. But I guess that could be the reality in a flood zone, so you need to have that experience of how to rescue yourself should you end up in the water.
“I think this group is as ready as we’ll ever be as relatively new inductees. I don’t think anybody going into an emergency situation as a volunteer is going to feel 100% prepared, but I think we’ve learned an awful lot from this weekend, which will stand us in very good stead and hopefully put us in a good position to help the community when needed.”
Sue Hall from Marine Rescue Narooma said:
“It was an amazing experience—incredibly gruelling and very challenging—but it certainly taught us a whole new range of skill sets to survive in floodwater, to rescue ourselves and others. It was just an incredible experience—a huge day, and I’ve learned so much.
“I believe that we’ve gained a huge skill set, and working with other agencies, especially this group of women, has been fantastic. I feel privileged to have trained with them and become part of such an amazing team.”
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Wooli have assisted two adults and a young child sailing from Cairns to Victoria after their yacht ran out of fuel, and their tender became submerged and disabled off Wooli this afternoon.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said Marine Rescue Wooli received a call for assistance just before 12pm today and rescue vessel Wooli 30 deployed.
“The skipper of the sailing vessel, a woman and child were attempting to reach land in a 2.5 metre tender to purchase diesel after the yacht ran out of fuel.
“Unfortunately they got caught by the shore break and took on a substantial amount of water which disabled their engine.
“All three people on board the tender safely made it to shore,” he said.
“Volunteers from Marine Rescue Wooli assisted the sailors, transferring them to their yacht which was anchored between Wooli and Wilsons Headland,” Inspector Murray said.
“The crew on board WI 30 monitored the sailors until the vessel’s engine began working.”
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour managed radio communications for the mission.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers responded to a MAYDAY call from a commercial fishing vessel which ran aground on rocks just east of Bermagui Harbour this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said volunteer radio operators at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre received a MAYDAY call from the skipper of the distressed vessel at 4:40am (Thursday 27 February).
“NSW Police Marine Area Command was immediately notified and a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Narooma tasked to respond on board Narooma 30.
“The skipper of the disabled vessel indicated that all four people on board would attempt to make their own way to shore.
“Narooma 30 searched for people in the water in the area around the disabled vessel while volunteers from Marine Rescue Bermagui observed from the headland.
“Thankfully all four people on board the disabled vessel made their way safely to shore,” Inspector Sullivan said.
The Narooma 30 crew was undergoing a debrief back on land when they were tasked to assist a 36 foot vessel with two people on board which suffered mechanical failure off Cuttagee.
Three Marine Rescue Evans Head volunteers, with a combined 58 years of service between them, have been awarded Life Membership to the Marine Rescue NSW unit.
Karin Brown, Heather Stacey, and Nev Hamilton were presented with the honour during an awards ceremony at the Evans Head Bowling Club.
Image: Marine Rescue Evans Head Life Members Karin Brown and Heather Stacey with Marine Rescue NSW Northern Rivers Regional Director Darcy Henriksen
“The three people (Brown, Stacey, and Hamilton) who have been awarded unit Life Membership have shown exceptional levels of commitment and dedication to Marine Rescue NSW and, as a result, to the community they live in. They provide a wonderful example to other members and people in the community,” said Marine Rescue Evans Head Unit Commander Greg Blackburn.
Brown, who has previously held the role of Unit Commander, said she joined the unit in 2010 after learning that it was in need of volunteers.
“There was a need for radio operators, so I thought I would give it a go.
“It is a real honour to receive Life Membership—I feel really chuffed,” she said.
Former Deputy Unit Commander Hamilton was unable to attend the ceremony in person and instead joined the celebration via video call. Meanwhile, long-serving administrator Heather Stacey was recognised for almost 30 years of service as Treasurer at the unit, having first joined the Coast Guard in 1995.
“We were new to the area. My husband and I were interested in boating and fishing, and we wanted to give back to the community and meet new people in the area.
“I enjoy what I do, but I like to stay in the background,” Stacey said.
Image: Marine Rescue Evans Head Deputy Unit Commander Jim Roberts (L) speaks with Northern Rivers Regional Director Henriksen
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Rivers Regional Director Darcy Henriksen and Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott attended the ceremony, with Mr Schott presenting experienced Coxswain Tony McNally with a National Medal for 15 years of service.
The National Medal recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations who risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in times of emergency or natural disaster.
“It is important that we pause and reflect on all the great work these people have done. They’ve dedicated years of service, and it is vital to acknowledge that,” said Deputy Commissioner Schott.
“We’ve given out a National Medal and also some ratings certificates. It’s great to celebrate this incredible group of people,” he said.
Unit Commander Blackburn said 18 other presentations were made at the event to acknowledge long service at the unit, as well as the contributions of vessel Crew, Watch Officers, and Radio Operators.
“It is important to hold an awards ceremony because all of our members are volunteers. They put a lot of time and effort into training and education to ensure they can offer the best service possible—to serve the public of NSW and bring our boaters home safely,” Mr Blackburn said.
The Unit Commander said the ceremony was the first of what he plans to make an annual event.
Despite experiencing their quietest January since 2020, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers still conducted an average of 21 rescues per day, safely returning 1,670 people to shore last month.
Across the state, volunteer crews completed 662 search and rescue missions in January, including 164 emergency responses.
Marine Rescue NSW’s Mid North Coast region (Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry) experienced its busiest January on record. However, the Service’s five other regions (Northern Rivers, Hunter Central Coast, Greater Sydney, Illawarra, and Monaro) experienced decreased demand, which Commissioner Alex Barrell attributes to skippers preparing better before heading out on the water.
“Boaters are getting the message to prep now and boat later.
“They are making sure their vessel and safety equipment are in good working order. They are carrying enough clean fuel, monitoring the weather and conditions, and Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW.
“Almost 9,000 vessels Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW last month. Every boater should make Logging On part of their pre-launch routine,” he said.
Following a hectic December, which saw Marine Rescue NSW volunteers complete 710 search and rescue missions, Commissioner Barrell commended boaters for taking simple life-saving steps to ensure a safe day on the water.
“Preparation prevents problems from occurring on the water, and boaters should be praised for our volunteers experiencing their quietest January in five years.
By the numbers: Marine Rescue NSW January search & rescue missions
2025: 662 missions
2024: 703 missions
2023: 774 missions (busiest January on record)
2022: 706 missions
2021: 744 missions
2020: 379 missions
2019: 442 missions
“The fewer rescues our crews perform, the more people are having an enjoyable day on the water and getting home safely. That is exactly what we want to see more of,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators across the state managed 25,973 radio calls last month and kept watch over 35,083 people on board Logged On vessels.
“Logging On ensures our dedicated volunteers keep watch for a boater’s safe return, and in the event they go overdue, a search will be initiated.
“It only takes a minute to Log On and protect a lifetime using the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16.
“Logging On saves vital time in the event of a life-threatening emergency,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Breakdown of January 2025 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
NORTHERN RIVERS – 45 search & rescue missions including 21 emergency responses with 146 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Point Danger 18, Ballina 10, Evans Head 7
MID NORTH COAST **January region record** – 61 search & rescue missions including 28 emergency responses with 145 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
HUNTER CENTRAL COAST – 199 search & rescue missions including 41 emergency responses with 465 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 78, Central Coast 42, Port Stephens 40
GREATER SYDNEY – 235 search & rescue missions including 22 emergency responses with 631 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Botany Port Hacking 59, Sydney State Communications Centre 51, Port Jackson 37, Middle Harbour 36
ILLAWARRA – 80 search & rescue missions including 31 emergency responses with 196 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Jervis Bay 28, Port Kembla 19, Sussex Inlet 16
MONARO – 42 search & rescue missions including 21 emergency response with 87 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers sprang into action whilst taking part in yesterday’s Port Hacking Putters Regatta.
Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking skipper Brad Whittaker was on board a classic vessel leading the flotilla when he noticed two kayakers struggling in the water off Lilli Pilli Point Reserve.
“The kayakers had capsized their craft and were finding it very difficult to get back into the tandem kayak due to the outgoing tide and gusty winds, so a rescue was initiated,” Mr Whittaker said.
A new inflatable Marine Rescue NSW state flood rescue and support asset, which was taking part in the regatta, was tasked with assisting the kayakers.
“Rescue vessel MR 13 immediately broke away from the flotilla to go to the aid of the two paddlers in the water off Lilli Pilli Point Reserve,” said Rod Harris, skipper of MR 13.
Image: Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking skipper Rod Harris gives the thumbs up following the successful rescue off Lilli Pilli Point Reserve
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking quickly reached the paddlers and took them safely on board MR 13.
“They were uninjured, and their kayak was secured before being towed back to shore,” Mr Harris said.
MR 13 is one of 16 new flood rescue and support vessels recently added to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet. Following recommendations from the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry, Marine Rescue NSW received $3.748 million in State Government funding to build capacity and capability to support NSW SES and other agencies during major weather emergencies.
When Marine Rescue NSW flood rescue and support vessels are not tasked with weather emergencies, they are used to assist boaters and paddlers on local waterways across the state.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Newcastle were deployed on board rescue vessel Newcastle 30 in challenging conditions last night to assist a sailing vessel with three people on board, which had become disabled off Stockton Beach.
Marine Rescue Newcastle Deputy Unit Commander Rick Nevile said the 12-metre sailing catamaran became disabled off Newcastle while transiting from Sydney to Port Stephens.
“The skipper of the logged on vessel called for assistance just after 9:30 pm.
“The foresail on the vessel had blown out and could not be furled, and one engine had failed.
“The crew on board the sailing catamaran were also battling issues with their anchors,” Deputy Unit Commander Nevile said.
Newcastle 30 reached the disabled vessel, which was almost four kilometres north-northeast of the harbour entrance and approximately 500 metres off Stockton Beach, just before 9:50 pm.
Deputy Unit Commander Nevile said the Newcastle 30 crew secured a line to the disabled vessel to stop it drifting closer to the beach and to assist in the recovery of its anchors before towing the vessel back to Newcastle Harbour.
“Conditions were challenging. There was heavy rain at times and a very strong south southwesterly wind that made it difficult to manoeuvre around the disabled vessel.
“The swell was also between two and three metres.
“All persons on board the disabled vessel were wearing lifejackets, and the fact the skipper was logged on with Marine Rescue NSW reduced our response time.
“We encourage all boaters to log on with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16.
“Logging on ensures our dedicated volunteers keep watch for a vessel’s safe return and saves vital time in the event of an emergency.
“The disabled sailing catamaran and its three crew were safely placed on a mooring in Newcastle Harbour just after 11:30 pm,” Mr Nevile said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Moama are on the Murray River assisting a multi-agency search for a missing man at Barooga in the New South Wales Murray region.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said Marine Rescue Moama was tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command this afternoon (Friday 24 January 2025).
“A volunteer crew was assembled and headed for Barooga with rescue vessel Moama 20 in tow.
“Marine Rescue Moama volunteers on board Moama 20 are currently searching a stretch of the Murray River under the direction of Marine Area Command and will continue to do so until directed otherwise,” Inspector Sullivan said.
With an influx of boaters expected to take to waterways across the state during the Australia Day long weekend, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell is urging boaters to put safety first.
“We want boaters to make safety a priority and take extra care with an expected increase in traffic on the state’s waterways. We would like to see people have a great time on the water – but most importantly, return home safely,” the Commissioner said.
The long weekend is traditionally an extremely busy period for the 3,400 dedicated Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state.
“With large numbers of boaters expected to head out on our waterways – weather permitting – our volunteers are rescue-ready to assist at any time of the day or night,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state completed 120 search and rescue missions during last year’s three-day Australia Day long weekend, safely returning 376 people to shore.
“We would like to see those numbers dramatically reduced this long weekend,” the Commissioner said.
“Boaters need to ensure their vessel is in good working order, use clean fuel and carry some in reserve, always wear a lifejacket, have the correct safety equipment, and Log On with Marine Rescue NSW using the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16.
“Logging on provides peace of mind that if you don’t return as planned, our volunteers will start looking for you,” he said.
“It is crucial that boaters and paddlers monitor the weather and avoid going out if conditions are unfavourable. Always check conditions before heading out, and continue to monitor them while on the water. If in doubt, don’t go out,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Greater Sydney and the Illawarra experienced a record demand for Marine Rescue services in 2024 with more than 10,500 people safely returned to shore after getting into trouble on the state’s waterways.
The hard-working volunteers at Lake Macquarie in the Hunter were the busiest unit in the state completing 652 search and rescue missions and safely returning 1,261 people to shore.
In 2024, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers dealt with everything from capsized vessels to groundings.
Image: Marine Rescue NSW crews attended to almost 200 capsized vessels in 2024
Many of the callouts could have been prevented with better boat maintenance with engine, battery, and fuel issues accounting for 60 per cent of incidents attended by Marine Rescue NSW.
Across NSW crews performed a total of 4,735 search and rescue missions, including 1,364 emergency responses, safely returning 10,539 people to shore.
Image: Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie 31 and rescue watercraft LM 12 and LM 13 respond to a disabled vessel
Demand on the service in 2024 was just below the record 4,786 search and rescue missions conducted in 2023.
Image: Volunteer radio operators work around-the-clock at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators had a busy 2024 managing 242, 586 radio calls – with a large number managed by the 24/7 Marine Rescue NSW State Communications Centre at Belrose.
Boaters are urged to follow these steps to stay safe on the state’s waterways:
Log On and Off with Marine Rescue via VHF Channel 16 or use the free Marine Rescue NSW app available for iOS and Android devices.
Make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket.
Make sure your vessel’s engine and battery are working.
Make sure you have enough fuel and some in reserve.
Always check conditions and safety equipment.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Image: (Far left) Marine Rescue Middle Harbour’s Joseph Allbeury on board Middle Harbour 20
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:
“The demand on Marine Rescue NSW volunteers is constant all year-round. These volunteers play a vital role in the safety of everyone using the state’s waterways 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Communities across NSW are fortunate to have such a highly skilled and dedicated team of volunteers who are rescue-ready day or night.
“I applaud our Marine Rescue NSW volunteers for their unwavering commitment to saving lives on the water, often in challenging conditions.
“Ideally we would like for all boaters to have an enjoyable day on the water and return home safely without incident.”
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner, Alex Barrell said:
“Whether heading out on enclosed or open waters, it’s vitally important for boaters to carry the correct safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket, ensure their vessel is in good working order, carry enough fuel, and continually monitor the weather. A sudden change in conditions can lead to life-threatening incidents.
“Engine and battery failure and running out of fuel are preventable issues, and boaters need to ensure their vessel is in good working order before heading out.
“Marine Rescue NSW radio operators are the link between the land and the sea. They are often the first voice heard by a boater in distress. They play a crucial role in search and rescue responses, and boaters should feel assured that Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are available around the clock.
Image: A volunteer crew on board Terrigal 30 assist boaters near Tuggerah Reef
Other key stats:
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 242,586 calls including 99 MAYDAYs and 61 PAN PANs and kept watch over almost 285,000 people on board more than 76,000 logged on vessels.
Image: Marine Rescue Jervis Bay volunteer Russell Green speaks with radio operators during a rescue response
Breakdown of rescues across regions:
Northern Rivers **EQUAL BUSIEST YEAR MATCHING THE 353 MISSIONS CONDUCTED IN 2023** 353 search and rescue missions including 176 emergency responses with 718 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Image: Ballina 21 (front) and Ballina 30 had a busy 2024
Locations of highest demand were Point Danger 143, Ballina 82 and Iluka Yamba 70.
Of Note: Marine Rescue Ballina set a new unit calendar year record with 82 missions surpassing 76 set in 2023. Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba set a new unit calendar year record with 70 missions surpassing 62 set in 2022.
Mid North Coast – 386 search and rescue missions including 201 emergency responses with 805 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster/Tuncurry.
Image: Port Macquarie 30 is deployed for an offshore search and rescue mission
Locations of highest demand were Forster/Tuncurry 115, Port Macquarie 96 and Coffs Harbour 63.
Of note: Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry set a new unit calendar year record with 115 missions surpassing 109 set in 2023. Marine Rescue Woolgoolga set a new unit calendar year record with 13 missions surpassing eight set in 2020. Marine Rescue Trial Bay set a new unit calendar year record with 43 missions surpassing 40 set in 2023.
Hunter/Central Coast **4TH STRAIGHT YEAR OF MORE THAN 1,100 MISSIONS** 1,393 search and rescue missions including 321 emergency responses with 2,794 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Image: Marine Rescue NSW vessel Lake Macquarie 31 during an offshore mission
Locations of highest demand were Lake Macquarie 652, Port Stephens 265 and the Central Coast 240.
Of note: Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes set a new unit calendar year record with 69 missions surpassing 65 set in 2023. Marine Rescue Norah Head set a new unit calendar year record with 18 missions surpassing 13 set in 2019.
Greater Sydney **NEW REGION CALENDER YEAR RECORD, SURPASSING 1,774 IN 2023** 1,831 search and rescue missions including 258 emergency responses with 4,479 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Image: The seven Marine Rescue NSW units in Greater Sydney were in demand in 2024
Locations of highest demand were Sydney (State Communications Centre) 576, Botany Port Hacking 443, Port Jackson 236 and Middle Harbour 197.
Of note: Marine Rescue Sydney set a new unit calendar year record with 576 missions surpassing 533 set in 2022. Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking set a new unit calendar year record with 443 missions surpassing 411 set in 2023.
Illawarra **NEW REGION CALENDER YEAR RECORD, SURPASSING 481 IN 2023** 495 search and rescue missions including 230 emergency responses with 1,125 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Image: Marine Rescue NSW crews in the Illawarra had their busiest year on record in 2024
Locations of highest demand were Port Kembla 162, Jervis Bay 131 and Shoalhaven 79.
Of note: Marine Rescue Jervis Bay set a new unit calendar year record with 131 search and rescue missions surpassing 111 set in 2023. Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet equalled its busiest calendar year of 60 missions set in 2023.
Monaro – 277 search and rescue missions including 178 emergency responses with 618 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Image: Bermagui 30 approaches harbour with a disabled vessel in tow by Peter Solness
Locations of highest demand were Batemans Bay 125, Eden 42 and Bermagui 32.
Of note: Marine Rescue Eden set a new unit calendar year record with 42 search and rescue missions surpassing 32 set in 2022. Marine Rescue Bermagui equalled its busiest calendar year of 32 missions set in 2022.
Two Marine Rescue NSW vessels and almost a dozen volunteers from Marine Rescue Moama will tomorrow continue the search for a missing male boater last seen on the Murray River near Five Mile boat ramp just before 7:30pm Tuesday 14 January.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said volunteers from the Moama unit were stood down for the day at 6:15pm Wednesday.
Our crew resumed the search at 7am on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Moama 20 before switching craft and using a six-metre flat bottom punt rescue vessel X 20 to assist Victoria Police divers.
“X 20 provided a solid platform for Victoria Police divers with all their equipment to search the waterway and will do so again tomorrow.
“Both Moama 20 and X 20 will resume the search at 8am tomorrow (Thursday 16 January) while the Marine Rescue Moama base is being used a command post by police,” he said.
“Boaters are being reminded that a section of the river will be closed while divers are in the water,” Inspector Massey said.
Nine people have been returned safely to shore by volunteers from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie after the commercial vessel they were on started taking on water 5.5 kms off Swansea Heads this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said radio operators at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie received a call from the skipper of the disabled vessel just before 9am today (Sunday 12 Jan, 2025).
“The commercial vessel was taking on water and at risk of sinking. Multiple assets from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie were tasked for the response with rescue vessel Lake Macquarie 30 and both rescue watercraft (jet skis) arriving on scene within 20 minutes.
“Nine people were taken on board Lake Macquarie 30 with the support of both rescue watercraft,” he said.
“Lake Macquarie 30 was met by rescue vessel Lake Macquarie 31 at the bar where four people were transferred on board the second rescue boat,” Inspector Raymond said.
“Both Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie vessels then transported the nine people safely back to the Swansea RSL wharf, no injuries were reported.
“Lake Macquarie 30 then returned to the stricken vessel and assisted the skipper.
“The six-metre commercial vessel was secured and towed to Blacksmiths boat ramp.
“This morning’s response was a rapid team effort by our dedicated volunteers at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie.
“To have the nine people safely on board the rescue vessel and returned to shore in less than 45 minutes shows how highly skilled they are,” Inspector Raymond said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Ulladulla have safely returned two anglers to shore after their 7-metre boat suffered gearbox issues leaving them stranded 30 kilometres off Ulladulla on the NSW South Coast this afternoon (Saturday 11 Jan 2025).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said the skipper of the Logged On vessel called radio operators at Marine Rescue Ulladulla to request assistance earlier this afternoon.
“A volunteer crew was immediately assembled and Marine Rescue NSW vessel Ulladulla 30 deployed for the mission,” he said.
“Ulladulla 30 reached the disabled vessel within an hour and checked on the welfare of the two persons on board before securing a towline for the long trip back to Ulladulla Harbour,” Inspector Sullivan said.
“The disabled vessel and its crew were safely returned to Ulladulla Harbour just after 6pm.
“The fact the skipper of this vessel was Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW ensured a swift response because our radio operators knew they were out there.
“Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16 saves vital time in the event of an emergency,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Long-serving Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking volunteer and Life Member Noel Parkinson has today been recognised for his decades of loyal service by having a vessel named after him.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said rescue vessel Botany Hacking 32 will now also be known as the Noel Parkinson.
“The naming of a Marine Rescue NSW vessel is a significant honour, and Noel is thoroughly deserving of the recognition.
“For more than two decades, he has dedicated his time and skills to supporting the local boating community and saving lives on the water.
“Noel has been volunteering with Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking since February 2001 and is a highly respected and experienced member of the unit.
“As a Marine Rescue NSW Coxswain and Watch Officer, Noel has played a vital role in countless search and rescue missions. He is a former Unit Commander at Botany Port Hacking and is currently serving as Admin Officer and the Returning Officer for Marine Rescue NSW.
“Noel’s dedication to service on and off the water is greatly appreciated, and Marine Rescue NSW is proud to name a rescue vessel in his honour,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Image: Noel Parkinson (centre) is supported by family (left), Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking Unit Commander Aaron Blackwell, Deputy Unit Commanders Neil Tinker and Rosemary Holloway and Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell.
Botany Hacking 32, the Noel Parkinson, is a 10-metre Naiad built by Yamba Welding and Engineering in 2022. The vessel is powered by twin Suzuki 300-horsepower outboard engines, capable of reaching a top speed of 45 knots.
The Noel Parkinson can travel up to 30 nautical miles offshore and features a state-of-the-art suite of Raymarine navigation equipment, as well as vital search and rescue technology, including a FLIR (forward-looking infrared) camera and side-scan and 3D sonar systems.
Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking Unit Commander Aaron Blackwell said Mr Parkinson has held numerous key roles at the unit, consistently demonstrating exemplary leadership.
“His contributions are significant. Noel has mentored countless members, fostered their skills, and contributed to the success of Marine Rescue NSW. He has been recognised for his exceptional service with Life Memberships from Marine Rescue NSW and the Botany Port Hacking unit.”
Unit Commander Blackwell said Mr Parkinson is a highly experienced mariner and a great asset to not only Marine Rescue NSW but also the boating community.
“Noel has commanded numerous vessels throughout his career. He has been a valuable mentor, generously sharing his expertise and guiding aspiring skippers. His leadership and dedication serve as an excellent example for those who now operate Botany Hacking 32, the Noel Parkinson,” he said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Terrigal will be back on water Christmas morning assisting the multi-agency search for a missing teenage boy off North Avoca Beach.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said a volunteer crew on board Terrigal 30 spent two-and-a-half hours searching waters off North Avoca Beach this afternoon before being stood down for the day at 7pm.
“Marine Rescue Terrigal volunteers will continue the search at 9am tomorrow morning (25 December) on board Terrigal 30.
“Terrigal 30 will conduct search patterns in an area to be determined by NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Raymond said.
A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Terrigal has been tasked to assist NSW Police Marine Area Command with a search for a missing 15-year-old boy off North Avoca Beach this afternoon (Tuesday 24 December).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said a volunteer crew was assembled and rescue vessel Terrigal 30 was deployed just after 4:30pm.
“Terrigal 30 rendezvoused with a NSW Water Police vessel off The Skillion and is now conducting search patterns under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Conditions offshore are choppy with 2.5 metre to 3 metre swell,” Inspector Raymond said.
Marine Rescue Jervis Bay volunteers spent more than three hours this afternoon searching the waters of Jervis Bay after a member of the public reported seeing two stand-up paddleboarders struggling in windy and choppy conditions off Plantation Point shortly before 12 p.m. today.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said all four Marine Rescue Jervis Bay assets were deployed.
“Rescue vessels Jervis Bay 41 and Jervis Bay 20, along with the unit’s two rescue watercraft (jet skis), conducted an extensive search from Plantation Point to Red Point, northeast of Callala Bay.
“A rescue helicopter also swept the area.
“At 3:45 p.m. today, all four Marine Rescue Jervis Bay assets were stood down.
“There are no reported missing persons in the area.
“We acted on credible information, and with gusty southerly winds and choppy conditions, we conducted a thorough search, but nothing was located.
“We encourage all users of powered and non-powered watercraft to always wear a lifejacket and to log on with Marine Rescue NSW, either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16, so our volunteers can monitor their safe return.
“Logging on saves precious time in the event of an emergency,” Inspector Massey said.
Four vessels and numerous volunteers from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay have been deployed to search for two stand-up paddleboarders on Jervis Bay.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said a member of the public reported seeing the paddleboarders struggling in challenging conditions off Plantation Point shortly before 12pm today (Monday, 23 December).
“It is believed the two individuals were blown into deeper water on their boards and were struggling to return to shore near Plantation Point.
“A gusty southerly wind has developed in the bay, and conditions are choppy.
“All four Marine Rescue Jervis Bay assets have been deployed.
“Jervis Bay 20 began the search off Vincentia and has since been joined by rescue vessel Jervis Bay 41 and the unit’s two rescue watercraft (RWC).
“A commercial tourism vessel assisted with the search initially before returning to Huskisson, while Marine Rescue Jervis Bay radio operators are managing communications.
“We encourage all paddleboarders to Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16, Logging On ensures our dedicated volunteers keep watch for their safe return and can save vital time in the event of an emergency,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla has enhanced its search and rescue capability not only across Wollongong and Shellharbour but across the Illawarra Shoalhaven with the addition of two rescue watercraft (RWC) (jet skis) to the unit’s fleet.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said the two RWCs are now operational and ready to be deployed to assist people on local waters in time for the summer holidays.
“These rescue watercraft are certainly going to enhance our operational capability on Lake Illawarra as well as for offshore rescues.
“Lake Illawarra gets a lot of traffic; recreational vessels are going to break down at various times, and people can end up in the water.
“These are rapid-response craft; they are very quick, and they can also get into areas that our normal rescue craft can’t access, particularly shallow areas,” he said.
Inspector Massey said the two RWCs are trailerable, meaning they can be transported across the region when tasked.
“Marine Rescue NSW will be able to deploy them to areas up and down the coast that might require their use, particularly for offshore search and rescue,” he said.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla has been, and continues to be, recruiting volunteer RWC operators.
Image: (L to R) Marine Rescue Port Kembla rescue watercraft operators Stuart Ward, David Mackay and Nick Kuster
“The training for rescue watercraft is comprehensive, and a certain level of fitness is required because of the nature of the craft and the operating environment,” Inspector Massey said.
“We currently have four qualified Marine Rescue NSW RWC operators at the Port Kembla unit, with four more progressing through the training programme, and we are looking for more,” he said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry assisted a solo sailor after he suffered a head injury on board his yacht this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said the sailor was eight nautical miles (15kms) northeast of Forster Boat Harbour when he called for assistance around 7 am.
“The man’s yacht suffered mechanical issues and a torn sail before he sustained a head injury after slipping on board.
“A volunteer crew was assembled and deployed to assist on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Forster 30.
“The Forster 30 crew assessed the man’s condition before a crew member was transferred on board the disabled vessel to monitor the injured sailor and secure a tow line to the yacht.
“All Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are proficient in first aid.
“The injured sailor and his vessel were taken to Forster Boat Harbour where the man was to be assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics,” Inspector Page said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state were busy during November, with the service expecting demand to increase over the holiday season.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said volunteer crews completed 375 search and rescue missions last month, including 98 emergency responses, with 902 people safely returned to shore.
“The large number of search and rescue missions performed by our volunteers across the state in November indicates that Marine Rescue NSW is anticipating an extremely busy holiday season ahead.
“The Illawarra region had its busiest November on record, while our units in the Hunter Central Coast and Monaro regions equalled their busiest-ever November. I can’t thank all of our volunteers enough for their round-the-clock response to assist boaters on the state’s waterways,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Image: Marine Rescue Shellharbour 30 assisted a family off Bass Point after their boat suffered engine failure off Bass Point on November 26
Marine Rescue NSW units across the Illawarra region (Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla and Kioloa) had their busiest November since 2022, completing 41 search and rescue missions and safely returning 124 people to shore.
Units on the Hunter Central Coast (Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast and Terrigal) equalled their record mark set in 2022 with 125 missions, while the eight Marine Rescue NSW units in the Monaro region (Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes and Moama) completed 20 missions, matching the demand of 2022.
Greater Sydney was the busiest region in November, with Marine Rescue NSW’s seven units returning 349 people to shore following 138 search and rescue missions.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 17,818 radio calls last month and kept watch over 19,367 people on board 5,352 logged on vessels.
Commissioner Barrell said boaters and paddlers can provide themselves and their loved ones with peace of mind this holiday season by always Logging On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW.
“People hitting the water can rest assured that Marine Rescue NSW has the capability to assist those in need on enclosed, inland and offshore waters, with more than 120 rescue vessels able to be rapidly deployed.
“A sudden change in conditions, combined with engine failure or running out of fuel in the wrong location, can lead to life-threatening incidents, such as capsizing or running aground. Boat like your life depends on it.
“Our message to boaters this holiday season is: prep now, boat later.
“Marine Rescue NSW crews will assist any boater at any time, day or night, but if you are heading out on the water, we want you to get home safe with wonderful memories of your day.
“Make sure your vessel is in good working order, you have the correct safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket, have plenty of clean fuel, monitor the weather, and always log on with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Breakdown of November 2024 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
NORTHERN RIVERS – 29 search & rescue missions including 16 emergency responses with 56 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Point Danger 13, Iluka Yamba 8, Ballina 7
MID NORTH COAST – 22 search & rescue missions including 8 emergency responses with 48 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
HUNTER CENTRAL COAST **Equal busiest November on record** – 125 search & rescue missions including 31 emergency responses with 252 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 54, Central Coast 26, Port Stephens 17
GREATER SYDNEY – 138 search & rescue missions including 18 emergency responses with 349 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney State Communications Centre 45, Botany Port Hacking 34, Port Jackson 21, Middle Harbour 17
ILLAWARRA **Busiest November on record** – 41 search & rescue missions including 16 emergency responses with 124 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Kembla 18, Shoalhaven 8, Jervis Bay 7
MONARO **Equal busiest November on record** – 20 search & rescue missions including 9 emergency response with 73 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Terrigal have safely returned two boaters to shore after their open runabout suffered engine failure, leaving them stranded three nautical miles off the Entrance near Tuggerah Reef today.
The men on board the disabled vessel contacted radio operators at Marine Rescue Central Coast just before 10:30am.
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Terrigal were tasked for the mission and deployed on board Terrigal 30 for the eight nautical mile (15km) trip up the coast.
Marine Rescue Terrigal Deputy Unit Commander Paul Barrie said conditions were favourable offshore.
“The disabled vessel was located anchored approximately 200 metres off Tuggerah Reef which was breaking when Terrigal 30 arrived.
“It was wonderful that both men were wearing lifejackets.
“A tow line was secured to the disabled before the eight nautical mile tow back to Terrigal Haven where the men were safely returned to land.
“We encourage boaters to always wear a lifejacket and to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16 so our dedicated volunteers can keep watch for their safe return,” Deputy Unit Commander Barrie said.
Marine Rescue Trial Bay volunteers involved in a lifesaving rescue of two men in August 2020 were today awarded Commissioner’s Citations at the Marine Rescue Trial Bay training facility in South West Rocks.
Image: (L to R) David Meani, Commissioner Alex Barrell, Unit Commander Ian Turner and Ronald Young
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the rapid response by Marine Rescue Trial Bay Watch Officer Jennifer Edser and the volunteer crew of Coxswain Peter Holyfield, Ronald Young, Robert Hose, and David Meani on board Trial Bay 30 saved the men’s lives.
“This group of volunteers from Marine Rescue Trial Bay were deployed to assist the multi-agency search on the morning of 5 August 2020 after two fishermen found themselves in waters about six nautical miles off Nambucca Heads when the hull of their runabout split and sank.
“The crew on board Trial Bay 30 located the two men and retrieved them from the ocean a couple of kilometres from where they had made the distress call,” he said.
“The fishermen were returned to shore by Trial Bay 30 before both were taken to hospital by NSW Ambulance,” Commissioner Barrell said.
“The professionalism and teamwork displayed by the vessel crew and the watch officer in the radio room resulted in a positive outcome.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers train for these scenarios, and on this day their skills saved two men’s lives.
“I thank all five volunteers involved in this successful search and rescue mission for their dedication to saving lives on the water,” he said.
More than 250 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready to assist boaters and paddlers on Central Coast waters during this holiday season.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said highly skilled volunteers from the Marine Rescue Terrigal, Central Coast, Norah Head, and Tuggerah Lakes units are ready to respond to calls at any time, day or night.
“The Central Coast region is a busy boating area year-round, but Marine Rescue NSW expects an increase in recreational boaters and paddlers on local waterways during the holiday period.
“People using local waterways, from Lake Munmorah in the north to Broken Bay in the south, and offshore along the 60 kilometres of coastline, can rest assured that Marine Rescue NSW has the capability to assist those in need on both enclosed and offshore waters,” Commissioner Barrell said.
More than a dozen Marine Rescue NSW vessels service the Central Coast Local Government Area. Vessel capability ranges from Marine Rescue Terrigal’s 10-metre Naiad, which can operate up to 30 nautical miles (55 kilometres) offshore, to enclosed waters serviced by the Central Coast unit’s rescue watercraft (jet skis) and the new trailerable six-metre multi-purpose vessel based at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes, which can access waters as shallow as 300 millimetres.
“So far this year, volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW’s Central Coast LGA-based units have completed 284 search and rescue missions, including 59 emergency responses, and have safely returned 575 people to shore,” Commissioner Barrell said.
“More than half of these missions were due to engine and battery failures or running out of fuel.
“Many of these issues are preventable, and we urge all boaters to ensure their vessels are in good working order before heading out and to always carry enough clean fuel, with plenty in reserve,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib emphasised the importance of safety and weather awareness for boaters.
“Whether heading out on enclosed waters or offshore, it is vitally important for boaters to carry the correct safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket, and continually monitor the weather.
“A sudden change in conditions can lead to life-threatening incidents, such as capsizing or running aground on rocks.
“Volunteers at Marine Rescue Terrigal, Central Coast, Norah Head, and Tuggerah Lakes are well-trained, highly skilled, and rescue-ready in case a boater needs their help,” he said.
Minister Dib also encouraged boaters to always log on with Marine Rescue NSW, either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or marine radio VHF channel 16.
“There is definite room for improvement from the Central Coast boating community in logging on and off with Marine Rescue NSW.
“Logging on provides details of their trip, and in the event they don’t return as planned, a search can be initiated. Logging on saves precious time in an emergency. It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime,” the Minister said.
Image: (L to R) Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell and Marine Rescue Terrigal Unit Commander Shaun Smith
Commissioner Barrell said volunteer radio operators and watch officers on the Central Coast monitor marine radio locally during daylight hours, while the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre manages radio communications overnight, 365 days a year.
“Our radio operators are the link between the land and the sea and are often the first voice heard by a boater in distress. They play a crucial role in search and rescue responses, and boaters should feel assured that Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are available around the clock.
“We want all boaters to have an enjoyable day on the water and return home safely without incident. In the event assistance is needed, our crews from Marine Rescue Terrigal, Central Coast, Norah Head, and Tuggerah Lakes will rapidly respond,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga spent three hours searching for a missing male on the NSW Mid North Coast this afternoon.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and vessels were tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command earlier this afternoon (Saturday 7 December).
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels Coffs Harbour 30 and Woolgoolga 30 were deployed to assist NSW Water Police with the offshore search.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crews conducted a parallel line search from Bare Bluff, just south of Sandy Beach to Macauleys Headland,” he said.
“Conditions were challenging with a 15 to 20 knot northeasterly wind and a 1.5 to 2 metre swell.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crews were stood down for the day just after 6:15pm.
“Volunteers on board Woolgoolga 30 and Coffs Harbour 30 will resume the search tomorrow morning (Sunday 8 December) with the two Marine Rescue NSW vessels to rendezvous with NSW Water Police off Bare Bluff at 8am,” Inspector Page said.
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Marine Rescue Port Jackson volunteers are now providing seven-day-a-week coverage during daylight hours across December and January to assist boaters on Sydney Harbour. Volunteer crews will also be on call overnight.
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Deputy Commissioner Dan Duemmer said the service has increased its presence over the peak summer period, with large numbers of recreational boaters expected on Sydney Harbour.
“The Greater Sydney region is the busiest boating area in the state, and volunteers and vessels from either Marine Rescue Middle Harbour at The Spit or Marine Rescue Port Jackson at Birkenhead Point will be on the water for 62 days straight to assist boaters in need, significantly reducing response times.”
“So far this year, volunteers from both of Marine Rescue NSW’s Sydney Harbour-based units have completed 357 search and rescue missions, including 28 emergency responses, and have safely returned 992 people to shore,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer said.
“More than half of these missions were due to engine and battery failures or running out of fuel.
“Many of these issues are preventable, and we urge all boaters to ensure their vessels are in good working order before heading out and to always carry enough clean fuel with plenty in reserve.
“With the amount of traffic on Sydney Harbour, including large commercial vessels, boaters need to be aware of the dangers if their vessel fails on such a busy waterway,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW crews from the Middle Harbour and Port Jackson units have four rescue vessels at their disposal, servicing not only the enclosed waters of Sydney Harbour but also having the capability to assist boaters offshore.
“Marine Rescue Middle Harbour’s 11.5-metre Steber and both of Marine Rescue Port Jackson’s Naiad vessels are capable of assisting boaters up to 30 nautical miles (55 km) offshore,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer said.
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Deputy Unit Commander Glen Lighton emphasised the importance of safety and weather awareness for boaters.
“Whether heading out on the harbour or offshore, it is vitally important for boaters to carry the correct safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket, and continually monitor the weather.
“A sudden change in conditions can lead to life-threatening incidents, such as capsizing or running aground on rocks.
“Volunteers at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Port Jackson are well-trained, highly skilled, and rescue-ready in case a boater needs our help,” Deputy Unit Commander Lighton said.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer also encouraged boaters to always Log On with Marine Rescue NSW, either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or marine radio VHF channel 16.
“There is definite room for improvement from the Greater Sydney boating community in Logging On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW.
“Logging On provides details of their trip, and in the event they don’t return as planned, a search can be initiated. Logging On saves precious time in an emergency. It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime,” he said.
Volunteer radio operators and watch officers at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre manage radio communications on Sydney Harbour and operate 24/7, 365 days a year.
“Our radio operators are the link between the land and the sea and are often the first voice a boater in distress hears. They play a crucial role in search and rescue responses, and boaters should feel assured that the dedicated team at Marine Rescue Sydney are available round the clock.
“We would like to see all boaters on Sydney Harbour have an enjoyable day on the water and return home safely without incident, in the event they do need assistance our crews from Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Marine Rescue Port Jackson will rapidly respond,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie will continue the search for a missing male boater on Lake Macquarie at Valentine today after searching for almost three hours last night.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said Lake Macquarie 31 was deployed just before 9pm last night (Monday 25 November) to assist a multi-agency search led by NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“The volunteer crew on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Lake Macquarie 31 searched waters until 11:45pm.
“Lake Macquarie 31 has been tasked to resume the search at 8:30am today and will conduct search patterns under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Raymond said.
Marine Rescue NSW Chair, Jim Glissan AM ESM KC, has announced the election of three new Regional Directors following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last Saturday. This leadership transition comes as Greater Sydney Regional Director Ken Edwards, Illawarra Regional Director Keven Marshall ESM, and Monaro Regional Director Glenn Felkin ESM stepped down from their positions.
The Board warmly welcomes Peter Steigrad (Greater Sydney), John Samulski CSC (Illawarra), and Caron Parfitt ESM (Monaro) as the newly elected Regional Directors.
“With their extensive leadership experience spanning maritime and corporate sectors, these new Regional Directors bring a wealth of expertise to our Board,” Mr Glissan said.
“Their dedication to operational excellence, innovation, and community engagement will be instrumental in advancing Marine Rescue NSW’s mission of saving lives on the water.”
At the AGM, outgoing Directors Mr Edwards, Mr Marshall, and Mr Felkin were recognised for their extraordinary contributions.
“Together, they have served an impressive 22 years on the Board, shaping and strengthening Marine Rescue NSW during their tenure,” Mr Glissan said.
“Their ability to balance the needs of the organisation with those of unit members has been invaluable.”
Beyond their Board roles, all three have remained steadfast in their commitment to saving lives, dedicating a combined 55 years of service as active members of their local units—Cottage Point, Ulladulla, and Batemans Bay.
“On behalf of the Board and our 3,400 volunteers, I extend heartfelt thanks to Ken, Keven, and Glenn for their remarkable service and leadership,” Mr Glissan said.
Peter Steigrad – Regional Director, Greater Sydney
Peter Steigrad has been a committed member of Marine Rescue NSW for over 15 years, dedicating more than half of this time to leadership roles at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour. He served as Unit Commander from 2018 to 2024 following a two-year term as Deputy Unit Commander from 2016 to 2018. Peter is a Marine Rescue NSW Master, holds an AMSA Certificate of Competence M<24M and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Beyond his Marine Rescue NSW experience, Peter brings a wealth of business and governance expertise. A Foundation Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Peter served on the State Council from 1990 to 1996. He has served as Chair and/or Director at various organisations including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Australian Advertising Industries Council, the Australian International Hotel School and the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia. Peter was the Trustee of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia and Chair of Indigenous Community Volunteers.
As a member of the Greater Sydney region leadership team for eight years, Peter has developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing unit leadership, including financial constraints and growing operational demands. He is committed to working with the Marine Rescue NSW Directors to support units in delivering exceptional service to the boating community. In 2021, Peter was honoured with a Premier’s Citation. His dedication to Marine Rescue NSW was further recognised in 2024 with a Commissioner’s Citation, along with a mention of his service in State Parliament, which was recorded in Hansard.
John Samulski CSC – Regional Director, Illawarra
John Samulski has been a member of Marine Rescue NSW since 2019. He was elected as Marine Rescue Ulladulla Unit Commander in 2022 and has also held the role of Deputy Unit Commander.
John’s leadership experience is built on an exceptional career in military, government and civilian sectors, including an incredible 35 years in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). His extensive military service includes roles such as Deputy Air Commander Australia, Chief of Defence Force Liaison Officer to Headquarters Central Command (USA), and Commanding Officer of 36 Squadron.
In addition to his operational expertise, John brings significant governance and strategic planning experience. He has operated at board level within Defence, overseeing capability management, organisational training, and current operations. He is Vice President of a charitable foundation and co-owner of a small business, further showcasing his ability to lead and manage across diverse sectors.
John’s expertise in crisis management, risk management, and search and rescue operations is complemented by his commitment to fostering strong, cohesive teams focused on achieving shared goals.
Caron Parfitt ESM – Regional Director, Monaro
Caron Parfitt has been an active and dedicated member of Marine Rescue NSW for over 11 years, serving as Marine Rescue Bermagui Deputy Unit Commander from 2016 to 2018 and as Unit Commander from 2018 to 2024. As a Marine Rescue NSW Coxswain and Watch Officer, Caron possesses a comprehensive understanding of Marine Rescue NSW operations, both on the water and in the radio room.
Caron holds a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Statistics. Over her 40-year career, Caron gained extensive experience across information technology, marketing, customer service, strategy and project management. This includes a decade as an independent management consultant, where Caron frequently advised company boards on strategy and operational improvements.
Her leadership at Marine Rescue Bermagui has been marked by a strong focus on communication, stakeholder engagement, and risk management. As Unit Commander, Caron successfully managed significant changes, including the implementation of new technologies like ROIP (Radio Over Internet Protocols) and Seahawk, as well as updates to operational procedures. Caron is also an active member of the South Zone Diversity Group, supporting efforts to increase diversity across Marine Rescue NSW. In 2023, Caron was awarded the Emergency Services Medal in recognition of her dedication to saving lives on the water.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour completed a five-hour rescue mission last night (Thursday 21 November) after receiving a call for assistance from the skipper of a catamaran whose vessel became disabled in waters off Corindi on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said the skipper of the disabled vessel was Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW and contacted radio operators at Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour at 6 pm last night.
“One of the rudders on the 10-metre sail catamaran became disabled, and one of the engines also lost propulsion, leaving the skipper unable to make headway 18 nautical miles (33kms) northeast of Coffs Harbour,” Inspector Page said.
A volunteer crew was assembled to assist and deployed on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Coffs Harbour 30.
“The Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour crew arrived on scene and assessed the welfare of the skipper and his vessel before taking the catamaran under tow at 8 pm.
“There was an issue with the cleat used for the towline on the catamaran, and the line had to be re-established during the tow.
“Because the catamaran was down to one rudder, it was a slow, four-hour tow back to Coffs Harbour International Marina, with the Marine Rescue NSW vessel travelling at seven knots.
“The skipper and his catamaran were safely returned to harbour, with the volunteer Coffs Harbour 30 crew Logging Off at 11:50 pm.
“It was a long night for the crew on board Coffs Harbour 30, with the 36-nautical-mile round trip taking almost five hours,” he said.
“We ask all boaters to check the integrity of the cleats on their vessels to ensure they are of sufficient size and strength to facilitate a tow if required,” Inspector Page said.
“It is pleasing that the skipper of this vessel was Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW, and we encourage boaters to Log On and Off either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16 every time they hit the water.
“Logging On ensures our dedicated volunteers keep watch for their safe return, and should they go overdue, a search will be initiated.
“Logging On saves vital time in the event of an emergency,” Inspector Page said.
Marine Rescue NSW has taken delivery of its eighth and final multi-purpose vessel (MPV) to enhance flood response capability across the state.
The multi-purpose vessel fleet forms part of Marine Rescue NSW’s response to recommendations from the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry, with the service receiving $3.748 million in State Government funding to build capacity and capability to support NSW SES and other agencies during major emergencies.
The new 6-metre vessel, known as MR 26, will be stationed at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes. Like the seven other MPVs already in operation, it can be rapidly deployed locally or across NSW in the event of a weather emergency. When not required for flood rescue and support, the Marine Rescue NSW multi-purpose vessels assist boaters and paddlers on local waterways.
Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes received the new bow-loading vessel yesterday, following sea trials and senior crew induction at Marine Rescue NSW State Headquarters in Cronulla. Volunteers at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes will commence local induction and training on MR 26 this weekend.
Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin said the Tuggerah Lakes-based vessel features a Raymarine nine-inch multi-function display, radio communications, and is powered by twin Suzuki 90-horsepower outboard engines, capable of reaching speeds of up to 38 knots.
“This vessel is really comfortable cruising at around 20 knots, which is ideal for accessing remote areas and isolated places.
“The draft on these boats is only 0.3 metres, so it’s very shallow and will allow us to reach areas we’ve never been able to access before,” he said.
Parkin also highlighted the importance of the bow-loading door, especially for flood support.
“The utility capability of this vessel allows us to carry various items, whether it’s restocking remote communities, evacuating large groups of people, or transporting livestock and feed. There’s plenty of space on the deck for easy loading and transportation,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer said the placement of the MPV at Tuggerah Lakes would enable its use for general operations when not supporting the NSW SES.
“This boat will be active on Tuggerah Lake, Budgewoi Lake, Lake Munmorah, and surrounding waterways, conducting routine patrols and assisting boaters and paddlers.
“The shallow draft nature of the vessel will allow our crews to access local shallow waterways. This trailerable vessel is a year-round asset for Marine Rescue NSW and will enhance search and rescue capability on the Central Coast,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
MR 26 is the second MPV to be based in the Hunter Central Coast region, with Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage housing a new vessel since July. The other MPVs are located at Point Danger, Nambucca, Port Macquarie, Port Kembla, Shoalhaven, and Tuross Moruya units.
The actions of an observant Marine Rescue Port Kembla Watch Officer has led to a male kayaker being saved off Port Kembla this evening (Thursday 21 November).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said volunteer Watch Officer, Phillip Turner was on duty at Marine Rescue Port Kembla’s Hill 60 radio tower when he noticed an upturned kayak on waters off Big Island, which is part of Wollongong’s Five Islands.
“Phillip made the sighting at 5.15pm before NSW Police Marine Area Command was informed.
“A second person was also spotted paddling in the area.
“A multi-agency response was initiated with a Marine Rescue Port Kembla crew mustered and set to be deployed on recuse vessel Port Kembla 31 when Wollongong City Council lifeguards from Port Kembla Beach, who were on duty at the time, used a jet ski and rescued the paddler from Martin Islet and returned him to shore.
“The other man who was kayaking in the area was also assisted back to Port Kembla beach,” he said.
Inspector Massey said conditions off Wollongong were windy this evening and not suitable for non-powered watercraft offshore.
“Without the keen observation of Marine Rescue Port Kembla Watch Officer Phillip Turner (pictured above) and the response from council lifeguards, the outcome could been different,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW encourages all paddlers and boaters to Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16.
“Logging On ensures Marine Rescue NSW volunteers keep watch for their safe return and in the event they go overdue a search is initiated. Logging On saves precious time during an emergency. The paddler this afternoon was not Logged On,” Inspector Massey said.
Eleven young Indigenous boys and girls recently participated in a three-day Youth Safe Boating programme at Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet, where they worked towards gaining their recreational boat licences.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey, Sergeant Russell Agland from NSW Water Police, and Detective Sergeant Paul Reynolds from the Australian Federal Police spent the past few months developing the programme, which was delivered from 7–9 November in the Shoalhaven, with assistance from Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, NSW Water Police, and AFP officers.
“When the idea was first suggested, we jumped at the chance,” said Inspector Massey.
“Having the three agencies come together for community engagement in the Shoalhaven has been excellent.”
The programme provided theoretical and practical boating skills, aimed at helping participants obtain a boat licence.
“Now that we’ve completed this programme, I’m confident these youths will be able to enjoy safe boating for many years to come,” said NSW Water Police Sergeant Agland.
Detective Sergeant Reynolds of the Australian Federal Police praised the smooth delivery of the programme.
“The practical component of these courses is essential for learning safe boating skills. We had a variety of vessels from the AFP, NSW Water Police, and Marine Rescue NSW to teach the youngsters on.”
Marine Rescue NSW Sussex Inlet Unit Commander Brett Eurell led the team of volunteers who put the youths through their paces.
“Our dedicated team of volunteers at Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet stepped up once again to engage the community with this programme. Our volunteers delivered the boat licence course and supported the NSW Water Police and AFP with on-water instruction, providing participants with a cross-section of handling and navigation skills,” said Unit Commander Eurell.
On the final day of the course, participants were greeted by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, and State Member for the South Coast Liza Butler, who wished the youths well ahead of their final assessments.
The Youth Safe Boating Programme was a resounding success, with all participants gaining their boat licences.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Marine Rescue NSW’s 24/7 search and rescue capability enabled its highly skilled volunteers to complete a record 388 missions in October, including 94 emergency responses. This surpassed the previous busiest October record of 384 missions set in 2023.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said volunteer crews safely returned 875 people to shore during a busy month on the water.
“The demand for assistance from boaters and users of the state’s waterways was high last month, and we expect that to continue for the remainder of spring and into summer.
“Unfortunately, mechanical failure accounted for almost half of the incidents in October. These are preventable issues, and we ask all boaters to ensure their vessel is in good working order before heading to the boat ramp and hitting the water,” he said.
Two of Marine Rescue NSW’s six regions experienced record demand last month, with the Northern Rivers and Hunter Central Coast seeing their busiest October ever. Volunteers in the Northern Rivers region (Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba, and Wooli) completed 32 search and rescue missions, while crews on the Hunter Central Coast (Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast, and Terrigal) responded to 127 incidents.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 17,094 radio calls in October and kept watch over almost 23,500 people on board Logged On vessels.
Commissioner Barrell said Marine Rescue NSW’s free, internationally recognised app is a must for all boaters.
“Logging On provides details of a boater’s trip and ensures that our highly skilled and dedicated volunteers keep watch for their safe return. In the event a boater does not return as planned, a search will be initiated,” he said.
The Marine Rescue NSW app was recently named runner-up in the International Maritime Rescue Federation’s award for Innovation and Technology in Maritime Search and Rescue 2024.
“The Marine Rescue NSW app was designed in-house, and we are very proud of the role it plays in helping save lives on the water and providing peace of mind for boaters and their loved ones,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Breakdown of October 2024 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
NORTHERN RIVERS **Busiest October on record** – 32 search & rescue missions including 9 emergency responses with 76 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Ballina 11, Point Danger 10, Iluka Yamba 8
MID NORTH COAST – 23 search & rescue missions including 6 emergency responses with 54 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Macquarie 12, Forster Tuncurry 4, Nambucca 2
HUNTER CENTRAL COAST **Busiest October on record** – 127 search & rescue missions including 26 emergency responses with 270 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 64, Port Stephens 19, Central Coast 18
Image: Marine Rescue Terrigal crew rescues six people after their outrigger capsized on October 26
GREATER SYDNEY – 155 search & rescue missions including 24 emergency responses with 380 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney State Communications Centre 45, Botany Port Hacking 40, Port Jackson 19, Middle Harbour 17
ILLAWARRA – 35 search & rescue missions including 17 emergency responses with 57 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Kembla 12, Jervis Bay 9, Sussex Inlet 6, Shoalhaven 6
MONARO – 16 search & rescue missions including 12 emergency response with 38 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Two Marine Rescue NSW vessels have been tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command this afternoon to search for a crew member missing from a large commercial vessel off Newcastle.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said volunteer crews were tasked at 12pm today (8 November).
“Volunteer crews were rapidly assembled by Marine Rescue Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
“Rescue vessel Newcastle 30 was on water with 15 minutes while Lake Macquarie 30 was deployed and is currently on route to the search location,” he said.
“The Marine Rescue NSW vessels will rendezvous with two Water Police boats and conduct search patterns under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Raymond said.
More assets and volunteers from Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes and Lake Macquarie have been tasked to assist day three of the multi-agency search for a missing child at The Entrance.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said vessels and crews from Marine Rescue Norah Head and Terrigal resumed the search at 8am today.
“Norah Head 20 and Terrigal 30 are conducting an offshore parallel line search with a NSW Water Police vessel while three more Marine Rescue NSW assets are being added to the search,” she said.
Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes vessel TL 20 and rescue watercraft (jet skis) have been tasked to search waters on Tuggerah Lake.
Inspector Greenslade said TL 20 has just been deployed while two Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie rescue watercraft (RWC) and their operators will be on water shortly after departing the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Pelican base at 11am.
“TL 20 and the RWCs will focus on areas in Tuggerah Lake as directed by NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Volunteer crews from Marine Rescue Terrigal and Norah Head have this morning resumed the multi-agency search for a child, believed to have swept into the sea at The Entrance early last night.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said Marine Rescue NSW has two vessels on-water assisting the search today.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels Terrigal 30 and Norah Head 20 resumed the search off The Entrance at 8am.
“Both Marine Rescue NSW vessels are conducting a parallel line search from The Entrance to Pelican Point under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Conditions are lumpy offshore with a 1.5 metre swell and winds gusting at just over 30 km/h,” Inspector Raymond said.
Marine Rescue NSW crews from Norah Head and Tuggerah Lakes spent two hours searching last night before being stood down for the evening.
Two volunteer crews from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie have assisted a skipper whose 20-metre vessel ran aground on the Hastings River this morning (Thursday 31 October).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said the skipper of the disabled vessel contacted Marine Rescue Port Macquarie radio operators at 6.50am requesting assistance.
“The skipper had a navigational issue and unfortunately ran aground at the Kooloonbung Creek turn on the Hastings River.
“Volunteer crews were immediately deployed on Marine Rescue NSW vessels Port Macquarie 30 and Port Macquarie 21 to assist the grounded vessel,” he said.
“Our volunteers assessed the vessel which was a navigational hazard and with the incoming tide in motion they secured a tow line and pulled the vessel safely into deeper water,” Inspector Page said.
“It was fortunate that the vessel ran up on coffee rock which crumbles and hopefully reduced the damage to the hull.
“It is important that boaters follow navigational markers to avoid incident,” he said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie assisted a boater this morning after his vessel overturned off Hams Beach on the state’s Hunter Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said radio operators at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie received a call from the skipper of the distressed vessel just before 7am this morning.
“At the request of NSW Police Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue NSW vessel Lake Macquarie 31 was tasked for the mission.
“Members from Surf Life Saving NSW initially assisted the man offshore before the boater was transferred on board Lake Macquarie 31.
“Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie rescue watercraft (RWC) LM 13 was also tasked to assist with the LM 31 crew and RWC operator helping right the capsized 4-5 metre boat which was located approximately 300 metres off Hams Beach.
“It appears as though the vessel was hit by a larger swell set which rolled the boat, throwing the skipper into the water.
“The man was wearing a lifejacket and we remind boaters to always wear a lifejacket, they can only save you if you’re wearing it.
“Because the stricken vessel was a navigational hazard it was secured and towed by Lake Macquarie 31 to Swansea boat ramp where the boater was also returned to shore,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Terrigal have retrieved six paddlers from waters off Spoon Bay on the state’s Central Coast after their outrigger began filling with water and capsized this morning.
Marine Rescue Terrigal Deputy Unit Commander Darren Wright said volunteers at the unit were notified just before 8am this morning when a member of the Taragal Outrigger Club informed Marine Rescue NSW volunteers of concerns about an overdue outrigger crew.
“We were told their location could possibly be north of Terrigal Haven.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Terrigal 30 was immediately tasked and deployed for the search and rescue mission in lumpy and windy conditions,” he said.
The rapid response by Marine Rescue Terrigal led to the paddlers being located within 10 minutes of Terrigal 30 departing base.
“The paddlers who were all wearing lifejackets were approximately 300 metres off Spoon Bay and when we arrived their outrigger was filled with water, soon after it capsized,” Deputy Unit Commander Wright said.
“The Terrigal 30 crew retrieved all six paddlers and took them on the board the Marine Rescue NSW vessel for assessment.
“We provided them with space blankets and three of the paddlers were showing signs of hypothermia.
“We called NSW Ambulance to meet us at Terrigal Haven.
“The six paddlers were safely returned to shore and assessed by paramedics,” Deputy Unit Commander Wright said.
Offshore rescue capability has been enhanced at Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya with volunteer members Geoff Clarke and Geoff Starkey now qualified Coxswains after completing the Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal).
Coxswains skipper Marine Rescue NSW vessels for search and rescue missions and lead the crew on board, they also play a vital role in educating fellow crew members for deployment.
Image: (L to R) Blaise Madden Unit Commander Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya, Geoff Clarke Coxswain, Rodney Ingamells Unit Commander Marine Rescue Batemans Bay, Geoff Starkey Coxswain and Harley Moss Assessor Marine Rescue Batemans Bay
Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya Unit Commander Blaise Madden said the qualifications earned by the pair is a major boost to the South Coast unit.
“We now have three Coxswains at the unit which will improve offshore rescue capability, response times and crewing our rescue vessel.
“It will also help us increase the leadership skills of our members which in turn will provide a more extensive and enhanced marine rescue service for our local community”, he said.
Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya also thanks the support provided by Marine Rescue Batemans Bay during this course.
“It’s a great example of the two units working collaboratively to achieve a positive outcome”, Unit Commander Madden said.
The Marine Rescue Eden Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (SARCC), located at the Lookout on Bramble Street, will open its doors to the public during this weekend’s 2024 Eden Whale Festival.
Marine Rescue Eden Unit Commander, Roger Barson, said the open weekend would provide visitors with valuable insight into the heartbeat of Marine Rescue NSW’s radio communications and emergency response.
“The Marine Rescue NSW marine radio network spans from Eden all the way up the east coast to Point Danger on the Tweed and is operated by volunteers.
“Marine radio is the vital life-saving link between the land and the sea. When a boater requires assistance on the water, the voice of our highly skilled volunteer radio operators is often the first thing they hear in their time of need,” he said.
Unit Commander Barson said visitors to the Whale Festival and Sapphire Coast residents have a rare opportunity to tour the Marine Rescue Eden radio base, which is one of three Search and Rescue Coordination Centres on the Far South Coast.
“Marine Rescue Eden, Narooma, and Batemans Bay are all SARCCs, meaning they can act as command posts where key personnel from our partner agencies, like NSW Water Police, come together to coordinate and execute a multi-agency response,” he said.
Marine Rescue Eden volunteers from radio operations and vessel crew will conduct tours of the SARCC between 11am and 3pm on both Saturday, 19th October, and Sunday, 20th October.
“Visitors will see first-hand how our radio operators engage with boaters and gain a better understanding of why boaters should always Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW,” said Unit Commander Barson.
“All boaters are encouraged to Log On either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16. Logging On provides peace of mind for boaters and ensures that if they do not return from their voyage as planned; our volunteers will start looking for them.
“The SARCC also overlooks Twofold Bay and provides a wonderful photo opportunity,” he said.
38 volunteers currently support Marine Rescue Eden and Commander Barson said more are needed to assist the boating community.
“Our daily radio operations are delivered by a highly skilled group of 13 radio operators and four watch officers.
“We definitely need more volunteers to be the voice of safety on our waterways. No experience is needed with Marine Rescue NSW providing full free training,” he said.
Marine Rescue Eden volunteers will also be on hand at the Barclay Sporting Complex on Saturday, 19th October, providing safe boating information.
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie’s dynamic fishing duo, Ian and Leanda Guy, cleaned up in the Angling tournament at September’s NSW Police and Emergency Services Games in the Shoalhaven.
The husband and wife returned home to Coal Point on the shores of Lake Macquarie with a swag of medals.
The pair each won six medals, with Leanda claiming overall women’s gold, while the men’s was a tight contest, with Ian taking bronze following a countback.
“It was such a wonderful event, and we enjoyed our time in the Shoalhaven immensely,” Leanda said.
It was the first time the sporty pair had contested the Games, having previously competed at the World, National, and Asia Pacific Masters Games in a variety of sports, including squash, softball, and athletics, with Leanda winning silver at the 2002 World Masters Games Squash Tournament.
“We have competed in many local fishing competitions but never the NSW Police and Emergency Services Games. We’ve always wanted to take our caravan down to the South Coast and thought this would be a nice opportunity to do a reconnaissance mission,” Ian said.
The three-day Angling tournament provided the pair with the opportunity to contest species divisions both inside (enclosed) and outside (offshore), while chasing overall glory.
Ian’s third placing overall saw him take gold in the bream, morwong, and outside flathead categories, along with silvers for inside flathead and men’s outside. Meanwhile, Leanda complemented her overall gold with three silvers and two bronzes in various species categories.
The pair made the most of their first-ever visit to the Shoalhaven, arriving a couple of days before the competition and were even the recipients of a “pay it forward” gesture.
“Lea was getting some groceries, so I went to fill up the boat and got talking to a gentleman at the bowsers.
“I told him that my wife and I were from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie and were competing in the fishing tournament at the NSW Police and Emergency Services Games. He was a lovely bloke.
“He finished his refuelling and headed inside, and then as I was walking in to pay, he stopped me and told me that he had taken care of the bill.
“He said that ‘he loved that we volunteer for Marine Rescue NSW’.
“He told me that he was a paramedic nurse and ‘we have to look after each other’. I was totally blown away by the gesture,” Ian said.
That wasn’t the only friendly encounter the Lake Macquarie pair had. They received fishing maps, along with latitude and longitude coordinates, from two different people and even won a couple of raffles at the Greenwell Point Bowling Club.
On the eve of the Angling tournament, Leanda said they popped into the Marine Rescue Shoalhaven radio base at Crookhaven Heads.
“Their radio base is in such a beautiful location, and the operators on duty, Michael and Robert, were so friendly and welcoming. They took us through the base, and it showed me the friendly spirit of MRNSW,” she said.
Ian said he Logged On and Off with Marine Rescue Shoalhaven on all three days of the competition, which was the first major outing for the new 90-horsepower Suzuki engine on their five-metre Fi-Glass Dominator cuddy cabin boat.
Suzuki Australia provided the pair with sponsorship for the Games, and Ian said the new outboard performed brilliantly.
“We fished in a number of different locations, in 25 metres of water in Berrys Bay and out at Nowra Hill, which is about 2.1 nautical miles off the coast.
“On the first day, the weather was terrible; it would have blown a dog off its chain.
“We headed up the Shoalhaven River to try and find a bank to get out of the wind, and I thought at one stage I’d caught a big jewie. We even had to lift the anchor to chase it, only to find it was one of the biggest stingrays I’ve ever seen in my life,” Ian said.
Leanda and Ian’s debut at the NSW Police and Emergency Services Games resulted in 12 medals, a memorable experience, and some improved fishing spot knowledge for when they finally head south for a holiday.
“We had a wonderful week and look forward to fishing the Shoalhaven again,” Ian said.
Marine Rescue NSW was well represented across a variety of other sports at the Games. Cottage Point’s Bronte Wilkinson won double gold in the women’s 500-metre open water swimming (race and age category).
Marine Rescue NSW IT Support Coordinator Matt Sims teamed up with Penrith-based police officer Chris Peake and prison officers Zach Maitland and Sean Titheridge to win gold in the team darts.
Marine Rescue Sydney radio operator Gary Offner (pictured above) was on target at Nowra Rifle Range, claiming bronze in the 50-metre Prone and 50-metre Bench Rest. Botany Port Hacking Master and Marine Rescue NSW General Manager of Training and Capability, Brad Whittaker, took bronze in the Open Surfing, while Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews excelled in athletics.
Deputy Commissioner Andrews collected silver in the 100 and 200-metre sprints and bronze in the 400 metres and long jump.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers responded to hundreds of boaters in need of assistance on the state’s waterways in September, with crews completing 291 search and rescue missions, including 90 emergency responses.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said 546 people were safely returned to shore following a variety of incidents.
“Our crews responded to a variety of calls for assistance, including offshore medical evacuations, capsizes, groundings, and vessels that succumbed to mechanical failure or ran out of fuel.
“Users of the state’s waterways can rest assured that our highly skilled and dedicated volunteers are rescue-ready 24/7 but we ask all boaters to make sure their vessel is in good working order and they have the correct safety equipment on board,” he said.
The Northern Rivers (Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli) and Mid North Coast (Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry) regions both had their busiest September on record.
Volunteers in Marine Rescue NSW’s Northern Rivers region completed 32 search and rescue missions, while crews on the Mid North Coast responded to 39 incidents.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state kept watch over 20,730 people on Logged On vessels in September, with radio operators managing 16,129 calls, including seven MAYDAYs and five PAN PANs.
“Our radio operators provide the vital link between the land and the sea and are often the first voice a boater in distress hears,” Commissioner Barrell said.
“We ask all boaters to ensure their VHF radio is in good working order and to always Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW, either via VHF channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue NSW app.
“Logging On ensures our volunteers keep watch for a boater’s safe return and saves vital time in the event of an emergency,” he said.
Breakdown of September 2024 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
NORTHERN RIVERS **Busiest September on record** – 32 search & rescue missions including 14 emergency responses with 70 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Point Danger 15, Ballina 7, Iluka Yamba 5
Image: Marine Rescue Trial Bay assisted a boater whose vessel was hit by a whale off Grassy Head
MID NORTH COAST **Busiest September on record** – 39 search & rescue missions including 24 emergency responses with 57 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Macquarie 12, Coffs Harbour 9, Trial Bay 6
Image: Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie secured a house boat after it broke its mooring and hit a bridge
HUNTER/CENTRAL COAST – 78 search & rescue missions including 21 emergency responses with 121 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 35, Port Stephens 17, Lemon Tree Passage 7, Central Coast 7
GREATER SYDNEY – 109 search & rescue missions including 14 emergency responses with 247 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney State Communications Centre 34, Botany Port Hacking 21, Middle Harbour 16, Hawkesbury 14
ILLAWARRA – 21 search & rescue missions including 11 emergency responses with 33 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Kembla 7, Jervis Bay 5, Sussex Inlet 3, Shoalhaven 3
MONARO – 12 search & rescue missions including 6 emergency response with 18 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Batemans Bay 7, Eden 2, Narooma 1, Bermagui 1, Merimbula 1
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Merimbula have safely returned five people including four children to shore after the five-metre boat they were on board suffered battery failure this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a whale-watching operator initially assisted the disabled vessel, which was drifting on waters off Haycock Point before calling Marine Rescue Merimbula for further assistance just after 11:30am.
“A volunteer crew was immediately assembled and rescue vessel Merimbula 31 deployed to assist.
“It was pleasing to see that all on board the disabled vessel were wearing lifejackets.
“Attempts were made to restart the engine but they were unsuccessful.
“The four children on board the disabled vessel were transferred safely onto Merimbula 31 and the boat towed back to the public wharf adjacent to the Marine Rescue Merimbula base,” he said.
Inspector Sullivan said it is important that boaters check their battery and engine before hitting the water.
“Mechanical failure in the wrong location can lead to a life-threatening incident, thankfully this morning that wasn’t the case with calm conditions.
“We encourage local and visiting boaters to always Log On with Marine Rescue NSW via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16.
“Logging On provides peace of mind and ensures our highly skilled radio operators keep watch for their safe return. Logging On saves vital time in the event of an emergency.
“Today has been the best weather since the commencement of the school holidays and there has been considerable boating traffic on South Coast waterways.
“The six Marine Rescue NSW units in the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shires are rescue ready these school holidays and prepared to respond any time of day or night,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Marine Rescue Shoalhaven’s large offshore vessel, Shoalhaven 30, has undergone a major refurbishment that will extend its operational life for at least another 10 years.
Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manager, Kelvin Parkin, said the 2011-built, 11.5-metre Steber cabin cruiser has spent the past six weeks undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment at Barrenjoey Marine Electrics and Mac Marine on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. This work ensures that Shoalhaven boaters in need of assistance will have a safe and highly capable rescue vessel to aid them.
“A full refurbishment has been completed on the interior and exterior of the vessel, including the installation of two new Yanmar inboard engines by Wakeford Marine Services.
“The electronics have been replaced with new Raymarine navigation and communications equipment, as well as new wiring and switching systems. The vessel also has a new mast, radar, and FLIR (forward-looking infrared camera) to assist crews during search and rescue missions.
“The topside of the vessel has been fully sealed and recoated, and Planet Wrap has applied new livery to the boat.
“The hull has also undergone extensive work, including gel coat repairs and antifoul renewal.”
Parkin said volunteer safety and comfort had been improved to help manage crew fatigue.
“We have changed the seating arrangements on the vessel to shock-absorbing Salti Bliss seats, making it much more comfortable for the crew to use.”
The refurbished Shoalhaven 30 was put through an extensive sea trial yesterday afternoon to test the vessel’s operational readiness.
“We’ve completed the sea trials, tested the autopilot and internal systems, along with fuel burns, and she passed with flying colours,” Parkin said.
The refurbished Shoalhaven 30 is expected to arrive home on the Shoalhaven River around 2pm today after departing Newport at 7:30 this morning.
Image: Marine Traffic location of SA 30 at 9:41am on October 1, 2024
“This vessel is now as good as new which will provide the unit with many more years of quality service.
“The volunteers at Marine Rescue Shoalhaven love this vessel and were extremely supportive of the refurbishment.
“Shoalhaven 30 is a solid Steber vessel and she has served the unit extremely well over the years. We look forward to another good decade of service from her,” Parkin said.
Ongoing financial support from the NSW Government has contributed to the cost of the refurbishment, supporting the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,400 volunteers.
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet assisted two men after their Hobie catamaran capsized on St Georges Basin this afternoon (Saturday, 28 September).
Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet radio operators received a call from a member of the public alerting them to the incident just after 2pm.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said Sussex Inlet 20 was tasked for the mission.
“A volunteer crew was training on board Sussex Inlet 20 at the time and immediately deployed to assist the sailors at Erowal Bay while NSW Ambulance was called.
“They were assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics before boarding Sussex Inlet 20,” he said.
“NSW Police Marine Area Command requested that the Sussex Inlet 20 crew right the capsized catamaran, as it was a navigation hazard,” Inspector Sullivan said.
“The crew on board Sussex Inlet 20, with assistance from the two rescue watercraft operators, successfully righted the vessel and returned it, along with the two men, safely to shore at Erowal Bay.
“We encourage boaters and sailors to always check conditions and to Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF Channel 16. Logging on ensures our volunteers monitor their safe return, which saves vital time in the event of an emergency,” he said.
A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Trial Bay successfully extracted an ill man from a fishing trawler in challenging conditions at Trial Bay on the New South Wales Mid North Coast overnight.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said a PAN PAN call was received by radio operators at the Marine Rescue NSW State Communications Centre just before 6pm last night (Thursday 26 September).
“The skipper of the trawler radioed for immediate assistance after a 25-year-old crew member on board the trawler fell ill,” he said.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Trial Bay 30 was deployed and within 20 minutes reached the trawler,” said Inspector Page.
“The transfer took place in the bay near Laggers Point with the trawler moving into the bay for protection from strong winds which were gusting up to 55km/h.
“The winds and bumpy sea along with darkness made the extraction challenging with Trial Bay 30 pulling up alongside the trawler’s stern before tying off to transfer the patient on to the rescue vessel.
“The man was monitored by the volunteer crew on the journey to the Marine Rescue Trial Bay air berth on the Macleay River.
“Our volunteers then assisted the man onto land where he was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics,” Inspector Page said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Brunswick completed a rapid medical evacuation from a fishing trawler off Byron Bay this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said Marine Rescue Brunswick was tasked for the mission by NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“A call was received just before 10am that a 17-year-old male was suffering a medical episode on board a fishing trawler.
“A volunteer crew was quickly assembled and Marine Rescue NSW vessel Brunswick 30 deployed.
“Brunswick 30 met the trawler one nautical mile (1.8km) off Cape Byron and transferred the young male onto the Marine Rescue NSW vessel.
“The BR 30 crew assisted the patient and took him to Brunswick Boat Harbour where NSW Ambulance paramedics were waiting to provide further treatment,” Inspector Murray said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Shoalhaven have been tasked to locate an entangled whale off the Illawarra Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said the whale is believed to be heading south in waters off Greenwell Point.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on board Shoalhaven 20 were deployed at 1:45pm today to relieve the ORRCA drone which was following the whale off Gerroa.
“Shoalhaven 20 is attempting to locate the entangled whale and once they do our crew will monitor it until the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Whale Disentanglement team arrives on scene.
“Marine Rescue NSW will provide mothership support to the NPWS team if required,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Marine Rescue NSW’s 3,400 volunteers across the state performed 263 search and rescue missions last month, the service’s second-busiest August since 2022, when volunteers completed 267 missions.
Marine Rescue NSW crews safely returned 526 people to shore last month with 88 of the 263 missions emergency responses.
The Greater Sydney (Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson, and Botany Port Hacking) and Monaro (Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes, and Moama) regions both had their busiest August on record.
Volunteers in Marine Rescue NSW’s Greater Sydney region completed 104 search and rescue missions, surpassing the previous record of 91 responses in August 2020, while crews in the Monaro region responded to 15 incidents, one more than the 14 missions completed in 2022.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers in the Northern Rivers and Illawarra regions completed their second-busiest August in the 15-year history of the service.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said favourable weather conditions saw large numbers of boaters hitting the state’s waterways, but far too many were still succumbing to mechanical problems.
“Engine failure and flat batteries are preventable incidents with regular maintenance. Boaters need to be aware that mechanical failure can lead to a life-threatening situation. Those planning to hit the water this spring need to make sure their equipment is in good working order to avoid becoming a statistic.
“It is concerning that more than 100 vessels needed assistance on Greater Sydney waterways last month but thankfully our volunteers were able to rapidly respond and return 217 people safely to shore,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell is reminding boaters to always carry enough fuel, with some in reserve, and to monitor the weather.
“It is also vitally important that boaters have the correct safety equipment on board and always wear a personal flotation device. A lifejacket can’t help you if you don’t have one on,” the Commissioner said.
In August, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers kept watch over more than 22,000 people on Logged On vessels.
“Logging on with Marine Rescue NSW provides peace of mind for boaters and their families, knowing that our dedicated volunteers will keep watch for their safe return. Logging on is quick and can be done via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16. It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime,” he said.
Five MAYDAY and three PAN PAN calls were received last month, with Marine Rescue NSW volunteers managing 18,465 radio calls through local unit bases and the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre at Belrose.
Breakdown of August 2024 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
NORTHERN RIVERS – 23 search & rescue missions including 10 emergency responses with 47 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Point Danger 13, Ballina 6, Brunswick 2, Iluka Yamba 2
**Second-busiest August since the same month in 2022 when 37 missions were completed
MID NORTH COAST – 21 search & rescue missions including 13 emergency responses with 42 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Forster Tuncurry 7, Port Macquarie 5, Coffs Harbour 5
HUNTER/CENTRAL COAST – 64 search & rescue missions including 17 emergency responses with 105 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 27, Port Stephens 17, Central Coast 11
GREATER SYDNEY – 104 search & rescue missions including 18 emergency responses with 217 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney State Communications Centre 35, Botany Port Hacking 26, Port Jackson 16
**Busiest August since the same month in 2020 when 91 missions were completed
ILLAWARRA – 36 search & rescue missions including 21 emergency responses with 99 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Kembla 14, Jervis Bay 7, Shoalhaven 6
**Second-busiest August since the same month in 2022 when 37 missions were completed
MONARO – 15 search & rescue missions including 9 emergency response with 16 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Batemans Bay 13 (all time August record), Bermagui 2**Busiest August since the same month in 2022 when 14 missions were completed
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Shoalhaven completed an extensive seven-hour response on Saturday night (31 August) to assist 35 canoeists stranded on the Shoalhaven River after their support vessel experienced engine difficulties.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Port Kembla based volunteers received a call for assistance from the group just after 6.30pm Saturday.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Shoalhaven 20 was dispatched to assist with the rescue.
“After a two-hour journey the Marine Rescue NSW crew reached the group, who were located approximately 20 kilometres west of Nowra Bridge.
“Due to strong head winds, the group were struggling to complete the return journey.
With the large number of canoeists in the group, Inspector Massey contacted the local NSW Rural Fire Service unit for assistance.
“Rescue vessel Shoalhaven 20 transported members of the group to a nearby museum jetty, completing a number of trips to successfully transfer all 35 people to shore.
“Local RFS crews were then able to transport the canoeists by bus back to Nowra.
“The Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on Shoalhaven 20 then made the return journey to the unit’s base, arriving back at around 1.40am.
“Last night’s mission was not only a success, it was also a great example of collaboration between local emergency service organisations,” Inspector Massey said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Trial Bay have saved two jet ski riders from a life-threatening situation off Laggers Point at Arakoon.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said the riders made a MAYDAY call after their jet ski became disabled close to rocks on the ocean side of Laggers Point just after 1:30pm today.
“One of the men on board issued a MAYDAY call on their radio via VHF channel 16.
“There was understandably some panic in his voice because they thought they were going to be washed onto the rocks.
“A volunteer crew was quickly assemble and deployed on rescue vessel Trial Bay 30.
“A Marine Rescue Trial Bay Rescue Watercraft operator was also put on standby to assist if required.
“Trial Bay 30 reached the men and the disabled jet ski which was just metres away from rocks and successfully secured a towline.
“The two men were safely returned to the Laggers Point boat ramp along with their disabled vessel.
“It was a rapid response and successful mission with no injuries reported,” he said.
Inspector Murray praised the men for having a VHF radio on board the jet ski.
“The fact they had a marine radio to contact Marine Rescue NSW radio operators saved valuable time allowing us to initiate an immediate rescue mission.
“We encourage all boaters and jet ski riders to always Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either via VHF channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue NSW app,” Inspector Murray said.
Marine Rescue NSW has delivered three new multi-purpose vessels to units in the Illawarra and South Coast.
The vessels form part of Marine Rescue NSW’s response to recommendations from the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry with the Service receiving $3.748 million State Government funding to build capability and capacity to support NSW SES and other agencies during significant emergencies.
Marine Rescue NSW has developed a fleet of multi-purpose vessels (MPVs), which at the request of NSW SES can be deployed quickly across NSW in the event of a weather emergency. When they are not required for flood rescue and support, they will be housed at units across NSW and used to assist boaters on local waterways. Marine Rescue NSW now has seven MPVs in operation with a further one under construction.
The Marine Rescue Port Kembla, Shoalhaven and Tuross Moruya units have each taken delivery of new 6 metre, bow loading, Suzuki powered multi-purpose vessels after volunteers were inducted on the boats at Lake Illawarra.
Marine Rescue NSW Capability Manager Dave Bowing said the Service now has 100 volunteers who are endorsed to be deployed with assets at the request of NSW SES.
“When the SES have a requirement for search capacity or any other operational response requirement in relation to flood, they’ll contact Marine Rescue NSW and we will assemble the required number of crews and vessels and supporting assets and send them out wherever they may be required.
“They can be responded locally or they can go right up north to Lismore, right down south to Eden or further afield West out to Deniliquin, even as far as Broken Hill, anywhere in New South Wales,” Bowing said.
Marine Rescue NSW’s Southern Zone currently has 26 endorsed volunteers with a further 40 still undergoing training.
Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin said the vessels delivered to the Southern Zone are all six metres long, feature Raymarine nine-inch multi-function displays, radio communications and are powered by twin Suzuki 90 horsepower outboard engines capable of reaching up to 40 knots.
“These vessels are really comfortable cruising around that 20 knot mark, which is all we need for getting into those remote areas and isolated places.
“The draft on these boats is only point-three, so it’s very shallow and will allow us to get into areas that we’ve never been able to access before,” he said.
Parkin said the bow-loading door is also a vital feature especially when providing flood support.
“The utility capability of this vessel allows us to carry multiple things, whether it’s restocking remote communities, evacuating large groups of people, livestock and feed for those animals, we’ve got plenty of space on the deck that we can actually load up and transport quite easily,” he said.
The Shoalhaven and Tuross Moruya units are each receiving Sentinel built vessels (pictured above) which Parkin said, are different to boats traditionally built for the Service.
“MR 24 and MR 25 have a high density polyethylene hull, so very thick plastic, they are pretty much unbreakable and recyclable.
“The development of these vessels is going to change how we look at building boats in the future for different circumstances,” he said.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla will house MR 27, which was built by Moda Marine in Newcastle.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey said the addition of the MPVs to the Service’s fleet would see units use them for general operations when not tasked by the NSW SES.
“These boats will be out on Lake Illawarra, in the Shoalhaven River and out at Tuross doing business as usual patrols and assisting boaters on our waterways.
“The shallow draft on these vessels means that they can get into areas that our other vessels normally couldn’t, so these vessels are 365 day a year assets for Marine Rescue NSW.
“The assets will be used every day, anytime that we’re requested to go out and assist somebody, these vessels will be tasked to go out should they be the appropriate vessel for the job,” he said.
Inspector Massey said the vessel induction for volunteers from the Port Kembla, Shoalhaven and Tuross Moruya units was extremely thorough.
“The training that we give our volunteers is comprehensive; it needs to be to make sure that we’re operating in a safe environment for them and also for the members of the public that we’re going out to assist.
“We do everything that we can to make sure that the induction is thorough and they understand fully how the vessels operate and also how they manoeuvrer because quite often it is the close quarters manoeuvring that is the difficult thing to master,” he said.
Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes volunteer Bob Blue has been awarded the National Medal for 15 years long and diligent service to community.
Following a career with the Australian Defence Force, Mr Blue began volunteering with Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes in 2016 and is today a rated senior crew member and radio officer.
Mr Blue was presented the medal by Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong The Hon. David Harris during a ceremony at the unit’s Toukley base.
Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Unit Commander Bob Sutton thanked Mr Blue for his commitment to saving lives on the water.
“Bob is a highly skilled and dedicated volunteer at the unit and it is wonderful to see his long service to community acknowledged.
“He is an extremely reliable and committed member of our unit, I’ve been tasked to numerous emergency responses with Bob and have total confidence working alongside him, the community should be proud to have such a wonderful man serving our area,” Unit Commander Sutton said.
Minister Harris also inspected the unit’s upgraded solar system, which was funded through a $20,566 Community Building Partnership Program grant.
The solar system powers the Toukley base saving the unit approximately $4,000 annually.
“Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes is extremely grateful for the financial assistance provided by the NSW Government to facilitate the solar upgrade,” Unit Commander Sutton said.
“The money saved on electricity can now be spent on lifesaving equipment and maintaining our service to assist users of our local waterways,” he said.
Lighting inside and around the base has also been upgraded with LED lights which will improve safety and response times at night.
“The upgraded lighting has made an incredible difference to crew readiness and response times during evening rescue missions.
“The lights cover the jetty and boat ramp making it safer for our volunteers and the people we rescue when transferring them from our vessels.
With the new boating season approaching on October 1, Unit Commander Sutton is reminding users of local waterways to always prepare before heading out on the water and to continually monitor conditions.
“The weather can turn very quickly over the Tuggerah Lakes so if you arrive at the boat ramp and conditions have deteriorated, don’t risk it, there will always be another day when conditions are favourable,” he said.
So far this year, volunteers at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes have completed 36 search and rescue missions including 4 emergency responses, safely returning 62 people to shore.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Port Kembla and Shellharbour units assisting the multi-agency search for two missing male rock fishers off Kiama have returned to base this afternoon after being deployed on board Port Kembla 31 at 7:30am today.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey said volunteer crews from the Shellharbour and Jervis Bay units are preparing to join the search tomorrow (21 August).
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels Shellharbour 30 and Jervis Bay 41 are set to continue the search on waters south of Kiama tomorrow.
“The two Marine Rescue NSW vessels are planned to rendezvous with Port Kembla Water Police at 7am Wednesday.
“Shellharbour 30 and Jervis Bay 41 will conduct search patterns which will be determined by NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Massey said.
A new replacement vessel for Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie has undergone a successful sea trial at Yamba on the state’s Northern Rivers.
Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin said the new Lake Macquarie 31 is an 8.5 metre Naiad built by Yamba Welding and Engineering.
“LM 31 is a pleasure to operate and will enhance search and rescue response at Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie which is the busiest of our 46 units across New South Wales,” he said.
The new vessel replaces the unit’s former 7.5 metre Sailfish CAT and features and an axe head bow capable of heavy bar crossings, a full Raymarine suite of navigation equipment, FLIR (forward looking infrared camera) radar and sonar.
“This vessel will provide lifesaving capability both offshore and on enclosed waters.
“She has excellent manoeuvrability and will compliment Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie’s existing 10 metre Naiad LM 30 and two rescue watercraft (jet skis),” Parkin said.
Lake Macquarie 31 is powered by twin Suzuki 250 horsepower outboard engines.
“It has a nice cruising speed of 20 to 30 knots and a top speed of about 42 knots so it can respond quickly but also stay on the water for long periods of time,” Parkin said.
Lake Macquarie 31 will be transported to Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie by truck and is expected to be delivered to the unit by the end of the month.
The NSW Government has contributed to the cost of this vessel to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,400 volunteers.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Kembla have been tasked to assist NSW Water Police with a search for two rock fishers believed to missing off Kiama.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Port Kembla 31 was deployed at 7:30am today (20 August).
“The Marine Rescue NSW crew on board PK 31 will assist Port Kembla Water Police with a coastal contour search in waters off Kiama Blowhole after the two people reportedly failed to return from a fishing trip early last night.
“The Marine Rescue Port Kembla crew has just joined the search under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Sea conditions off Kiama are fair this morning,” Inspector Massey said.
Former Marine Rescue Bermagui Unit Commander Caron Parfitt ESM departs for Helsinki on Wednesday (21 August) to take part in this week’s International Maritime Rescue Federation Women in Search and Rescue (SAR) training course.
The 2024 Women in SAR course is limited to 16 participants and is being hosted by the Finnish Lifeboat Institution from August 23 to 25 at the Bågaskär Training Centre in Inkoo, Finland.
As an IMRF Trustee, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said Ms Parfitt is extremely deserving of the opportunity to enhance her search and rescue knowledge.
“The IMRF initiative around women in SAR is a great program.
“For Marine Rescue NSW to be able to have one of our volunteer members attend and take part with participants from right around the globe is wonderful for our organisation.
“I’m sure that Caron will bring back some wonderful learnings to enhance Marine Rescue NSW,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Ms Parfitt has been volunteering with Marine Rescue Bermagui for more than 11 years and was awarded the Emergency Services Medal in June 2022.
She is an operational Coxswain and Watch Officer and recently completed a six-year tenure as Unit Commander at Marine Rescue Bermagui.
“With Caron’s skills and experience, to be able to go overseas and work with those on the international stage, showcasing our high level of training is wonderful for Caron and Marine Rescue NSW,” said Commissioner Barrell.
“The opportunity that Caron has is twofold; it is about her taking some of our skills over there but more importantly bringing back those skills that are being practiced globally.
“The whole mission of the IMRF is about enhancing maritime search and rescue across the globe and how that works in with each of those jurisdictions is really important for the safety of boaters globally,” he said.
Ms Parfitt said she is honoured to be representing the South Coast and Marine Rescue NSW at the course.
“The exercise is a huge opportunity to learn and share ideas with women from other countries who are involved in search and rescue.
“I expect there will be an enormous depth of knowledge and skill amongst the participants, many of whom represent organisations that have been saving lives on the water for generations such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in the UK who have just celebrated 200 years.
“I am looking forward to sharing newly gained knowledge and skills with other Marine Rescue NSW volunteers when I return to further develop our search and rescue capability,” she said.
Two anglers whose vessel suffered engine failure off the Moruya River mouth today have been safely returned to shore after a rapid response by Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from Batemans Bay and Tuross Moruya.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said the skipper of a disabled 4.75 metre cabin runabout called Marine Rescue Batemans Bay for assistance just before 12:30pm.
“With the stranded anglers located two nautical miles (3.7km) off the mouth of the Moruya River a volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya was assembled.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Tuross Moruya 21 was deployed and within 15 minutes of our crew hitting the water, they located and secured the disabled vessel.
“The boat was towed to Preddys Wharf where the men were safely returned to shore,” he said.
Inspector Sullivan said the synergy between radio operators at Marine Rescue Batemans Bay and vessel crew from the Tuross Moruya unit facilitated an efficient response.
“Our volunteers are highly skilled both on and off the water with Marine Rescue Batemans Bay radio operators again showing they play a vital role as the link between the land and those on the sea.
“The TU 21 crew did an excellent job on water, completing a successful mission.
“We remind all boaters to check their engine and battery regularly ensure they have correct safety equipment on board, monitor the weather and to always Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16.
Despite the cool weather experienced across the state last month, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers completed 242 search and rescue missions, including 81 emergency responses.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the skill and dedication displayed by the Service’s 3,400 volunteers meant hundreds of boaters were safely returned to shore in July.
“The rapid response from our crews ensured that almost 400 people on board disabled or distressed vessels were able to return home to family and friends after their voyage on state’s waterways didn’t go to plan,” he said.
44% of missions in July were for engine, fuel or battery issues with Commissioner Barrell highlighting that Marine Rescue NSW saw a spike in grounding incidents last month.
“Our crews responded to almost 30 groundings across the state which are avoidable incidents.
“Boaters need to be aware of the tides, the environment and the conditions to avoid grounding their vessel and potentially ending up in an emergency situation,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Eight MAYDAY and five PAN PAN calls were received last month with Marine Rescue NSW volunteers managing 15,926 radio calls through local unit bases and the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre at Belrose.
Commissioner Barrell is encouraging all skippers to make Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW part of their pre-launch routine with the Service’s volunteers keeping watch over 20,475 people on board Logged On vessels in July.
“Boaters can Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW either via VHF channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue app.
“Logging On provides details of your voyage so Marine Rescue NSW volunteers can keep watch for your safe return, if a boater doesn’t return as planned a search will be initiated.
“Logging On saves precious time in the event of a life-threatening emergency on our waterways,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie was the busiest of the Service’s 46 units completing 38 search and rescue missions in July. Volunteers at Marine Rescue Sydney (State Communications Centre) were kept busy with 32 responses while for the first time in Marine Rescue NSW history, Port Kembla was the third busiest unit in NSW with 16 missions.
Breakdown of July 2024 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
NORTHERN RIVERS – 26 search and rescue missions including 14 emergency responses with 46 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Point Danger 8, Ballina 7, Evans Head 4
MID NORTH COAST – 19 search & rescue missions including 8 emergency responses with 39 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Coffs Harbour 6, Port Macquarie 4, Forster Tuncurry 3
HUNTER/CENTRAL COAST – 72 search & rescue missions including 20 emergency responses with 128 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 38, Central Coast 15, Port Stephens 14
GREATER SYDNEY – 82 search & rescue missions including 14 emergency responses with 106 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney State Communications Centre 32, Botany Port Hacking 15, Broken Bay 11
ILLAWARRA – 30 search & rescue missions including 13 emergency responses with 57 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Kembla 16, Ulladulla 5, Shoalhaven 3, Jervis Bay 3
MONARO – 13 search & rescue missions including 12 emergency response with 15 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Batemans Bay 5, Bermagui 4, Merimbula 1, Eden 1, Narooma 1, Tuross Moruya 1
Marine Rescue Eden Deputy Unit Commander and Radio Operator Nancy Weatherman has been crowned Marine Rescue NSW’s Officer of the Year at the prestigious Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) which were held at Bankstown Sports Club last night (10 August 2024).
Image: (L to R) Port Jackson’s Kelli Jovanovski, Merimbula’s Deputy Unit Commander Sonia Teston, Port Macquarie’s David Bigeni, 2024 Marine Rescue NSW Officer of the Year Nancy Weatherman and Commissioner Alex Barrell
Ms Weatherman was presented the honour and supported by fellow Marine Rescue NSW finalists, Merimbula Deputy Unit Commander and Coxswain Sonia Teston, Port Jackson Training Systems Officer Kelli Jovanovski, Port Macquarie Coxswain and Maintenance Manager David Bigeni (BA-GENIE) and Youth Scholarship finalist Port Jackson’s Sophie Baker.
Ms Weatherman said she was shocked to receive the award and paid tribute to her fellow volunteers at Marine Rescue Eden.
“I am very pleased and very honoured but it has taken a team to get me where I am tonight, it wasn’t just me, it was everyone at the Eden unit that helped me get here,” she said.
The Eden Deputy Unit Commander said she enjoys volunteering with Marine Rescue NSW and helping South Coast boaters.
“They (the boaters) know that someone has got their back, if something happens, I’m the link between them having a bad day and getting home safely.
“Marine Rescue NSW Radio Operators are the people who take the call when things don’t go the way a boater had hoped.
“They help coordinate and manage the communications for the rescue response,” Ms Weatherman said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell commended the dedication and skill of the Service’s finalists.
“It is wonderful to be with our RESCA finalists tonight to celebrate their contribution to Marine Rescue NSW, not only with their peers from Marine Rescue NSW but with their peers from right across the emergency services network in New South Wales.”
The Commissioner said Ms Weatherman was a very worthy winner.
“Nancy has been an outstanding leader at Marine Rescue Eden, she is a radio operator and works tirelessly behind the scenes in fundraising and administration to make sure that our life saving capability is there to support the local community.
“While we are here to celebrate Nancy’s achievement she is one of over 3,400 volunteers right across the state who give up their time tirelessly in support of the community of New South Wales.
“Boaters across the state can rest assured that Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are here 24/7, 365 days of the year to make sure that they can enjoy the state’s waterways safely,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Nancy Weatherman – Marine Rescue Eden
Nancy Weatherman has demonstrated exceptional service and leadership during her 10 years with Marine Rescue Eden where she currently holds the position of Deputy Unit Commander. As a qualified Radio Operator, she has provided vital communications support to the boating community and rescue agencies in the strategically important region of Twofold Bay and beyond.
Throughout her service, Ms Weatherman has previously held the role of Unit Commander and is instrumental in fundraising, community engagement, and member recruitment. Her efforts were particularly crucial during the transition of the Eden unit from a Radio Base to managing its first rescue vessel in 2022.
Ms Weatherman’s leadership and mentorship have been invaluable, particularly in supporting and encouraging the development of female members within Marine Rescue NSW.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Shellharbour and Port Kembla have combined to rescue two fishermen who were stranded almost 19km off Shellharbour on Saturday morning (10 August 2024).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said radio operators at Port Kembla’s Hill 60 base received a call for assistance from the skipper of the Logged On vessel just before 8:30am yesterday.
“The skipper of a 6 metre open runabout was quite distressed after his vessel suffered engine failure offshore.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Shellharbour 30 was immediately deployed to assist the two men on board the disabled boat.
“Volunteers on board Shellharbour 30 swiftly reached the disabled vessel and checked the welfare of its crew before commencing a tow back to Shellharbour Marina where the two fishermen were safely returned to shore.
“Our crew was able to perform a rapid response because the skipper of the disabled vessel had Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW.
“Logging On saves vital time in the event of an emergency and can be done in a minute either by the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16,” Inspector Massey said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet rescued a 17-year-old kayaker who needed assistance on St Georges Basin after cool winds whipped up this afternoon.
Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey said the young paddler called Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet for help at 4:30pm after conditions deteriorated and he was unable to safely paddle back to his departure point.
“A volunteer crew was assembled and deployed on Sussex Inlet 20 for the mission.
“The paddler was located and taken on board SI 20, he was very cold.
“Our crew administered first aid, his body temperature rose and SI 20 returned him safely to Sanctuary Point boat ramp where his parents were waiting.
“The paddler had his mobile phone with him to call for help and we advise all paddlers and boaters to download the free Marine Rescue NSW app and Log On every time they hit the water.
“Logging on ensures our skilled volunteers keep watch for their safe return and should they not arrive as planned a search will be initiated, it only takes a minute to protect a lifetime,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba’s main vessel, Iluka Yamba 30 has under gone a full refurbishment, which will extend the operational life of the rescue vessel for at least another decade.
Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manger Kelvin Parkin said the 2011 built, 11.5-metre Steber cabin cruiser has spent the past six weeks undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment at Barrenjoey Marine Electrics and Mac Marine on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to ensure boaters needing assistance have a safe and highly capable rescue vessel to assist them in their time of need.
“We’ve just done a full refurbishment on the interior and exterior of this vessel.
“The electronics have been replaced with new Raymarine navigation and communications equipment as well as new wiring and switching systems while the vessel also has a new mast, radar and FLIR (forward looking infrared camera) to aid crews during search and rescue missions.
“The top side of the vessel has been fully sealed and recoated, the bow rails have been resealed and fixed to the vessel and Planet Wrap has applied new livery on the boat.
“The hull has also undergone extensive work including gel coat repairs and antifoul renewal.”
Parkin said volunteer safety and comfort has been improved to aid managing crew fatigue.
“We have changed the seating arrangements on the vessel to shock absorbing Salti Bliss seats, so it is much more comfortable for the unit to use.”
The refurbished IY 30 was put through her paces this week during an extensive sea trial to test the vessel’s operational readiness.
“We’ve completed the sea trials, tested the autopilot, tested all the internal systems along with fuel burns,” Parkin said.
A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba will begin the voyage north from Newport on the refurbished IY 30 on Saturday with the crew expected to arrive in Yamba on Sunday afternoon.
“During the day time, it’s about probably a 17 hour trip in total. They will do a hop, stopping up at Port Macquarie and then they’ll go from Port Macquarie up to Yamba.”
Parkin said new engines would be installed on the vessel over the coming weeks by Thwaites Marine in Yamba.
“Then she’ll be as good as new for the crew to get further good life out of this vessel.
“The volunteers at Iluka Yamba love this vessel and were extremely supportive of the refurbishment.
“IY 30 is solid Steber vessel, she’s proven well over the years and we are looking forward to seeing another good 10 years’ service out of her,” he said.
The ongoing financial support of the NSW Government has contributed to the cost of the refurbishment to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,400 volunteers.
Almost 60 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers took part in a major multi-agency training exercise at Coffs Harbour today with vessel crews involved in a simulated on-water search and rescue exercise (SAREX) along with NSW Water Police, PolAir and NSW Air Ambulance while Marine Rescue NSW radio operators put their skills to the test with a desktop exercise scenario.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Darren Hulm said volunteer crews and seven vessels from Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Nambucca, Trial Bay and Port Macquarie departed Coffs Harbour International Marina at 9am for the on-water exercise led by NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Just like real-life situations, Marine Area Command tasks our crews for rescue response and today they coordinated a specific mission scenario involving a helicopter which had crashed in waters off Coffs Harbour.
“Multi-agency exercise are really important because it gives us the opportunity to work with other agencies so that when we have a real-life situation everyone knows exactly what their role is and we do the best we possibly can to ensure that we’re saving lives on the water,” Zone Commander Hulm said.
NSW Police Marine Area Command Chief Inspector Anthony Brazzill said crews were tasked to locate persons in the water (manikins) and debris associated with the helicopter crash scenario.
“It was designed on a helicopter with four persons on board which had departed Coffs Harbour Airport at 4pm yesterday (Friday) afternoon destined for Ballina.
“It was identified later in the afternoon that the aircraft hadn’t arrived and police began conducting investigations.
“We were able to identify from flight tracker that the aircraft had descended rapidly in the vicinity of the Split Solitary Islands here off Coffs Harbor,” Chief Inspector Brazzill said.
The mission was to plan and execute an immediate search of the highest area of probability to locate and rescue survivors and recover all outstanding persons.
The search area outlined for Marine Rescue NSW crews spanned from just north of Coffs Harbour to south of Sawtell with crews using a variety of drift calculations to search an area of 40 square nautical miles.
Zone Commander Hulm said today’s exercise was an excellent opportunity for Marine Rescue NSW volunteers to work alongside partner agencies and put their skills to the test.
“All the vessels involved in the search are instructed by the on scene command vessel. They search north to south and then east to west on the communication from that on scene command vessel.
“Our crews were out on the water from 9am this morning after having a briefing with the Marine Area Command and our crews took about 45 minutes to locate the first target in the water.”
Zone Commander Hulm said all five manikins and debris were located within 2.5 hours.
“All our volunteers here today, not just the vessel crews but also the radio operators, the watch officers and the caterers have done a fantastic job. They have been locating targets as per the scenario, this is what they train for and our capability was put to the test this morning.
“We thank all our partner agencies for taking part in today’s exercise, we know the learnings will strengthen the operational response when we are tasked to an emergency,” Zone Commander Hulm said.
Chief Inspector Brazzill was pleased with today’s search response.
“The majority are all volunteers and they do a great job, without the volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW and Surf Life Saving we couldn’t do our job, we do it all the time, these guys don’t.
“That is what training is all about, we provided them a number of different search areas, the main one being the south area of Split Solitary Islands which was initially coordinated by our police vessel and then strategically we redeployed that vessel away and put the responsibility back onto Marine Rescue NSW,” Chief Inspector Brazzill said.
While the on-water exercise was taking place, 25 Marine Rescue NSW volunteer radio operators from the Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington and Forster Tuncurry units honed their skills with a simulated desktop search and rescue exercise at the NSW RFS Fire Control Centre.
Marine Rescue NSW Zone Training Manager North Mitch Harvey said the Service’s radio operators play a crucial role in the success of search and rescue missions and today’s desktop exercise provided an excellent opportunity for volunteers to practice their skills
“Our radio operators were set a variety of scenarios including coordinating a response for a disabled yacht off Coffs Harbour.
“Radio is where the ocean meets the land and it is imperative our operators communicate effectively with our rescue vessels, the general public on the water and other emergency services,” Mr Harvey said.
Dozens of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Service’s Mid North Coast region will converge on Coffs Harbour this Saturday (27 July) for a major multi-agency search and rescue exercise (SAREX).
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Darren Hulm said the exercise will be coordinated by NSW Police Marine Area Command and involve other partner agencies including Surf Life Saving NSW, PolAir and NSW Air Ambulance.
“The reason we do SAREXs is so that we can train with Marine Area Command, NSW Water Police so that when we have a real incident off the coast or on one of our estuaries, we’re well equipped and on the front foot to respond.
“These exercises are held to put our training into practice alongside our partner agencies so when the call comes we can respond with an efficient coordinated response,” he said.
Zone Commander Hulm said the Coffs Harbour SAREX is a crucial training exercise to ensure Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are rescue ready.
“The on-water component will be held on Saturday morning with Marine Area Command to deliver a search and rescue scenario.
“The scenario is given on the morning of the exercise to try and make it as realistic as possible as far as response times are concerned.
“Crews will be tasked to search for targets (manikins) in the water along with other items associated with the scenario.
“It is really important to have other agencies involved because in a real-life situation when we are responding to an incident we will often have Surf Life Saving NSW, the Police Air Wing and the Air Ambulance involved and it comes back to our radio operators and the integral role they play in these types of responses to life-threatening incidents,” he said.
Saturday’s on-water exercise will involve Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and vessels from the Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Nambucca, Trial Bay and Port Macquarie units.
“The vessels will depart Coffs Harbour International Marina around 9am Saturday morning providing an excellent opportunity for the community to see part of Marine Rescue NSW’s Mid North Coast fleet together with great viewing opportunities from various vantage points around the harbour,” Zone Commander Hulm said.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said a desktop search and rescue exercise involving 20 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from eight Mid North Coast units (Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington and Forster Tuncurry) would also be held on Saturday at the NSW RFS Fire Control Centre.
“It is a simulated desktop exercise involving all aspects of our radio operations and emergency management.
“It is important for our radio operators to practice in a controlled environment with simulated pressure so they can develop and execute communication and navigation plans effectively.
“Clear and concise communication is paramount during search and rescue missions,” Inspector Page said.
Zone Commander Hulm said all Marine Rescue NSW Mid North Coast units involved would maintain radio and on-water response in their local areas during the Coffs Harbour exercise.
“The community can be assured that in the event of a real emergency on our waterways our rescue craft and crews are ready to respond,” Zone Commander Hulm said.
He also emphasized that the community should not be concerned by the number of rescue vessels and activity off Coffs Harbour from 9am Saturday morning.
“To the members of the public and boaters who might see us out there, don’t be alarmed, we are out there doing a controlled exercise,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state completed their second busiest June ever with crews undertaking 237 search and rescue missions last month, down 25% on the record 315 responses recorded in June 2023.
Of last month’s 237 search and rescue missions, 82 were emergency responses while volunteer crews safely returned 468 people to shore.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said people heeded the safety advice and education last month with unfavourable weather conditions at times restricting opportunities to enjoy the state’s waterways.
“It is vitally important that boaters continue to monitor the weather and only go out when conditions permit.
“Boaters can access weather updates and maritime safety alerts on the free Marine Rescue NSW app, they should also Log On via the app or VHF channel 16 so that our team of dedicated volunteers can monitor their safe return.
“Boaters should regularly check their vessel’s engine and battery, have enough fuel with some in reserve, carry the correct safety equipment and always wear a lifejacket,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Last month, 5,300 vessels Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW while the Service’s radio operators managed 17,178 calls.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers in the Greater Sydney region completed a state high 86 search and rescue missions in June while the Monaro region (Batemans Bay to Eden and inland on the Alpine Lakes and Moama) had its quietest June on record with two responses. The previous quietest June for the Monaro region was in 2016 and 2015 when crews completed five missions.
Breakdown of June 2024 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
NORTHERN RIVERS – 45 search and rescue missions including 26 emergency responses with 110 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Point Danger 20, Ballina 11, Iluka Yamba 6
MID NORTH COAST – 25 search & rescue missions including 13 emergency responses with 48 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Macquarie 9, Forster Tuncurry 7, Coffs Harbour 5
HUNTER/CENTRAL COAST – 61 search & rescue missions including 18 emergency responses with 112 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 31, Port Stephens 18, Central Coast 6
GREATER SYDNEY – 86 search & rescue missions including 19 emergency responses with 169 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney State Communications Centre 27, Botany Port Hacking 22, Middle Harbour 8, Cottage Point 8, Broken Bay 8
ILLAWARRA – 18 search & rescue missions including 5 emergency responses with 27 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Kembla 9, Jervis Bay 4, Sussex Inlet 3
MONARO – 2 search & rescue missions including 1 emergency response with 2 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Woolgoolga have assisted three people stranded at Anemone Bay, North Solitary Island after their 5.3 metre vessel succumbed to a flat battery this morning.
Volunteer radio operators at Marine Rescue Wooli took a call for assistance from a skipper who could not restart his boat 12 kilometres from the mainland.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Rodney Page said a volunteer crew was assembled and rescue vessel Woolgoolga 30 deployed for the 24 kilometre mission to Anemone Bay.
“WO 30 hit the water just after 10am and reached the disabled vessel within 30 minutes,” he said.
“Our crew checked on the welfare of the three persons on board before providing them with a jump starter pack,” Inspector Page said.
“The north easterly swell made it challenging to manoeuvre beside the disabled vessel but our crew did a wonderful job.
“Thankfully the skipper of the disabled vessel was able to restart the engine and WO 30 escorted them safely back to Arrawarra Beach.
“We remind all boaters to check their battery and engine before heading out and despite this skipper having done all his checks before departure, sometimes things fail at sea and this was the case today.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready to respond at any time of the day or night and we ask all boaters to ensure they Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either by the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16, Logging On saves vital time in the event of an emergency,” Inspector Page.
Two fisherman, stranded on the eastern side of the Continental shelf have been returned safely to shore by volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Stephens following a marathon 9 hour and 20 minute rescue mission last night.
Marine Rescue Port Stephens Unit Commander and Watch Officer Ben Van Der Wijngaart received a call from the fishermen at 3pm yesterday (9 July) that their Logged On 7.9 metre cabin cruiser had suffered engine failure more than 30 nautical miles off Port Stephens Heads.
“At this distance communications are challenged but we managed to narrow the location of the disabled vessel,” Unit Commander Van Der Wijngaart said.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said a volunteer crew was assembled at the request of Marine Area Command and rescue vessel Port Stephens 31 deployed.
“Our crew reached the stranded fishermen in just under one and a half hours.
“The disabled vessel had been drifting south, southeast putting them 35 nautical miles off Port Stephens Heads.
“Visibility was hampered because of sea spray.
“The PS 31 crew checked the welfare of the two men on board the disabled vessel before taking their boat under tow for the journey back to Port Stephens which took almost eight hours.
“The rescue vessel travelled back at under six knots because of sea conditions and occasional larger swell sets.
“It was a long, slow and uncomfortable haul back,” Inspector Raymond said.
The two fishermen and their disabled vessel were returned to Port Stephens at 2am this morning (10 July).
The Marine Rescue Port Stephens Unit Commander said the rescue mission was complicated by the distance and intermittent contact with the disabled vessel.
“The crew did an incredible job with the communications limitations we experienced.
“Locating the disabled vessel as quickly as they did was outstanding.
“Our crew and radio operators have enjoyed a well-earned sleep in today after a tiring rescue mission,” Unit Commander Van Der Wijngaart said.
Inspector Raymond said the skipper of the disabled vessel had Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW, ensuring the service’s radio operators kept watch over their journey.
“It is important that all boaters Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either by the free Marine Rescue app or VHF Channel 16.
“Logging On saves vital time in the event of an emergency,” Inspector Raymond said.
A lone sailor was safely returned to Ulladulla Harbour last night after his 12 metre yacht suffered damaged boom controls while transiting south to Ulladulla.
Marine Rescue Ulladulla Unit Commander John Samulski said the vessel was struggling to make way in light winds and a northerly current because of the damage.
“Our radio operators were keeping watch over the vessel which was Logged On and proactively checked in with the skipper to ensure his welfare because of the slow speed he was travelling and his expected late arrival into harbour.
“At 5pm the skipper confirmed he was 9 kilometres north of Ulladulla and 3 kilometres offshore and requested assistance to get to harbour,” Unit Commander Samulski said.
A volunteer crew was immediately assembled and rescue vessel Ulladulla 30 deployed.
“UL 30 reached the yacht at 6pm and took it under tow.
“The vessel was towed to the entrance of Ulladulla Harbour before the skipper guided his yacht to the courtesy mooring under the direction of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers at 6:40pm.
“The fatigued skipper was thankful to be in harbour and extremely grateful for the assistance provided by our volunteer radio operators and crew.
“This incident highlights the benefit of Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW and checking in with our radio operators regularly during a voyage.
“Because the skipper had Logged On it provided a safety net for him and allowed our radio operators to initiate a rapid response.
“Boaters are encouraged to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW by using the free app or VHF Channel 16, it only takes a minute to Log On and protect a lifetime,” Unit Commander Samulski said.
A new leadership group will guide volunteers at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay after Kevin Hill and Steve Hutchison decided not to stand for re-election.
L to R: Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Deputy Unit Commander Brad Clarke, Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey, former Unit Commander Kevin Hill, Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Unit Commander Stef Nitto, Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond and Deputy Unit Commander Daniel Pauperis
At this afternoon’s unit Annual General Meeting, Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond said Stef Nitto was elected Unit Commander with Daniel Pauperis (PAW-PER-IS) (operations) and Brad Clarke (administration) deputies.
“We’re thrilled with these appointments.
“Stef (new Unit Commander) brings a great background in education and a lot of skills, drive and enthusiasm.
“We also have some really capable deputies in Brad and Daniel.
“It’s really exciting to see a new generation take the reins, we’re looking forward to seeing the leadership and ideas they bring,” he said.
Zone Commander Hammond paid tribute to departing Unit Commander Kevin Hill who in 2023 received Life Membership to Marine Rescue NSW and was named a joint recipient of the NSW Maritime Medal.
“Kevin has been a fantastic leader, he’s been the Unit Commander before (2016-18) and this time (2022-24) he has taken things on with his usual gusto forging great relationships with the local community and increasing the unit’s rescue capability.
“Being a skipper himself he knows what is required to get the vessels running and the crews ready, he has been instrumental in the great work that has been done here,” Zone Commander Hammond said.
Mr Hill said he was pleased to be handing the leadership to three extremely capable people.
“The time is right for me to step aside for the younger generation.
“Stef, Daniel and Brad represent that and I am confident they will continue to grow and develop the unit to support the region’s boaters well into the future.
“Marine Rescue Jervis Bay is in good hands with the new leadership team, I will continue to serve the community as a volunteer at the unit and skipper rescue vessels when tasked.
“It has been honour and privilege to represent Marine Rescue Jervis Bay and assist the many boaters that we’ve helped during my time as Unit Commander.
“Steve Hutchison (departing Deputy Unit Commander) has worked tirelessly to support our volunteers and boaters, his contribution in the role has been greatly appreciated,” Mr Hill said.
Incoming Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Unit Commander Stef Nitto acknowledged the valuable contribution made to the unit and community by Mr Hill and Mr Hutchison.
“The new leadership team is eager to build on the wonderful work done by Kevin and Steve.
“We will have a focus on recruiting the new generation of Marine Rescue Jervis Bay volunteers to continue our mission of saving lives on the water,” Unit Commander Nitto said.
Rescue response and capability has been significantly improved with a new vessel now in operation at Marine Rescue Brunswick.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib officially commissioned Brunswick 30 today and joined Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell in welcoming the $751,877 replacement vessel to the service’s fleet.
Image: L to R Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell, Marine Rescue Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib at Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour
Minister Dib said the new vessel will help the 74 dedicated volunteers based at Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour respond quickly to people who need assistance on local waters.
“This new vessel features the latest in marine search and rescue technology and is an investment in the highly skilled volunteers who assist and support boaters at any time day and night.”
“Brunswick 30 is one of several new vessels being rolled out to ensure volunteers have the support and tools they need to continue their selfless work helping people, often in life-threatening situations.”
“I encourage all boaters to make logging on with Marine Rescue NSW part of their pre-launch routine either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16, it only takes a minute to protect a lifetime.”
“I thank our volunteers and wish them well in their mission of saving lives on the water with this new rescue vessel,” Minister Dib said.
Built by Yamba Welding and Engineering, Brunswick 30 is a 10 metre Naiad powered by twin Suzuki 300 horsepower engines, capable of a top speed of 42 knots.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the vessel features an impressive suite of navigation and communications equipment.
“With its speed, manoeuvrability and onboard technology this vessel enhances search and rescue capability at Brunswick Heads and surrounds.
“Brunswick 30 features a FLIR thermal infrared camera, 3D side scan sonar, doppler radar and the YachtSense system, which allows search patterns to be uploaded remotely.
“This will significantly reduce the time to activate coordinates and search patterns provided by NSW Police Marine Area Command improving response times during emergencies.
“Marine Rescue Brunswick is an important part of the Marine Rescue NSW network, often supporting neighbouring units, Point Danger and Ballina in search and rescue missions.
“This unit had its busiest year ever in 2023 with volunteer crews completing 31 missions and safely returning 63 people to shore,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Today’s ceremony was also attended by Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith MP who praised the efforts of the unit’s volunteers.
“I am thrilled to see Brunswick 30 commissioned, enhancing Marine Rescue NSW’s capabilities right here in Brunswick Heads. This new vessel will enhance the safety and rescue operations on our local waterways which is a good news story for the community.
“I also want to acknowledge the 74 dedicated volunteers that work out of Brunswick Heads Marine Rescue and thank them for keeping the Northern Rivers waterways safe,” Ms Smith said.
Marine Rescue Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock said the new replacement vessel has already proven to be a vital lifesaving asset for the area.
“Last month our crew deployed on the new Brunswick 30 for its first rescue mission and saved six kayakers struggling in strong winds and currents approximately 1.5 nautical miles off Cape Byron.
“It is an outstanding vessel capable of heavy bar crossings with its evolutionary axe head bow and can rapidly deploy up to 30 nautical miles offshore.
“We thank the NSW Government for its financial assistance.” Unit Commander Wilcock said.
He also thanked the NSW RFS Byron and Clunes brigades for the water salute of Brunswick 30.
Marine Rescue Terrigal Unit Commander Shaun Smith has been re-elected for a second two-year term to lead the volunteer outfit following the unit’s executive election.
The experienced skipper began volunteering with Marine Rescue NSW in 2011 and was appointed Terrigal’s Unit Commander in 2022.
“It’s an honour to lead this base and its people.
“Along with our volunteer members, I enjoy giving back to the community and delivering on our mission of saving lives on the water,” he said.
Image: L to R Marine Rescue Terrigal Deputy Unit Commander Paul Barrie, Unit Commander Shaun Smith and Deputy Unit Commander Darren Wright
Unit Commander Smith will continue to be supported by long-serving volunteer and Deputy Unit Commander Darren Wright who will have an operations focus while Paul Barrie has been appointed as Deputy Unit Commander Administration.
“Paul has been our roster and admin officer for the past few years, his knowledge and attention to detail will assist in the smooth sailing of this unit,” Unit Commander Smith said.
“Paul’s appointment will also ease the weight on Darren who can now focus on our on-water operations,” he said.
Marine Rescue Terrigal is closing on 50 volunteer members and is encouraging anyone who would like to join the Terrigal, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes or Central Coast units to click HERE.
Marine Rescue NSW has held its first ever multi-agency flood rescue and operational readiness exercise as the Service enhances its flood rescue capability to support NSW SES and other agencies during significant weather emergencies across the state.
After receiving $3.7 million in state government funding following the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry, Marine Rescue NSW developed a State Operations Group (SOG) with volunteers undergoing specific flood rescue and support training on the Service’s newly acquired multi-purpose vessels and associated vehicles and equipment.
Following specific flood rescue and support training, 36 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Service’s Northern Zone are now endorsed to be deployed with assets at the request of NSW SES to support their flood response operations across the state.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Darren Hulm said a real-time exercise was held at Copmanhurst to test Marine Rescue NSW’s flood rescue and support capability.
“With involvement from NSW SES, a Marine Rescue NSW coordinated flood specific exercise was conducted to see how our training supports a real-life scenario.
“The learnings our volunteers had from working alongside NSW SES members were priceless and will better prepare us for a real deployment.
“This exercise has quantified that our flood response training and capability is in line with NSW State Rescue Policy and the expectations of NSW SES who is the lead agency on flood response.
“We will continue to develop and enhance our State Operations Group to ensure when NSW SES requests our assistance we are best prepared to assist with any on-water flood rescue and support operation.
“Communities across NSW can feel assured that Marine Rescue NSW’s SOG volunteers and assets (boats, vehicles and equipment) can be deployed statewide when requested by the NSW SES, for example it is possible that a Marine Rescue NSW volunteer from Point Danger could be deployed to a weather event at Condobolin on short notice,” Zone Commander Hulm said.
Marine Rescue NSW Capability Manager Dave Bowing said volunteers involved in the Copmanhurst exercise were activated to simulate a real-time out of area deployment.
“To make the exercise as real-life as possible, volunteers were tasked to assist NSW SES with a Tropical Low set to drop excessive rain on the Upper Clarence and Orara catchments.
“The mission was for our crews to work with NSW SES teams to safely conduct evacuations, resupplies and rescues as requested in the Copmanhurst area.
“14 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from five units (Point Danger, Brunswick, Ballina, Evans Head and Port Macquarie) supported by operational staff, three Marine Rescue NSW multi-purpose vessels and one inflatable rescue boat took part in the simulated exercise.
“NSW SES also had 14 on and in-water operators and multiple assets to support the exercise.
“Together, members launched and retrieved vessels, located and retrieved manikins and simulated live victims, navigated hazards and conducted resupply operations,” he said.
Mr Bowing said Marine Rescue NSW’s newly acquired multi-purpose vessels performed well during the exercise.
“These six metre vessels have a low draught and can travel in very shallow water allowing them to navigate through challenging areas.
“They can also be launched and deployed in difficult locations which is most likely during a real-life flood response.
“The bow loading door on each vessel also allows our crews to safely move people and supplies on and off.
“This exercise was the first of its type Marine Rescue NSW has ever conducted and it has informed refinements to our activation and deployment model,” Mr Bowing said.
With an unfavourable offshore forecast, tomorrow’s Marine Rescue NSW Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) scheduled off Bondi Beach will now take place in Sydney Harbour (Saturday 22 June).
Marine Rescue NSW Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer said the decision to alter plans for the exercise were made in consultation with NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“With large scale search and rescue exercises we have contingencies for adverse weather and with the current forecast we have chosen to activate an alternative plan to include an inshore component involving four Marine Rescue NSW vessels within the confines of Sydney Harbour.
“Marine Rescue NSW crews will now exercise in an area from Sydney Heads west to Middle Harbour,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
More than 25 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Port Jackson, Middle Harbour and Sydney – State Communications Centre along with members of NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW will take part in the exercise.
“This training exercise is extremely important for all agencies as we get to collaborate and put together our training and exercises we conduct throughout the year to come together for simulated multi-agency search and rescue event,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
The exercise will be coordinated by NSW Police Marine Area Command who will deliver a search and rescue scenario in real-time on Saturday morning.
“Fully crewed Marine Rescue NSW vessels will be deployed from the Port Jackson and Middle Harbour bases to a location in Sydney Harbour where multiple people are in the water needing urgent assistance.
“These crews will be required to locate manikins using specialised drift modelling, search patterns and expert techniques in a timely manner.
“This real-time exercise showcases exactly what we do day in, day out.
“We conduct drills and do training and exercises for the day when we get the call to go and save someone’s life at sea,” he said.
Radio operators from the Marine Rescue NSW State Communications Centre at Belrose and officers from NSW Police Marine Area Command at Balmain will support volunteer crews’ on-water.
Zone Commander Duemmer emphasized that the community should not be concerned by the Marine Rescue NSW vessel activity around Sydney Heads and Middle Harbour from 9am tomorrow morning.
“To the members of the public and boaters who might see us out there, don’t be alarmed, we are out there doing a controlled exercise.
“A helicopter may also be used during the exercise,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
All Marine Rescue NSW units involved will maintain radio and on-water response during the exercise.
“The community can be assured that in the event of a real emergency on our waterways, our rescue craft and crews are ready to respond.
“We also remind boaters that the current weather conditions are not favourable for recreational boaters who might be planning to head offshore.
“Boaters should always check and monitor conditions and we encourage skippers to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16 so our skilled volunteers can keep watch for their safe return,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
The NSW Government is providing financial assistance for the Greater Sydney SAREX to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,400 volunteers.
Marine Rescue NSW is hosting a major Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) this Saturday, 22 June and for the first time it is being held off Bondi Beach.
50 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from seven units across Greater Sydney (Port Jackson, Middle Harbour, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Botany Port Hacking, Broken Bay, Cottage Point and Hawkesbury) along with members of NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW will take part in the exercise.
Marine Rescue NSW Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer said it is the biggest Marine Rescue NSW SAREX to ever to be held in Greater Sydney with up to 15 vessels involved.
“This training exercise is extremely important for all agencies as we get to collaborate and put together our training and exercises we conduct throughout the year to come together for a large scale multi-agency search and rescue event,” he said.
The exercise will be coordinated by NSW Police Marine Area Command who will deliver a search and rescue scenario in real-time on Saturday morning.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels will be deployed from their bases to a central location by notification that there are multiple people in the water needing urgent assistance.
“These crews will be required to locate up to four manikins using specialised drift modelling and search patterns along with their training and expert techniques to locate the manikins in a timely manner.
“This real-time exercise showcases exactly what we do day in, day out.
“We conduct drills and do training and exercises for the day when we get the call to go and save someone’s life at sea,” he said.
Volunteer crews’ on-water will be supported by radio operators from the Marine Rescue NSW State Communications Centre at Belrose, the forward Command Post at Marks Park, Tamarama and officers from NSW Police Marine Area Command at Balmain.
“Clear communication is vital in any mission, our State Communications Centre will act as a Search and Rescue Coordination Centre and will be the heart and engine room of Marine Rescue NSW’s operations on-water,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
He also emphasized that the community should not be concerned by the number of rescue vessels and activity off Bondi Beach from 9am Saturday morning.
“To the members of the public and boaters who might see us out there, don’t be alarmed, we are out there doing a controlled exercise.
“People may also see a helicopter during the exercise.
“It could be quite exciting (for members of the public) from certain vantage points around the coastal area,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
All Marine Rescue NSW Greater Sydney units involved will maintain radio and on-water response in their local areas during the Bondi Beach exercise.
“The community can be assured that in the event of a real emergency on our waterways, our rescue craft and crews are ready to respond,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
The NSW Government is providing financial assistance for the Greater Sydney SAREX.
Minister for Emergency Services The Hon. Jihad Dib said the Minns Government is committed to supporting the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,400 volunteers.
“The dedicated Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Greater Sydney region completed more than 1,200 search and rescue missions last year and this exercise is crucial to ensuring rapid response and keeping people on our waterways safe.
“It is also vitally important that agencies have opportunities like this Saturday’s simulation to exercise together so they are better prepared for multi-agency operations,” he said.
Marine Rescue Central Coast has recognised 135 years of service as well as the significant contributions members have made to the unit and the organisation during the Annual Awards Presentation evening at the Gosford RSL.
Long-serving volunteers Ian Leafe and Brendon Weston were awarded life membership.
Mr Leafe joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in June 2005 and qualified as a Radio Operator and Watch Officer.
“During his career, Ian has served as the unit’s Training Officer and Administration Officer and became a respected Radio Operator and Watch Officer assessor for the Sydney and Hunter/Central Coast regions,” said Marine Rescue Central Coast Unit Commander Ian Morrow.
“He has continuously provided General Boat Licence and PWC Licence training for Marine Rescue NSW members and members of the public,” Mr Morrow said.
Brendon Weston joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in March 1999. He qualified as a Radio Operator and Crew, and advanced to senior levels.
“On the creation of Marine Rescue NSW, Brendon was awarded recognition as a Marine Rescue Watch Officer and a Marine Rescue Coxswain. He is a long serving member who has always stood up to fulfil many roles in the unit over his career. He always makes positive contributions to the unit, Marine Rescue NSW and the community,” Mr Morrow said.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott, Inspector Steve Raymond, Member for Gosford Leisl Tesch and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch attended the ceremony and presented awards.
Brendon Weston and Brent Malcolm received the National Medal for 25 years’ service while Greg Taylor was presented with the Marine Rescue NSW Service pin for 20 years’ service.
John Free, Mal Ralston, Duncan Coles and Mike Watson were all presented with the 10 Year Service Medal while Bob Gilbody, Neville Shakeshaft, Rob Zwart, Doug Fitzgerald, Matthew Sims, Steve Sai-Louis and Dave Segaert received 5 Years’ Service Awards.
The Unit Commander’s Commendation Award was presented to Andrew McKellar, Max Landells, Chris Hartcher, Mark Luland and Peter Alderton.
Unit Commander Ian Morrow gave special thanks to the supporters of Marine Rescue Central Coast, including Mike Watson of Boat Warehouse who has become the Unit’s “maiden” Platinum Supporter, Ettalong Beach Hotel as Bronze Supporter and IAC Safety Services who recently made a substantial donation to the unit.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott has praised boaters across the state for heeding advice about monitoring weather and sea conditions last month resulting in the Service’s quietest May since 2020.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state completed 203 search and rescue missions last month, including 70 emergency responses with crews safely returning 363 people to shore.
“It is extremely pleasing that boaters didn’t put themselves or others at risk for a day on the water with numerous days of unfavourable weather last month,” Deputy Commissioner Schott said.
“It is important that boaters make smart decisions before going out on the water.
“If you get to the boat ramp and conditions have deteriorated, do not head out.
“Boaters can easily monitor weather and conditions on the free Marine Rescue NSW app which is where they can also Log On to ensure our volunteers keep watch for their safe return.
“Engine failure accounted for 40% of our responses and we are reminding all boaters to ensure they check their vessel and equipment before their voyage,” Deputy Commissioner Schott said.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 15,481 radio calls last month including six MAYDAYs and three PAN PANs while the Service’s volunteers kept watch over 4,484 vessels that Logged On with the Service either via the Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16.
Last month was the quietest May for Marine Rescue NSW since May 2020 when volunteers completed 152 search and rescue missions.
Breakdown of May 2024 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
Northern Rivers – 19 search and rescue missions including 10 emergency responses with 38 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Point Danger 10, Iluka Yamba 3, Ballina 2
Mid North Coast – 22 search & rescue missions including 10 emergency responses with 45 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Macquarie 8, Coffs Harbour 4, Forster Tuncurry 4
Hunter/Central Coast – 64 search & rescue missions including 21 emergency responses with 110 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 31, Port Stephens 10, Newcastle 8
Greater Sydney – 74 search & rescue missions including 15 emergency responses with 125 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney State Communications Centre 34, Botany Port Hacking 20, Port Jackson 8
ILLAWARRA – 11 search & rescue missions including 7 emergency responses with 20 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Kembla 5, Jervis Bay 2
MONARO – 13 search & rescue missions including 7 emergency responses with 25 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
