Ten volunteers from Marine Rescue Shoalhaven have been formally recognised for their dedication to saving lives on the water and serving the local boating community during a ceremony at the Greenwell Point RSL Community Hall.
Among the honours were the Zone Commander’s Citation and the Unit Commander’s Medal, awarded to volunteers who responded to a vessel fire on the Crookhaven River at Greenwell Point on 23 August 2025. In a courageous operation, the team rescued a lone boater from a burning vessel and assisted the NSW Rural Fire Service in extinguishing the blaze.
Seven volunteers who responded to the incident were recognised for their action; vessel crew members Mark Asper, Trevor Davies, Trevor Williamson and Joe Sciancalepore, and radio operators Sue Cook, Rob Rego and Barry Waters.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan recounted the incident: “It was a lucky escape for a solo boater whose vessel caught fire shortly after 10 o’clock that morning. Our volunteer crew on board SA 30, observed the 11–12 metre sailing vessel ablaze while patrolling the Shoalhaven River. The crew immediately instructed the person on board to evacuate. The lone sailor jumped overboard and was safely retrieved from the water by SA 30 crew. She was suffering from smoke inhalation and suspected hypothermia and was transported to shore and met by NSW Ambulance paramedics.”
With the vessel still ablaze, firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service were called to assist. “Once the boater was safely on shore, the SA 30 crew ferried RFS personnel and a portable water pump to the vessel. Firefighters then extinguished the blaze,” Inspector Sullivan added.
Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond praised the volunteers involved, “The professionalism of our crew and radio operators during this mission was exceptional. The quick thinking, timely action and casualty care given by the master and crew of SA 30, along with coordination from the radio base, were critical to the positive outcome of what could have been a tragic incident.”
The ceremony also recognised three other long-serving volunteers:
Marine Rescue Shoalhaven vessel Master Paul Poulsen received the National Medal for 15 years of service, acknowledging long and diligent service in protecting or assisting the community in emergencies. Watch Officer John Majewski was awarded the Marine Rescue NSW Medal for 10 years of service while crew member Syd Davis received his third National Medal Clasp for 45 years of combined service.
“Marine Rescue NSW and the Shoalhaven community are fortunate to have such highly skilled and dedicated volunteers,” said Zone Commander Hammond. “I congratulate and thank them for their unwavering commitment to service.”
Marine Rescue Shoalhaven is actively recruiting new volunteers, particularly radio operators. Trainees receive comprehensive training and uniforms free of charge. Radio operators play a crucial role as the first voice a boater in distress hears, managing communications that are vital to emergency response. Interested individuals can contact the unit base on (02) 4447 4466.
Two Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have been honoured at the 2025 International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Awards.
The IMRF Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership in maritime search and rescue (SAR) across the globe. They recognise individuals and organisations who have demonstrated outstanding skill, advanced technology and equipment, or inspired others through their dedication and example.
Image: IMRF Women in SAR award winner Caron Parfitt ESM
IMRF Chair, Caroline Jupe, said the awards showcase the diversity, professionalism and evolving capability of the global SAR community.
“From courageous individual rescues to technological breakthroughs and lifetime service, the winners represent the full spectrum of life-saving efforts at sea.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s winners and runners-up. Your dedication, hard work and innovation epitomise the very best of maritime search and rescue. I would also like to thank our judging panel for their careful consideration and commitment, which ensures these awards continue to reflect excellence and integrity within the maritime SAR community,” Jupe said.
Image: Caron on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Bermagui 30
Marine Rescue NSW Monaro Regional Director and Bermagui Coxswain, Caron Parfitt ESM, received the IMRF Women in Search and Rescue Award, recognising her exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing the role of women in maritime SAR.
As a Regional Director on the Marine Rescue NSW Board, Parfitt has championed international collaboration and professional development through the IMRF network. Her pivotal role in the IMRF Women in SAR Training Course in Finland in 2024, and her leadership in planning the 2025 Sydney event, have been instrumental in creating practical pathways for women’s growth in operational SAR roles.
Through her strategic insight, operational expertise and mentorship, she has made a lasting impact on the visibility, capability and progression of women across the global maritime SAR community.
“I am humbled to receive this award,” Parfitt said. “I serve in maritime search and rescue not for awards but to save lives on the water, improve operational practices, and mentor and encourage women in the field.”
Parfitt has volunteered at Marine Rescue Bermagui for more than twelve years, completing numerous search and rescue missions. She is also a rated Watch Officer.
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour stalwart, Lance Miller ESM (pictured above), was named runner-up for the IMRF Lifetime Achievement in the Maritime SAR Sector Award.
Long-serving Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteer Peter Dawes received the top honour, with Miller recognised for his lifelong contribution to maritime safety and rescue.
Having received the Emergency Services Medal in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for outstanding service and commitment to boating safety, Miller’s dedication earned international recognition from the IMRF.
Image: Lance (right) receiving his 30 years long service pin
With more than 50 years of continuous service at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and previously the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, Miller has led countless complex rescue operations and continues to serve as an active Marine Rescue NSW Master and mentor to new recruits.
Commuting from Penrith for decades to volunteer at the Middle Harbour unit, he exemplifies unwavering dedication to community service.
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner, Todd Andrews, praised both Parfitt and Miller for their achievements.
“Caron and Lance’s dedication and commitment to serving boaters is appreciated not only by Marine Rescue NSW but by the wider community,” Acting Commissioner Andrews said.
“They are both highly experienced in maritime search and rescue and generously share their knowledge within the Service and beyond. This honour is a testament to their exceptional contributions to public safety and emergency response,” he said.
The courage and professionalism of Marine Rescue Port Macquarie volunteers have been recognised on the national stage, with the unit receiving the Professional Volunteer Commendation at the Australian Search and Rescue Awards, held at Queensland Parliament House tonight (16 October 2025).
Hosted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Queensland Police Service, the awards celebrate outstanding rescues across the nation. Ten Marine Rescue Port Macquarie volunteers (Alison Cameron-Brown, Robert Breskal, Robert Britten, Leonard Smart, Ron Caffyn, Chris Wood, Noel Woodward, Dustin Welbourne, Lilly De Belle and Grant James) were honoured for their exceptional teamwork during a perilous three-hour rescue on the Hastings River Bar earlier this year.
It was mid-morning on 14 May when a 15-metre motor cruiser with one person on board suffered complete mechanical failure while attempting to cross the notorious Hastings River Bar. The skipper deployed an anchor to stop the vessel drifting onto nearby rocks, but soon found himself stranded on one of the bar’s most hazardous sections.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie’s vessel PM 30 was conducting a training exercise nearby when a distress call came through. “We were out training in the river with two of our vessels when we received a no-duff call — that’s how we know it’s a real emergency,” explained Skipper Robert Breskal. “This was a 50-foot cruiser disabled right in the middle of the bar on an outgoing tide. That’s not the place you want to be, and certainly not the place you want to be trying to effect a rescue.”
With the tide running out and waves building, conditions rapidly deteriorated. The crew of PM 30 made four attempts before securing a tow line, but when the cruiser’s anchor could not be retrieved, they were forced to release the line to avoid placing the rescue vessel in danger. “Our first priority is saving lives on the water,” Breskal said. “But safety for our crew is paramount too. We had to think fast and come up with a solution that wasn’t necessarily what we’d do in a textbook scenario.”
At the radio base, Operator Noel Woodward was coordinating communication between the distressed vessel and the rescue crews. “We first spotted the vessel very close to the bar and tried to make radio contact, but there was no response,” he recalled. “Then we got a phone call from the skipper saying he’d lost all power and couldn’t retrieve his anchor. Fortunately, our boats were training in the river and could respond straight away, but communication was a real challenge — we were relaying information by phone to the cruiser and by radio to our own vessels.”
As the cruiser’s anchor began to drag, it moved into an even more hazardous position. Assessing the danger, the rescue crew devised an unconventional but effective plan. They transferred large bolt cutters to the stranded vessel via a heaving line, allowing the skipper to sever the anchor chain. Once freed, the cruiser drifted safely out of the bar’s breaking zone. “It was a really fluid situation,” Breskal said. “We had to adapt on the run — that’s where all our training really pays off.”
Second rescue vessel, PM 21, soon arrived to assist. A Marine Rescue NSW crew member boarded the cruiser and managed to restart one of its engines. With a high degree of difficulty, a towline was successfully established. The weight of the cruiser was a concern but PM 30 carefully towed the vessel across the bar and guided it safely to the marina with PM 21 in support. “The thrust provided from the sole working engine on the cruiser certainly helped us navigate the path to safety,” Breskal said.
Unit Commander Greg Davies ESM said the operation demonstrated the professionalism and dedication that defines Marine Rescue Port Macquarie. “The team from the radio base and both rescue vessels did an extraordinary job that day,” he said. “If it hadn’t been for their quick thinking and calmness under pressure, we would almost certainly have seen lives lost.”
After three tense hours, the rescue concluded without injury or damage — a testament to the crew’s composure, skill, and teamwork. “Our volunteers are very highly trained and ready to respond to whatever situation arises,” Breskal said. “That readiness comes from the ongoing support we receive from our local community, which ensures we can keep training and stay rescue-ready.”
Marine Rescue Batemans Bay has taken delivery of two new state-of-the-art rescue watercraft (RWCs – jet skis), significantly boosting the unit’s ability to respond rapidly to emergencies on local waters.
The Seadoo jet skis, known as BM 10 and BM 11, are capable of speeds up to 93 km/h and are designed to operate on enclosed and offshore waters around Batemans Bay. Each craft can carry two crew members and transport a rescued person on a sled, providing vital versatility in time-critical missions.
This is the first time the Batemans Bay unit has operated RWCs, with Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya the only other South Coast unit with the vessels currently in their fleet. Both RWCs are expected to be operational before the end of spring.
Marine Rescue Batemans Bay Unit Commander Rod Ingamells (pictured above) said the new watercraft would enable volunteers to reach casualties in areas inaccessible to larger vessels.
“These are rapid-response craft; they are very quick, and they can get into areas that our normal rescue craft cannot access, particularly shallow areas,” he said.
“The training for rescue watercraft operators is comprehensive, and a certain level of fitness is required because of the nature of the craft and the operating environment.”
The unit is now calling for new volunteers to join its 90-strong team, particularly to operate the rescue watercraft.
“We are hoping to recruit the next generation of volunteer to Marine Rescue Batemans Bay,” Unit Commander Ingamells said. “People interested in volunteering with the unit can contact us directly or visit the Marine Rescue NSW website. No prior experience is required – we provide full training, uniforms and support.”
Since the start of 2025, Marine Rescue Batemans Bay volunteers have carried out 93 search and rescue missions, including 56 emergency responses, bringing 170 people safely back to shore.
The new RWCs have been funded through community donations and the unit’s own fundraising initiatives. Unit Commander Ingamells thanked local residents and businesses for their ongoing support.
“We are grateful for the generosity of the community and local businesses, who play a vital role in helping us continue our mission of saving lives on the water,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW is urging boaters and jetskiers to make safety their top priority:
Always wear a lifejacket, carry the correct safety equipment and check the weather and conditions before heading out.
Ensure your vessel is in good working order and carry enough fuel, including some in reserve.
Log On with Marine Rescue NSW via the free app or on VHF Channel 16.
By Logging On, boaters give Marine Rescue NSW volunteers the information they need to respond quickly if they fail to return as planned.
Marine Rescue Woolgoolga has made history as the first Marine Rescue NSW unit to appoint an all-female executive team.
Image: (L to R) Dolly Clarke, Cherrill Powell, Lisa Mobbs and Taylor Marshall, Susan Nielsen-Robson absent
The Mid North Coast unit, which boasts 44 volunteers, is now led by Unit Commander Taylor Marshall, supported by Deputy Unit Commander Lisa Mobbs, Treasurer Cherrill Powell, Administration Officer Susan Nielsen-Robson, and Membership Officer Dolly Clarke.
Unit Commander Marshall said the milestone had been warmly welcomed across the organisation and the community.
“It wasn’t planned, it just happened and I’m glad it did. It’s making waves, and that’s nice. The unit executive is a wonderful group of dedicated women who believe in our members, the service and the community. I’m very excited to be on this journey with them and our incredible volunteers,” she said.
Image: Lisa Mobbs and Taylor Marshall check the electronics on board rescue vessel Woolgoolga 30
Marshall, who has been with Marine Rescue NSW for just two years, admitted she “fell into” leadership through her fiancée Mitch Harvey, a former Woolgoolga Unit Commander. After serving as a training officer and acting deputy, she was elected Unit Commander in July this year.
Harvey, Brian Taylor, Shirley Teague, David Forge and Josh Stangl were collectively at the helm of the unit for the past five years, guiding the operation with professionalism and purpose.
“I have learned a lot from them. They have set the standard high for the new executive and I hope we can meet the standards and possibly even exceed them. We are focused on keeping everybody happy and healthy, on task and growing the unit,” Marshall said.
While preparing for her wedding in April 2026 and working full-time in disability support, she continues to juggle her volunteer commitments.
“There’s always a lot to do, but all the pieces fit together which makes it work. Now that I’m really busy, I can’t stop being really busy,” she laughed.
Image: Newly appointed Marine Rescue Woolgoolga Unit Commander Taylor Marshall
Marshall is also progressing through her operational training, holding a Coxswain (Restricted) rating and working towards her full Coxswain qualification, a vital role for Woolgoolga, where missions involve surf beach launches straight into offshore waters.
Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Darren Hulm praised the new unit executive.
“Marine Rescue NSW and the local community is privileged to have this determined and reliable group of women leading the unit.”
Hulm also encouraged more women to volunteer.
“At Marine Rescue NSW, women and men train together, serve together, and save lives together with respect, teamwork and professionalism at the heart of everything we do,” he said.
“I encourage women who are ready to make a real difference to join Marine Rescue NSW whether on the radio or the rescue vessel, there is a place on the team.”
Marine Rescue Woolgoolga is based just north of Coffs Harbour, with its crews regularly called upon for challenging offshore rescue operations.
Marine Rescue NSW has honoured one of its longest-serving volunteers, Ian Baker ESM, who has reached the extraordinary milestone of 50 years of service to the boating community.
Baker, a highly respected Coxswain and Search and Rescue Support Officer with Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking, is one of only a handful of volunteers in the organisation’s history to achieve this exceptional milestone.
Image: (L to R) Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking Unit Commander Aaron Blackwell, Ian Baker ESM and Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott
Today, the 83-year-old was presented with the Marine Rescue NSW 50-year service pin during a ceremony at the unit’s Hungry Point base.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell paid tribute to Ian’s lifelong commitment to saving lives on the water.
“Half a century selflessly serving boaters and supporting his community is an incredible achievement,” Commissioner Barrell said.
“The sacrifices Ian and his family have made over five decades of service are deeply appreciated. He is a wonderful person who epitomises dedication, and we are also grateful to his family for supporting his commitment to the Service.
“Since joining the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association in 1975, Ian has been involved in hundreds of search and rescue missions. His contribution is nothing short of remarkable.”
Following the amalgamation of the Coast Guard with other organisations to form Marine Rescue NSW in 2010, Baker continued to serve with distinction and remains an active operational volunteer. He is a Life Member of Marine Rescue NSW and the recipient of several significant honours.
Image: Ian Baker ESM with wife Dianne and son Peter who has also spent the past 30 years volunteering with Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking
He was awarded the 2021 NSW Maritime Medal in recognition of his sustained contribution to maritime safety. Most recently, he received the Emergency Services Medal (ESM) in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List.
Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking Unit Commander Aaron Blackwell said Baker has long been a cornerstone of the unit.
“Ian has served in a variety of roles, including Treasurer, Training Officer and Training System Officer,” Unit Commander Blackwell said.
“He is a calm, grounded and knowledgeable leader who has earned the deep respect of all who serve alongside him.
“He places the utmost importance on crew safety and has led numerous high-pressure rescue operations, often in challenging conditions. His steady hand and mentoring have made a lasting impact on countless members of our unit.”
Ian Baker continues to actively serve in both vessel and radio operations, exemplifying the highest standards of volunteerism and public service.
“Marine Rescue NSW extends its heartfelt congratulations and thanks to Ian for five decades of unwavering commitment to community safety,” said Commissioner Barrell.
Baker said he never thought he would reach half a century serving the boating community.
“I never thought I would get anywhere near it. Never, ever thought about going that far. Then, all of a sudden, it’s here. Just like my 60th wedding anniversary, which is coming up in December — I never thought I would get there either,” he said.
Baker said saving lives on the water has been a rewarding journey.
“The camaraderie, the people, what we do — we help people. I got to enjoy boating and helping people at the same time, which is killing two birds with one stone.”
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell ESM will step down from the role next month after accepting a position as Executive Director, Response, at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Commissioner Barrell joined Marine Rescue NSW in 2020, following a distinguished career that included frontline service with NSW Police and senior executive roles with NSW Maritime.
As Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner, he has overseen the growth of the Service’s membership to more than 3,500 volunteers and driven significant improvements in search and rescue response and capability across Marine Rescue NSW’s 46 units.
“Marine Rescue NSW is in a very strong position, with immense capability in marine search, rescue and communications.
“The strength of any organisation comes from collective effort, and I look forward to watching Marine Rescue NSW continue to grow from the sidelines.
“My appointment to AMSA reflects the value and respect held for volunteer marine rescue services.
“I am excited to step into this new role, and I look forward to working closely with the dedicated team at AMSA,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW Chair, Jim Glissan AM ESM KC, congratulated Commissioner Barrell on his national appointment.
“Alex’s maritime knowledge and management skills are exceptional, and he will be a tremendous asset to AMSA.
“Whilst the volunteers, Board and staff at Marine Rescue NSW will be sad to see Alex leave the organisation, national search and rescue operations will benefit greatly from his experience,” Mr Glissan said.
Image: Commissioner Alex Barrell and Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews
At the request of the Marine Rescue NSW Board, Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews will take on the role of Acting Commissioner on 15 September, while a recruitment process is undertaken to appoint the next Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner.
After 19 years of unwavering overnight duty, Marine Rescue Port Stephens is farewelling long-serving volunteer Peter Bliss — the quiet force behind more than 8,600 hours on watch and 1,323 shifts, most of them completed when the rest of the country was asleep.
A dedicated night operator, Bliss carved out a unique and essential role at the unit — often logging eight to ten full night shifts each month. Whether it was a routine passage or a midnight MAYDAY, his experienced voice in the radio room provided reassurance to volunteer crews and boaters.
When Bliss moved to Port Stephens in 2005 he thought he would be filling a different role with Marine Rescue NSW.
“I was a Coxswain and wanted to go on the boats, but with work and family, one thing lead to another and I ended up in the radio room and loved it,” he said.
His service was recently recognised with a Unit Commander’s Citation, presented in honour of his extraordinary contribution to safety on the water over nearly two decades.
“Peter’s dedication is the kind that doesn’t seek recognition, but deserves it more than most,” said Unit Commander Ben van der Wijngaart.
“He has been the quiet professional on the night shift — consistent, and utterly dependable.
“His contribution to our operations and culture is deeply appreciated, and we thank him sincerely for his outstanding service,” he said.
Bliss is now stepping back following a recent injury and preparing for a move to Maitland to be closer to family.
“While we hope he enjoys some well-earned rest, we’ll certainly notice the absence of his name on the shift calendar — and the steady voice on the airwaves after dark,” Unit Commander van der Wijngaart said.
Bliss summed up the unique perks of the night shift at Marine Rescue Port Stephens with his usual wit.
“The radio room at 2am can be a serious place — but at least no one’s around to judge how many biscuits you’ve eaten,” he joked.
“It’s been a great experience, this unit is one big family, and I’ll miss them,” he said.
Bliss has left the door open to resume volunteering with unit in the future.
“They are such a great group of people at Marine Rescue Port Stephens, I may return in some capacity but first let’s get the move done and settle into our new life,” he said.
Unit Commander van der Wijngaart said he would welcome him back with open arms and his legacy remains strong.
“Inspired by Peter’s example, several newer members have recently volunteered to take on night shifts — a testament to the culture of quiet professionalism he helped foster,” he said.
The Marine Rescue Port Stephens radio base at Nelson Head operates 24/7 responding to boaters requiring assistance.
The unit is recruiting radio operators to be the voice of safety on the region’s waters.
“People need no prior experience to volunteer with Marine Rescue Port Stephens. We provide full free training and teach new members everything they need to know to help save lives on the water.
“The unit is hosting a volunteer information evening on Monday 25th August, interested persons will find more details on the Marine Rescue Port Stephens Facebook page,” Unit Commander van der Wijngaart said.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey has been recognised with two awards at the prestigious 2025 Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA), held last night (Saturday 2 August) at Bankstown Sports Club.
Inspector Massey was named Marine Rescue NSW Officer of the Year before being awarded the RESCA Overall Winner (serving in a paid capacity).
Currently appointed as Zone Duty Operations Manager – Illawarra, Inspector Massey oversees seven Marine Rescue NSW units across the region. With an impressive 40 years’ experience in emergency service roles, he plays a vital role in the 24/7 coordination of search and rescue missions, training and culturally inclusive community safety initiatives.
Speaking after receiving his awards, Inspector Massey said he was honoured and surprised by the recognition.
“I am very honoured to be the recipient of these two prestigious awards.
“When I heard my name, I was in absolute shock – I really thought one of the three other worthy finalists would receive the Marine Rescue NSW Officer of the Year Award.
Inspector Massey also paid tribute to those who have supported him in fulfilling his role.
“I love being able to be part of a big chain that gets people back safely to shore.
“I am privileged to work alongside dedicated and skilled volunteers.
“My role is key to saving lives on the water, and it’s a big honour to have that role,” Inspector Massey said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell congratulated Inspector Massey on the achievement and acknowledged the efforts of all finalists.
“Stuart works so hard for the organisation and it is great to see his service and dedication recognised.
“He is very respected amongst the volunteers and staff and works around the clock to support our units in the delivery of their life-saving service to the boating community of NSW.
Finalists for the Marine Rescue NSW Officer of the Year Award also included Lake Macquarie Coxswain Warren Collins, Norah Head Unit Commander Julie Rostron and Sydney State Radio Operator Helen Zielke as well as Youth Scholarship finalist Terrigal’s Rachael de Courcy.
“I extend my congratulations to Warren, Julie, Helen and Rachael on their selection as RESCA finalists – a true reflection of the high calibre of our volunteers.
Commissioner Barrell also thanked Rotary for shining a light on the invaluable work of emergency services.
“It’s fantastic that Rotary continues to acknowledge emergency service workers and Marine Rescue NSW through RESCA.
“Our volunteers and staff work tirelessly to support local boaters and their local community, which gives these communities real faith and trust in our organisation,” Commissioner Barrell said.
RESCA recognises the outstanding service of emergency services personnel across NSW, celebrating those who go above and beyond in protecting and serving the community.
Two long-standing Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour volunteers, Andrew Cox and Mark Halling, were today honoured for their distinguished service.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell presented the pair with their 20-Year Long Service Medals, recognising their dedication since joining the unit in the 2000s.
(L to R) Mark Halling, Commissioner Barrell, Andrew Cox and Unit Commander Jane Leach, photo by Michael Woltschenko
Both men have risen through the ranks to become experienced Coxswains (vessel skippers) and Watch Officers.
Commissioner Barrell praised their commitment.
“Marine Rescue NSW is privileged to have two trusted and dedicated individuals like Andrew and Mark.
“We are grateful for their service and their tireless efforts to keep boaters safe. The Coffs Harbour region is fortunate to have these men ready to assist at any time of day or night.”
Unit Commander Jane Leach said Cox and Halling are both highly respected members of the unit.
“They are exceptional seamen and mentors.
“Andrew and Mark also take great pride in their roles as Trainers and Assessors. They are outstanding educators who provide invaluable guidance to both new volunteers and those advancing through their ratings.
“They are calm under pressure—an essential quality when leading an offshore rescue mission,” she said.
Coffs Harbour 30 is again saving lives on the water, photo by Michael Woltschenko
Volunteers and guests also celebrated the return to service of the unit’s offshore rescue vessel, Coffs Harbour 30.
Built in 2014, the vessel has completed more than 650 search and rescue missions. After a decade of reliable service, it has recently undergone a full refurbishment at Yamba Welding and Engineering.
Upgrades include:
Two new 300-horsepower Suzuki engines (top speed of 40 knots – 74km/h)
New wiring, electronics, pipework, and hoses
New Raymarine navigation equipment
A reconfigured cabin and hull lining works
Installation of a Seakeeper ride system for enhanced trim and stability
Commissioner Barrell said the upgraded vessel would continue to serve the local boating community with speed and reliability.
“It is vital that our vessels remain rescue-ready. While it is optimal to replace them more often, the level of funding we receive does not allow for that.
“Like many others, we’re affected by rising costs. Because our funding hasn’t kept pace with inflation or the cost of building new rescue boats, we’ve had to invest in refurbishments to extend the life of our vessels to ensure they remain safe and fit for purpose—for both our volunteers and the boating public,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit professional organisation committed to keeping boaters safe and supporting the local community.
Two Marine Rescue Port Stephens volunteers, with a combined 30 years of experience between them, have been celebrated during a ceremony at Nelson Head.
Rescue vessel skipper and Watch Officer Laurie Nolan, and IT Systems Lead and Watch Officer Lee Ryman, were presented with the National Medal for 15 years of service by the Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington MP.
Image: (L to R) Ben van der Wijngaart, Dan Duemmer, Darren Schott, Lee Ryman, Kate Washington MP, Laurie Nolan, Alex Barrell and Todd Andrews
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell, Deputy Commissioners Darren Schott and Todd Andrews, Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer, and Marine Rescue Port Stephens Unit Commander Ben van der Wijngaart also attended the ceremony to acknowledge the pair.
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 wonderful to see two of our members, Laurie and Lee, being awarded the National Medal for 15 years of dedicated service to Marine Rescue New South Wales. The work and commitment that they’ve given to Marine Rescue Port Stephens over the last 15 years has been a tremendous service not only to our unit but also to the local community,” said Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell.
Nolan has served in numerous executive and operational roles at the unit, helping to shape policy, training, and operational standards. As a Coxswain and Watch Officer, he has played a direct role in saving lives at sea and mentoring crew members.
“When I first joined Marine Rescue NSW, I never imagined I’d still be doing this 15 years later. Back then, I was the one soaking up every bit of experience I could from the old hands. These days, I find myself in their shoes—mentoring the next generation, passing on what I’ve learnt about seamanship, staying calm under pressure, and just showing up for each other.
“Every call-out teaches you something. It’s not about medals—it’s about being there when someone needs help, no matter the time or weather. That’s what we do. And if I can help a new crew member find their confidence, then that’s worth more than any award.
“Volunteering with Marine Rescue Port Stephens is a fulfilling experience. Over 15 years, I’ve seen first-hand how a calm voice on the radio or a steady hand on the helm can make all the difference. It’s never about the recognition—it’s about showing up, being ready, and serving the community when it matters most,” Nolan said.
Ryman provides critical support to the unit’s IT infrastructure—ensuring vital life-saving communication systems and data remain secure, reliable, and operational. While in the radio room as a Watch Officer, he has balanced frontline vigilance with technical leadership.
“Most people think of Marine Rescue NSW as boats and radios—but there’s a lot that has to work behind the scenes to keep this unit operational.
“When lightning took out the base (in April 2024), we had to rebuild fast—phones, servers, radios, the lot. It wasn’t pretty, but we got it done, and we kept the comms up the whole time. That’s what I’m proud of—making sure the crew on the water have the tools and support they need.
“Marine Rescue NSW is about more than boats and radios—it’s about resilience, reliability, and community. Behind every rescue, there’s a network of people, systems, and trust. I’m proud to have spent the last 15 years helping ensure those systems support our crews when the call comes in,” Ryman said.
Commissioner Barrell said Laurie and Lee are both valued and trusted members of Marine Rescue Port Stephens.
“The local community is privileged to have such highly skilled and dedicated volunteers ready to assist them in their time of need. We congratulate them on their diligent service,” the Commissioner said.
For the first time in its history, Marine Rescue Eden has a female coxswain-restricted rated volunteer, with long-serving member Fay Cousin successfully achieving the qualification.
Marine Rescue Eden Unit Commander Roger Barson said Cousin’s accomplishment significantly strengthens the unit’s operational capability.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels must be operated by a coxswain or similar-qualified member during search and rescue missions.
“A coxswain-restricted rating is the penultimate step towards becoming a fully rated vessel coxswain. A Marine Rescue NSW coxswain-restricted is qualified to operate vessels on enclosed waters, while a coxswain can operate on any waters,” Unit Commander Barson said.
“Fay’s commitment to earning this rating is a remarkable personal milestone and a great asset to our unit and the local boating community.
“She undertook targeted training for the rating and successfully completed both her practical and theory assessments.
“Fay can now deploy and lead a crew on board either of the unit’s vessels for search and rescue operations on Twofold Bay. Our response capability has been further enhanced with fellow Eden volunteer Dave Pruckner also recently attaining his coxswain-restricted rating,” Barson said.
Women currently make up just under 38% of Marine Rescue Eden’s volunteer membership. Unit Commander Barson hopes Fay’s success will encourage more women to get involved with Marine Rescue NSW.
“Our female members in Eden range from 18-years-old to women with decades of Marine Rescue NSW experience.
“Every day, the women of Marine Rescue NSW prove that excellence knows no gender. Their strength, professionalism, and dedication inspire us all. Their courage and skill are vital to our mission of saving lives on the water,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW is proud to announce that five exceptional members have been named as finalists in the prestigious 2025 Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA), recognising their outstanding service and dedication to community safety on the water.
Four members are finalists for the Marine Rescue NSW Officer of the Year Award, with a collective service history of more than 45 years. They are:
Julie Rostron – Unit Commander, Marine Rescue Norah Head
Warren Collins – Coxswain and Trainer, Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
Helen Zielke – State Radio Operator, Marine Rescue Sydney
Stuart Massey – Illawarra Zone Duty Operations Manager
Nineteen-year-old Marine Rescue Terrigal volunteer Rachael de Courcy has also been named as a finalist for the Dorothy Hennessy OAM Emergency Services Youth Scholarship, recognising her leadership and commitment since joining the Terrigal unit in 2022.
Winners will be announced at the RESCA Presentation Dinner at Bankstown Sports Club on Saturday, 2 August 2025.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell congratulated the Officer of the Year finalists on their nominations.
“We are extremely proud of this dedicated group of people who continually go above and beyond in their roles to assist the boating community of NSW,” Commissioner Barrell said.
“This group boasts almost five decades of marine rescue experience, with each nominee playing a crucial role in saving lives on the water—whether on board a rescue vessel or managing vital communications in the radio room.”
Commissioner Barrell also wished Rachael de Courcy well in the youth category.
“We are privileged to have such an enthusiastic young woman as part of the crew at Terrigal,” he said.
“Rachael is one of the youngest rated crew members in the state and has already made a valuable impact on her unit. Marine Rescue NSW is excited to support Rachael’s journey in the Service.”
The RESCAs recognise outstanding service by NSW emergency services personnel. The awards celebrate both paid and volunteer members of all NSW emergency services agencies who have gone above and beyond their normal duties, exemplifying the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”.
About the Finalists
Julie Rostron – Marine Rescue Norah Head
Julie leads a team of 40 volunteers and has risen through the ranks since joining in 2016. As Unit Commander and a qualified Radio Officer, her calm leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for female participation exemplify service and resilience.
Warren Collins – Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie
With over 16 years of service, Warren is a respected Coxswain, Trainer, Rescue Water Craft Operator, and former Deputy Unit Commander. His hands-on leadership during complex rescues, along with his contributions to training and public education, reinforces his commitment to safer waterways.
Helen Zielke – Marine Rescue Sydney
A stalwart of the State Communications Centre since 2013, Helen averages three overnight shifts a week. She has coordinated critical rescues, mentored dozens of radio operators, and was honoured for her support during the 2019–20 bushfires.
Stuart Massey – Marine Rescue Illawarra Inspector
Stuart has more than 40 years’ experience in emergency services, including Surf Life Saving. He now directs seven Marine Rescue NSW units across the Illawarra, supporting crews through 24/7 coordination, training, and culturally inclusive community safety initiatives.
Rachael de Courcy – Marine Rescue Terrigal
Joining in 2022, Rachael has quickly become a key member of her unit—balancing university with callouts, emergency training, and community outreach. Her maturity, leadership, and calmness under pressure have made her a role model for new recruits.
Offshore search and rescue capability along the NSW coast has been enhanced with the addition of a cutting-edge, custom-designed vessel to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.
Named Marine Rescue 30 (MR 30), the new Secure-class vessel was the brainchild of Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin. MR 30 was designed, developed and built in NSW by Yamba Welding and Engineering under the VYCOR brand.
The new 11.4-metre vessel boasts exceptional offshore capability. It is powered by fuel-efficient twin 300-horsepower diesel outboard engines, capable of a top speed of 34 knots (63 km/h), and features a full suite of Raymarine search and navigation technology.
“We’ve got FLIR cameras for infrared and thermal searches, depth sounders and sonar,” Parkin said.
“We have tried to ensure that the layout is familiar across our boats, so that crew can step aboard and instantly recognise everything. They know how to operate the systems, and they understand their parameters.
“The only thing extra to learn is how the boat handles and manoeuvres,” he said.
Image: Marine Rescue Port Jackson’s Julie Barkworth on the helm
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the vessel’s innovative hull design allows it to glide through the water, improving volunteer safety and comfort in a range of sea conditions.
“As soon as you step aboard, you can feel the quality of the build. The smoothness of the ride, the technology that allows our volunteers to see what lies ahead, navigate safely, communicate effectively — the vision from the helm is fantastic. It’s just an all-round very capable vessel.
“This state-of-the-art design is purpose-built for Marine Rescue NSW and the work that we do,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell said the new $1.072 million state asset could be deployed to any Marine Rescue NSW unit along the state’s east coast from Point Danger to Eden.
“We are aiming to build our vessels so they can be relocated between units. The capability and technology remain consistent, allowing volunteers to move from vessel to vessel, operate them safely, and ultimately assist the boating community of New South Wales,” he said.
MR 30 will also play a key role during the International Maritime Rescue Federation’s Women in SAR (search and rescue) event this August.
“The vessel will be on hand for International Women in SAR, where 16 female participants from around the globe will come here to experience Marine Rescue NSW and Sydney Harbour. To be able to do so on a vessel of this capability not only showcases our organisation, but also the exceptional design talent we have in Australia’s maritime industry,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Parkin said MR 30 was inspired by feedback from volunteer crew across the state and has exceeded Marine Rescue NSW’s expectations.
“The design focuses on Marine Rescue NSW volunteer safety, accessibility, and functional requirements for offshore rescue.
“It was built with innovation, stability, and crew safety at the forefront.
“It’s been exceptional on the water. We have incorporated systems to make the ride smoother. The internal space allows easy movement, the large windows provide excellent visibility, and the comfortable seating is a real bonus.
“The vessel is proving its worth. We have taken it offshore several times now in significant seas. It’s a dry boat. You feel safe and secure inside, and it’s easy to work on,” Parkin said.
The NSW Government has contributed to the cost of this vessel to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,500 volunteers. Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
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.”
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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10 Marine Rescue Port Macquarie volunteers have been honoured with significant awards by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell during a ceremony at the Westport Club on Wednesday 3 July.
Commissioner’s Citations were presented to eight volunteers for their role during a late night rescue mission in harrowing offshore conditions last October.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie radio operators received a MAYDAY call from the skipper of a 12 metre yacht with two people on board just after 8pm on Monday 16 October 2023 after his vessel became disabled with a broken boom followed by engine and communications failure.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Unit Commander Greg Davies said a volunteer crew was deployed on PM 30 to assist the sailors who were located five nautical miles (9 kilometres) off Port Macquarie.
“Conditions deteriorated during the rescue mission with our crew enduring 107km/h wind gusts on four to five metre seas.
“They successfully reached the disabled vessel, secured a tow line and returned the sailors and their yacht to safety on the Hastings River following a tense five-and-a-half hour rescue mission.
“The crew on board PM 30 was supported by our radio operator and watch officer who managed vital communications during the mission,” Unit Commander Davies said.
Almost nine months after the challenging rescue, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell last night presented the Port Macquarie 30 crew of skipper Leonard Smart, leading crew Rob Britten and crew members David Withers, Warren Gowing, Bruce Lee and Michael Ranson-Smith along with radio operator Brooke Mason and duty watch officer Ian Pascoe with Commissioner’s Citations.
“The courage and selfless dedication of the volunteers involved in this challenging and successful rescue mission is greatly appreciated and deserving of a Commissioner’s Citation.
“The crew on board Port Macquarie 30 braved extreme conditions in darkness to save the two sailors and their vessel while the professionalism and calmness shown by Brooke and Ian who coordinated the response from the radio base aided the positive outcome.
“The skill and commitment of our volunteers to respond at any time of day or night and often in extremely challenging conditions is testament to their dedication to the communities they serve,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Long-serving volunteers Keith Reichenbach and Trish Hallett were also acknowledged last night with the pair receiving a Commissioner’s Citation for Service.
“Keith and Trish have a combined 28 years of the service with the Port Macquarie unit and continually go above and beyond, always putting others first.
“They are incredible people and it is wonderful to award them Commissioner’s Citations for Service,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Unit Life Member Mr Reichenbach will stand down as Treasurer this month following 14 years in the role. He will continue to serve as Assistant Treasurer and remain an active radio operator with the unit.
Ms Hallett has spent the past four years as the unit’s Welfare Officer and speaks with all volunteers on a regular basis.
Unit Commander Davies said Ms Hallett is a compassionate and caring woman.
“Trish is an angel, she is always available to help our members who may be ill or in need of assistance. She drops off groceries, provides transport for appointments and importantly checks in on how they are doing, she is an incredible human,” Mr Davies 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.
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 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.
The new Marine Rescue Trial Bay replacement vessel arrived at South West Rocks early this afternoon and will go into service over the coming days after volunteers underwent training and induction on the boat at Yamba yesterday.
The 10 metre Naiad was constructed by Yamba Welding and Engineering with senior crew being introduced to the new vessel under the guidance of Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin.
“The new Trial Bay 30 aced its sea trial last month and departed Yamba this morning.
“This vessel will enhance search and rescue capability in the region with its state-of-the-art navigation and communications technology including a full Raymarine suite.
“It is powered by twin Suzuki 300 horsepower engines and capable of reaching a top speed of 42 knots,” Parkin said.
Marine Rescue Trial Bay Unit Commander Ian Turner said the new replacement vessel handles extremely well on the water, which is crucial during rescue missions.
“With the new design of the hull, the turning capabilities and the softness that we are experiencing when we are crossing a bar over the swells is a vast improvement on our original (former) vessel,” he said.
Unit Commander Turner said there are a number of operational enhancements on the new boat.
“The first thing that comes to mind is the spaciousness of this vessel, which is just a little bit wider than our original vessel, the ergonomic seats are very comfortable and particularly the new suite of electronics which brings this vessel up to the new fleet standard.
“This new vessel has access cut-outs on both the port and starboard side so you don’t step over the gunnel you step through it, which is a major safety point, it also has a davit for lifting people into our vessel during a man overboard response,” Unit Commander Turner said.
Marine Rescue Trial Bay Coxswain Geoff Greenwood was part of the delivery crew and said the journey south from Yamba was extremely comfortable on the new vessel.
“Very pleased, the boat went well, we were able to sit around 25 knots somewhere there and rode very well, very impressed,” he said.
Mr Greenwood said the Marine Rescue Trial Bay crew had company on the journey with the whale migration in full swing.
“There were a ton of whales, we had to give them a wide berth from time to time but they all look fairly healthy,” he said.
Boaters are reminded to follow the marine mammal watching rules and to always Log On and Log Off with their local Marine Rescue NSW base either via the free Marine Rescue app or over VHF channel 16.
The NSW Government has contributed to the cost of the Trial Bay 30 replacement vessel to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,400 volunteers.
Almost 80 past and present volunteers have marked Marine Rescue Ulladulla’s 50th anniversary of saving lives on the water during a ceremony at the Ulladulla Civic Centre on Saturday 4 May 2024.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said it was an important occasion to acknowledge the selfless efforts of all members who have volunteered at the unit since it began servicing the local boating community in 1974.
“It’s wonderful to be here to celebrate 50 years of Marine Rescue Ulladulla. This is an organisation run by dedicated volunteers. We are so fortunate to have these volunteers that give up their time every day of the week to serve the local community and more importantly, serve the boating community on the South Coast. We could not do what we do without these volunteers,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Ulladulla Unit Commander John Samulski said unit has a proud history.
“It started with humble beginnings by the local community, the vessel Kyli and radio operations from one of the member’s houses through to state-of-the-art equipment and vessels today,” he said.
Marine Rescue Ulladulla is now supported by 82 volunteers who cover over three-and-a-half thousand square kilometers of ocean as well as the local waterways with three dedicated search and rescue vessels and a specialised radio communications room.
Unit Commander Samulski acknowledged the dedication of members and supporters who helped the unit rise from the ashes following a major setback in 2013.
“Our headquarters building, burnt to the ground but through the endurance and hard work of our members, the local community and the state government, we were able to rebuild to a state-of-the-art facility which we enjoy today,” Unit Commander Samulski said.
Long-serving volunteer Raymond Dixon has dedicated almost 37-years to the unit after becoming a volunteer in 1987 and said his reason for joining was simple.
“For my own safety and anyone that was in the boat with me. I had to learn a radio licence and first aid for the safety of myself, and anyone in the boat and the people I knew that had boats,” he said.
Mr Dixon has been involved in numerous search and rescue missions during his time with the unit and said he will never forget the 1993 Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
“We had to bring 12 yachts into the harbor and at that time, we had to put moorings down from the breakwall to the slipway so the boats could be tied up because there wasn’t sufficient places at the wharf for the boats to be tied up to.”
Mr Dixon (pictured above) said huge progress has been made in boating communications over the past four decades.
“The lack of correspondence from boats going out to sea was a major challenge in the early days.
“Our biggest trouble was not knowing where they (vessels) were when they were overdue and if ever they broke down, we always had trouble finding them,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell said the strength of Marine Rescue NSW’s search and rescue capability would continue to advance over the next half-a-century.
“There is no doubt as an organisation and as a local unit we have come so far in 50 years, the next 50 years, we can continue to grow.
“We are so fortunate nowadays to have wonderful boats, wonderful radio equipment, fantastic facilities and we can continue to grow as an organisation to make sure that we enhance our capability so that we can continue to support the local boating community,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell said boaters should take advantage of the service provided by Marine Rescue NSW and its skilled and dedicated volunteers.
“Log On with your local Marine Rescue NSW base. Download the free Marine Rescue app and make sure that before you head out on the water, you’ve checked the local conditions and you have the right safety equipment on board,” he said.
Four volunteers from Marine Rescue Terrigal have been presented Commissioner’s Citations for their actions during the 2017 New Year’s Eve display explosions at Terrigal Haven which resulted in two people being thrown into the water and rescued by Marine Rescue NSW crew.
Volunteers on board Marine Rescue Central Coast vessels CC 13 and CC 22 which at the time were based at Terrigal Haven, provided on-water assistance for the fireworks display and were monitoring the exclusion zone when not long after the commencement of the display multiple explosions took place on the fireworks barge.
Two persons working on the barge ended up in the water and required immediate assistance.
Image:Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner’s Citation recipients (L to R) Adrian Nicholas, Darren Wright, Czeslaw Lawicki and Shaun Smith.
The volunteer crew of Shaun Smith and Darren Wright on board CC 13 responded and recovered the two persons in the water while Marine Rescue NSW vessel CC 22 provided support to the emergency response.
CC 13 transported the two persons to the Terrigal boat ramp where they were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before the rescue vessel returned to maintain the exclusion zone along with CC 22.
Both Marine Rescue NSW vessels and their crews were stood down at 10:50pm after the fireworks barge sunk.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell attended the Terrigal unit today and presented CC 13 crew Shaun Smith and Darren Wright and CC 22 crew Adrian Nicholas and Czeslaw Lawicki with Commissioner’s Citations.
“The volunteers involved in Terrigal Haven New Year’s Eve rescue have been recognised for their courage, bravery, teamwork and dedication to saving lives on the water.
“Their rapid response during this incident ensured that the two people on the barge were retrieved from the water quickly and taken for treatment.
“Our volunteers’ actions were selfless and heroic and I am extremely proud to award those involved with Commissioner’s Citations,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Image: Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell presents the Commissioner’s Citation to Marine Rescue Terrigal volunteer Czeslaw Lawicki.
CC 13 crew member Shaun Smith is now the Unit Commander at Marine Rescue Terrigal and said the volunteers on duty that night provided a rapid response.
“The fireworks were still going off as we retrieved the first man, another person was thrown into the water by the second explosion, we got him on board the rescue vessel, they were both disorientated and one was struggling to breathe.
“We got them to the paramedics as quickly as we could and then headed back with CC 22 to enforce the exclusion zone because the fireworks were still going off.
“It is an honour to receive this award in recognition of our involvement on the night, we just knew people were in trouble and did everything we could to get them to safety,” he said.
Terrigal Unit Commander Smith said all four Marine Rescue NSW units on the Central Coast (Terrigal, Central Coast, Norah Head and Tuggerah Lakes) are looking to increase their membership.
“Marine Rescue NSW has a variety of volunteer opportunities for those wanting to get involved with the Service, from radio operations and vessel crew to fundraising.
“In the past 18 months Marine Rescue Terrigal’s membership has grown from 11 to 44 committed volunteers.
“We are actively seeking people to get involved with fundraising to support the unit’s operational costs,” he said.
Commissioner Barrell also presented Marine Rescue Terrigal volunteer John Finn with a 2nd Clasp National Medal for his 35 years of service to Marine Rescue NSW and the Royal Australian Navy Reserve.
NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin today welcomed a new $862,930 Marine Rescue NSW vessel, which provides a significant boost for the Woolgoolga community.
Ms Saffin was joined by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell to officially commission Woolgoolga 30 to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.
The new vessel, funded by the NSW Government, was today also named the Tamieka Lee.
Ms Saffin said it was an honour to commission the new vessel, which is a vital addition to support the life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
“This rescue boat has the speed and technology to quickly and safely get rescue crews where they are needed when vital seconds count.
“This outstanding rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of the region and the active users of our local waters.
“On behalf of the people of Woolgoolga, and visitors to our local waters, I thank all the dedicated, hardworking Marine Rescue volunteers,” she said.
Ms Saffin also encouraged all boaters to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW either by the free Marine Rescue app or via VHF channel 16.
“Using the Marine Rescue app or establishing contact through VHF Channel 16 ensures that a search will be initiated for boaters who don’t return from a voyage as planned,” Ms Saffin said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the new rescue vessel is a much-welcomed asset for the community.
“Boaters at Woolgoolga can rest easier knowing that this state-of-the-art vessel is at the ready should they run into trouble.
“Volunteer crew members at Marine Rescue Woolgoolga have been fully trained on the operation of the new vessel and are ready to respond to people in need,” Commissioner Barrell said.
The 9.5 metre Naiad Hamilton jet boat is powered by a 575 horsepower Cummins engine and features a specialist Raymarine suite of maritime navigation equipment and FLIR (forward looking infrared camera).
Commissioner Barrell said the replacement rescue boat was designed and built to meet demanding local operating conditions and would prove a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.
“This vessel is launched and retrieved from the beach which was a major factor in the design phase.
“Woolgoolga 30 can quickly deploy up to 30 nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore.”
“Marine Rescue Woolgoolga is a vital part of the Marine Rescue NSW network and we are fortunate to have 45 dedicated volunteers here committed to saving lives on the water,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Woolgoolga Unit Commander Brian Taylor thanked the NSW Government for funding the cost of the new vessel.
He said the new vessel was a significant improvement over the unit’s former Ellis jet rescue boat.
“It is a superior vessel and an important asset for the community.
“The upgraded search and rescue technology on board has improved our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives on the water.
“This vessel has many important features including improved handling, manoeuvrability and greater volunteer comfort allowing our crews to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and conditions.
“It is much lighter and easier to control than the former vessel and can essentially turn on dime,” Unit Commander Taylor said.
“This vessel, the Tamieka Lee has been named in honour of two young people with a strong connection to our Deputy Unit Commander Shirley Teague who has dedicated more than 13 years to Marine Rescue NSW at both the Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga units.
“Shirley’s daughter Tamieka lost her life to ovarian cancer in 2016 and Lee lost his life not long after Tamieka passed.
“Lee is the son of Ursula and Trevor Kirby, long-time supporters of Marine Rescue Woolgoolga and close family friends of Shirley.
“We are proud that this new vessel bears Tamieka and Lee’s names and that their memories can live on while it carries out its vital life-saving work on the region’s waters,” Unit Commander Taylor said.
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong The Hon. David Harris today welcomed a new $355,000 Marine Rescue NSW vessel, which provides a significant boost for the Tuggerah Lakes community.
Mr Harris was joined by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell to officially commission Tuggerah Lakes 21 to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.
The new vessel, funded by the NSW Government and community donations, was today also named the Tony Younglove.
Mr Harris said the new vessel is a vital addition to support the life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
“This rescue boat has the speed and technology to quickly and safely get rescue crews where they are needed when vital seconds count.
“This outstanding rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of the region and the active users of our local waterways,” he said.
Mr Harris said it was an honour to commission the Tony Younglove in recognition of Tony’s commitment and contribution to the Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes unit.
“Tony is an extremely dedicated volunteer and was awarded the prestigious Emergency Services Medal in 2022.
“He has given so much to the community and it is wonderful that this new vessel will bear his name while it carries out its vital life-saving work on the region’s waterways.
“On behalf of the people of Tuggerah Lakes, and visitors to our local waterways, I thank Tony and all the dedicated, hardworking Marine Rescue NSW volunteers,” he said.
Mr Harris also encouraged all boaters to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW either by the free Marine Rescue app or via VHF channel 16.
“Using the Marine Rescue app or establishing contact through VHF Channel 16 ensures that a search will be initiated for boaters who don’t return from a voyage as planned,” Mr Harris said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the new rescue vessel is a much-welcomed asset for the community.
“Boaters and paddlers at Tuggerah Lakes can rest easier knowing that this state-of-the-art vessel is at the ready should they run into trouble.
“Volunteer crew members at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes have been fully trained on the operation of the new vessel and are ready to respond to people in need,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Powered by twin 115 horsepower Suzuki outboard engines and with a specialist Raymarine suite of maritime navigation equipment and FLIR (forward looking infrared camera), the vessel is a 6.3 metre walk-through centre console Naiad.
Commissioner Barrell said the replacement rescue boat was designed and built to meet demanding local operating conditions and would prove a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.
“As well as assisting boaters and paddlers on Tuggerah Lake, Budgewoi Lake, Lake Munmorah and surrounding waterways, this vessel can also quickly deploy up to seven nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore.”
“The Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes unit had its busiest year ever in 2023, completing a unit record 65 search and rescue missions, 14 of which were emergencies,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Unit Commander Bob Sutton thanked the local community for its generous support of the unit’s fundraising efforts to contribute 20 per cent of the cost of the new vessel.
He said the new vessel was a significant improvement over the unit’s former Cobia rescue boat.
“The upgraded search and rescue technology on board has improved our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives on the water.
“The lakes are quite shallow and when the wind blows up these waterways become treacherous.
“This vessel has many important features including improved handling, manoeuvrability and greater volunteer comfort allowing our crews to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and conditions.
“Our crews cover an area of 80 square kilometres, assisting boaters, paddlers and users of our local waterways, and this vessel is a welcomed addition to our fleet.
“Naming this vessel the Tony Younglove, is a fitting tribute to much respected unit life-member Tony Younglove. Tony was Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Unit Commander for six years from 2015. He is currently our Training Officer and is doing a wonderful job developing the unit’s next generation of volunteer crew,” he said. Mr Sutton said.
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes have begun induction and training on the unit’s new rescue vessel Alpine Lakes 20.
The Gray’s Marine and Welding built boat was delivered to the Alpine Lakes unit this week and Marine Rescue NSW Monaro Inspector Glenn Sullivan said crews immediately began learning the new vessel on Lake Jindabyne.
“Our volunteers were blown away by the size and quality of the new 6.8 metre vessel.
“Once they got out on the water they were impressed with the room inside the cabin, the space on the back deck and latest search and rescue technology on board,” he said.
Inspector Sullivan said the purpose built first of its kind vessel surpassed the unit’s expectations with its handling and ease of launch.
“This vessel can be launched quickly which is vital for rapid response and our mission of saving lives on the water.
“We have commenced induction and training on the new Alpine Lakes 20.
“The vessel has been handed over the Unit Commander and our skippers at the unit to continue the process with all crew members on the vessel, once that is completed in the coming weeks the vessel will go into operational service,” he said.
The ongoing financial support of the NSW Government has contributed to the cost of AL 20 to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,300 volunteers.
Inspector Sullivan said Alpine Lakes 20 will be based at Lake Eucumbene once the Alpine Lakes unit’s new facility is completed at Buckenderra later this year.
“We are grateful to the Buckenderra Holiday Village and Bendigo Bank for supporting the new facility which will provide reassurance for people enjoying the waters of Lake Eucumbene,” he said.
Long serving Marine Rescue Port Stephens volunteer Harold (Harry) Gibson has been recognised for almost four decades of service with life membership to Marine Rescue NSW.
Mr Gibson was presented the award at this weekend’s Marine Rescue NSW board meeting in Newcastle.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said it was wonderful to add Mr Gibson to the Service’s celebrated group of life members.
“This is an honour bestowed upon a member for exceptional service granted to him through the Board of Marine Rescue New South Wales.
“This award for Harry recognises nearly 40 years of dedicated service to Marine Rescue New South Wales, and importantly the boating community,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Mr Gibson is today a valued member of the Marine Rescue NSW Protocol Committee and began volunteering with the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in April 1985, he said it was his interest in amateur radio that attracted him to offer his services.
“I felt I had a lot to offer the organisation plus I’ve been in the area (Nelson Bay) most of my life.
“I had Coxswain and diesel engineering certificates, so I was able to bring those skills along and help new members.
“It gave me such a thrill, I still do that (today), I still mentor new members,” he said.
Mr Gibson said he was honoured to receive the award and provided an insight into the emotion of saving lives on the water.
“There are highlights, very good times and very sad times that I do not talk about.
“The good times are when you’ve rescued people way out, 35 miles plus out to sea.
“You tow them in all night and for them to come up once we boarded the wharf just to hug you and say thank you, ‘we owe you our life you’ve done so much for us,’ that more than pays for everything, to see those people back on land safe, it’s a big thrill.
“It’s well worth all the danger, practice and exercise we put into the training,” Mr Gibson said.
Marine Rescue Merimbula Unit Commander Bill Blakeman ESM received another accolade overnight, being presented with the Safety Award at the NSW/ACT Community Achievement Awards in Sydney.
Mr Blakeman received the award for his innovative and tailored approaches to the safety and well-being of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and the boating community.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell congratulated Mr Blakeman for his dedication to safety.
“Bill’s commitment not only to our members at Marine Rescue Merimbula but also boaters on the Sapphire Coast is exemplary.
“His focus on operational and emergency response preparation ensures that our vessel crews and radio operators are rescue ready to serve the community to the highest standards.
“Marine Rescue NSW is extremely proud to have Bill in its ranks and we congratulate him on being recognised for his focus on safety,” Commissioner Barrell said.
From humble beginnings to a multifaceted rescue service, Marine Rescue Port Macquarie celebrated 50 years of saving lives on the region’s waterways during a dinner at the Westport Club last night.
130 dignitaries and guests attended the event, which was rescheduled following COVID interruptions over the past two years.
Formally founded as Sea Rescue Port Macquarie in 1971, the unit became Marine Rescue Port Macquarie in 2010 and now has 234 highly skilled volunteer members.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell acknowledged the work of the initial group that formed Sea Rescue over half a century ago with original member Bruce Robson (pictured above) addressing guests and reminiscing about the beginnings of the rescue service.
“They were the pioneers of maritime safety in the region, starting out in 1971 with a Smiths jet boat and laying the foundation for a vitally important community service,” Commissioner Barrell said.
“The fleet at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie has now grown to five rescue vessels.
“There’s been huge advancements in technology and rescue equipment over the years. We’re very fortunate in Port Macquarie Marine Rescue to have two ocean going rescue vessels, two rescue watercraft and a new multi-purpose vessel that can be used in flood operations,” Commissioner Barrell said.
The Port Macquarie unit is consistently one of the busiest Marine Rescue NSW units on the Mid North Coast.
From 2015 to the end of last month, volunteers at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie completed 733 search and rescue missions of which 343 were emergencies, returning 1,529 people safely to shore.
In almost nine years, just under 28,500 boaters have Logged On with Marine Rescue Port Macquarie with volunteers keeping watch over more than 89,000 people on the region’s waterways and managing more than 122,000 radio calls.
“Marine Rescue Port Macquarie is an integral part of our rescue network on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. The work that our dedicated volunteers do day in day out is outstanding and it’s been this long contribution for over 50 years now that’s really added value and safety to this community,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Image: Port Macquarie Unit Commander Greg Davies with Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell
The 50th anniversary celebration featured key speakers covering the three eras of the Service and highlighted a six-hour rescue operation where three seriously injured people were saved from a sinking vessel off Port Macquarie in April 2019.
Volunteer members involved in the challenging but successful rescue mission were honoured with an International Maritime Rescue Federation Award in London and a Professional Commendation at the 2019 Australian Search and Rescue Awards.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Unit Commander Greg Davies assumed the leadership role in 2017 and during that time volunteer recruitment has increased by 60% with the boaters of Port Macquarie now supported by 234 dedicated volunteers.
“The unit’s extraordinary. We work so well because we’ve got a great team of volunteers, very committed, dedicated and they spend a lot of time in the organisation. I think the thing is that they all train hard and they work very hard to be the best they can be and they’ve got a great sense of pride within the organisation,” he said.
Unit Commander Davies said last night’s event was not just a celebration of the unit’s existence but the numerous volunteers over the years who have dedicated their time to saving lives on the waters of Port Macquarie.
“Our unit has a great history, it’s over 50 years of service to the community and over the time we’ve done more than 4,000 rescues.
“We’re very embedded in the community, we’re well respected and we work very hard for the community. We’re here to serve the community in every way we can,” he said.
Marine Rescue Moama volunteer Beresford Ralph has been recognised for 10 years service with Marine Rescue NSW.
Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond and Moama Unit Commander Luke Sharrock presented Mr Ralph with his 10 year service medal during a ceremony at the Marine Rescue Moama base on the Murray River.
Image: (L to R) Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond, Marine Rescue Moama Unit Commander Luke Sharrock and Beresford Ralph during the 10 year service medal presentation.
Zone Commander Hammond said Mr Ralph is a highly respected and experienced member of the Moama Unit.
“He’s a very active member who contributes a lot to the unit and responds to many of our call outs.
“He’s very generous with his time and willing to deploy out of area,” he said.
Zone Commander Hammond said Mr Ralph’s dedication to the Service represents countless hours given to Marine Rescue NSW serving the Murray River community.
“A decade of volunteering takes great commitment and were grateful for Beresford’s service.
“He’s an experienced mariner on inland waterways and brings a lot of skill and experience to the Moama unit.
“He’s a very dedicated person and is always ready to assist,” Zone Commander Hammond said.
Marine Rescue Terrigal has been endorsed to be re-established as an accredited Marine Rescue NSW unit under NSW State Rescue arrangements.
Marine Rescue NSW Hunter Central Coast Zone Duty Operations Manager, Inspector Steve Raymond said the Terrigal unit amalgamated with the neighbouring Central Coast unit in 2017 and over time it became evident of the need for Terrigal to return to a unit in its own right.
“With Terrigal having favourable access to the ocean we felt it was important for boaters in the region that the unit was reinstated because of its offshore capability.
“The Terrigal base is positioned in a very important location; it has the most southern entry point to the ocean on the Central Coast and provides important offshore coverage between the Norah Head and Broken Bay units.
“With the Central Coast unit positioned on enclosed waterways, the endorsement for the re-establishment of the Terrigal unit provides boaters in the area with reassurance that in the event they need assistance, Marine Rescue NSW has multiple units and assets that can respond.
“The Terrigal unit has 40 locally based volunteer members and a 10-metre Naiad rescue vessel with offshore capability up to 30 nautical miles ensuring swift deployment for rescue missions,” he said.
Inspector Raymond said original Marine Rescue Terrigal members, Unit Commander Shaun Smith, Deputy Unit Commander Darren Wright and Training Officer Adrian Nicholas have been instrumental in working with Marine Rescue NSW to again become an accredited rescue unit.
“Shaun, Darren and Adrian supported the amalgamation with the Central Coast unit but with demand increasing for Terrigal to have its own rescue capability they have spent the past 18 months working to re-establish the unit.
“Their professionalism, dedication and commitment to support neighbouring Marine Rescue NSW units and boaters in the region has been exceptional.
“The base membership at Terrigal has also been very helpful along with the Central Coast unit.
“Central Coast Unit Commander Ian Morrow ESM and members have been extremely supportive of the reformation of the Terrigal unit and without their assistance none of this would have been possible.
“Marine Rescue NSW is grateful for the endorsement given by the Policy Advisory Committee to the State Rescue Board that Marine Rescue Terrigal returns to being an accredited rescue unit,” Inspector Raymond said.
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington has welcomed a new $667,000 Marine Rescue NSW vessel, which provides a significant boost for the Port Stephens community.
Ms Washington was joined by Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott to officially commission Port Stephens 30 to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.
The new vessel, funded by the NSW Government and community donations, was today also named the Shirley Clark in honour of the 92-year-old Port Stephens unit member.
Ms Washington said it was an honour to commission the Shirley Clark and recognise the decades of dedication by one of Marine Rescue NSW’s longest serving volunteers.
“Shirley has a long history of helping keep boaters safe in the region alongside her late husband Kevin.
“She has given so much to the community and it is wonderful that this new vessel will bear her name while it carries out its vital life-saving work on the region’s waterways.
“On behalf of the people of Port Stephens, and all of our boating visitors, I thank Shirley and all of the dedicated, hardworking Port Stephens Marine Rescue volunteers,” Ms Washington said.
“This rescue boat has the speed and technology to quickly and safely get rescue crews where they are needed when vital seconds count.
“This rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of Port Stephens and the Hunter Coast’s active local boating community and its many visiting boaters,” she said.
Ms Washington also encouraged all boaters to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW either using the free Marine Rescue app or via VHF channel 16.
“Using the Marine Rescue app or establishing contact through VHF Channel 16 ensures that a search will be initiated for boaters who don’t return from a voyage as planned,” she said.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott said the new rescue boat was designed and built to meet demanding local operating conditions and would prove a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.
“Boaters at Port Stephens can take comfort knowing this state-of-the-art vessel is at the ready should they run into trouble,” he said.
“With twin 300 horsepower Suzuki outboard engines and a specialist Raymarine suite of maritime navigation equipment, the 10 metre Naiad rescue boat is equipped to perform a variety of operational tasks.”
“The upgraded search and rescue technology on board including radar, sonar and FLIR night vision has improved our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives on the water.
“As well as operating on the Karauh River and Port Stephens Bay, this boat can quickly deploy up to 30 nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore.
“In the first nine months of this year the Port Stephens unit has been incredibly busy assisting boaters, completing 228 rescue missions, 101 of which were emergencies,” Deputy Commissioner Schott said.
Marine Rescue Port Stephens Unit Commander Ben van der Wijngaart thanked the local community for its generous support of the unit’s fundraising efforts to contribute 20 per cent of the cost of the new vessel.
He said the new vessel was a significant improvement over the unit’s former 8.5 metre rescue boat.
“With improved handling and manoeuvrability and greater volunteer comfort, our crews are able to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and sea conditions.”
“The vessel’s name, the Shirley Clark, is a fitting tribute to much respected life-member Shirley Clark. Shirley has been a volunteer with the Port Stephens unit for more than 40 years and remains a popular and highly respected member of the Port Stephens community,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW has taken delivery of three new custom designed multi-purpose vessels, which can be deployed quickly across NSW in the event of an emergency.
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.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said when the vessels are not tasked for flood response; they will be part of the Marine Rescue NSW fleet assisting boaters in need.
“The important thing about these vessels is that they can be used year-round.
“While they were funded off the back of the Flood Inquiry, the vessels will be used to help boaters on NSW waterways when they are not deployed for floods.
“These vessels have a shallow draft hull, which makes them easy to manoeuvre in challenging situations and to access a range of waterways.
“Whether these new vessels are used for a flood emergency or boating incident, the people of NSW should be confident that the fleet of rescue vessels in NSW is growing and that the committed volunteers at Marine Rescue NSW have their back as the weather warms up and boating season begins in earnest,” Minister Dib said.
Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin said the first three vessels built by Yamba Welding and Engineering have been designed for ease of use.
“They carry twin 90 horsepower Suzuki outboard engines and will be a valuable asset in supporting flood rescue and recovery efforts and boaters on NSW waterways,” he said.
“They are capable of reaching a top speed of 35 knots and handle smoothly on the water, giving our volunteers a stable platform to perform rescues,” Mr Parkin said.
“The vessels feature a bow door allowing them to beach land and transfer people and supplies during an emergency.
“The MPVs carry a Raymarine multi-function display for chart and navigation work,” Mr Parkin said.
Significant work has gone into both the development of the MPVs and the location of the vessels.
The first three MPVs, named Marine Rescue 20, Marine Rescue 21 and Marine Rescue 22 have been allocated to Marine Rescue NSW units in the state’s north.
MR 20 will be based at Evans Head, MR 21 will be located on the Tweed at the Point Danger Unit while MR 22 will call Port Macquarie home.
“Being state-wide assets these vessels will be deployed when called upon to assist other agencies and Marine Rescue NSW units,” Mr Parkin said.
Five more MPVs will be delivered over the coming months along with eight new inflatable rescue boats while three heavy tow support vehicles and Personal Protective Equipment will complete the program.
The much loved and vitally important Ballina Jet Boat is back saving lives on the water after transitioning to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott has welcomed the versatile rescue vessel to the Service’s fleet with the boat named Ballina 21.
“Ballina Jet Boat commenced in 1971 and has been providing 52 years of service to the Ballina community.
“It would have been a tragedy for the service to have stopped for the Ballina community so it’s great to see it continuing with Marine Rescue NSW,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Schott said Marine Rescue NSW recently accepted an opportunity to transition the vessel and members of Ballina Jet Boat to Marine Rescue Ballina.
“Those members have come over and joined and the assets of Ballina Jet Boat have also come to Marine Rescue NSW and will be operated out of Marine Rescue Ballina.
“I’m hoping in the future they’ll be trained in other areas of Marine Rescue Ballina working on the other two vessels and having the opportunity to train in the vital radio safety network as radio operators for Marine Rescue Ballina,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Schott said the Ballina Bar is a high-risk waterway and the Jet Boat is an important asset for the Service’s mission of saving lives on the water.
“The Jet Boat is a highly manoeuvrable boat and is excellent for working in waterways such as the Ballina Bar to perform rescues.
“It has performed a significant amount of rescues in that area over the past 52 years.
“It’s a high speed vessel and obviously can get in and out of a situation very quickly and assist boaters who may have ended up in the water,” Deputy Commissioner Schott said.
Marine Rescue Ballina Unit Commander Ken Delany said volunteers at the unit have welcomed the vessel with open arms.
“Very excited, it gives us a white water asset, a third asset to our fleet.
“It has a minimum draw so we can get up very shallow waters and it’s also given us another half a dozen members, fully trained, it’s a great asset to Ballina,” he said.
Unit Commander Delany said Ballina 21 is an incredibly important live-saving asset for the community.
“Ballina will embrace it very well because it gives (the area) another rescue asset,” Mr Delany said.
Image: Marine Rescue Ballina UC Ken Delany and Dave Carter
New Marine Rescue Ballina member and former Ballina Jet Boat volunteer Dave Carter said he was relieved when he learned that the vessel would continue to serve the region with Marine Rescue NSW.
“It’s been an important local community service.
“Coming in under Marine Rescue gives us the systems and structures that we require moving forward.
“After 52 years of service, it really gives the opportunity to reset and restart and continue to serve the Ballina community,” Mr Carter said.
After spending a number of years volunteering for the previous operator, Mr Carter said the move to Marine Rescue NSW has been seamless.
“We’ve been really happy and really impressed with the transition across to Marine Rescue.
“The engagement across the board from Marine Rescue has been tremendous.
“The support of the local Ballina unit has been more than we ever could have hoped for.
“At times it’s been tough as we’ve worked through to get all our (Marine Rescue NSW) qualifications but the support and the local crews involved have been mentoring us and have made it a lot easier,” he said.
Mr Carter spent almost five years as part of the Ballina Jet Boat crew until it ceased operating early last year.
“I didn’t really understand how important it was to the community until a couple of years ago but then we were just overwhelmed with support across the board.
“It’s a service that was started by locals to make their lives safer on the water.
“Over the years, it’s been involved in numerous rescues and incidents where locals and visitors to our region alike have been saved.
“Being a small coastal community, if something does happen on the water, everyone feels it so it’s important to have that service there.
“We’ve been generously supported by our local community over this time and it’s good to be able to repay that faith in us with our service for Marine Rescue,” he said.
Mr Carter said the Jet Boat could handle a variety of conditions.
“This vessel was custom built for the conditions here on the Ballina Bar and has performed numerous rescues over the years without a problem.
“Being able to negotiate the bar day or night and rescue multiple people has been where the Jet Boat has really proven its worth.
“The Jet Boat is crewed by local community members who all volunteer with their time and their expertise to make the waters of Ballina Shire a safer place,” Mr Carter said.
Deputy Commissioner Schott also thanked Ballina Shire Council for their ongoing support of the vessel and the local Marine Rescue unit.
“Marine Rescue NSW is grateful for the support and assistance provided by Council and we look forward to growing our partnership with Council and making the waters of Ballina Shire as safe as possible,” Mr Schott said.
Mayor of Ballina Shire Council, Cr. Sharon Cadwallader is delighted to have the Jet Boat back in the water.
“This is such a valuable asset for the Ballina Shire community.
“Council would also like to thank the brave community members that volunteer their time day and night to provide this important rescue service,” she said.
Two new Marine Rescue NSW vessels have been commissioned at a ceremony at Merimbula today ahead of what is expected to be a busy boating season.
The NSW Government’s investment in the $860,000 Merimbula 31 and $328,000 Merimbula 20 as well as an upgrade to the local wharf, supports the vital life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
In the past year, Marine Rescue Merimbula volunteers kept watch for the safe return of close to 3,000 boaters and completed 29 rescue missions, including 27 emergency situations.
Manufactured in NSW, the boats have powerful Suzuki twin outboard engines and a specialist Raymarine suite of maritime navigation equipment to get rescue crews quickly and safely where they are needed when vital seconds count.
The upgraded Marine Rescue NSW wharf will help volunteers access the vessels safely and securely.
Merimbula 20 will primarily assist boaters on Merimbula Lake and closer to shore while the larger Merimbula 31 can quickly deploy up to thirty nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters.
Volunteer crew members at Marine Rescue Merimbula have been fully trained on the operation of the new vessels and are equipped to respond to boaters in need.
All boaters are encouraged to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW either using the free Marine Rescue app or via VHF Channel 16.
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said: “These outstanding rescue vessels and upgraded facilities are a valuable investment in the safety of Merimbula’s active local boating community and the many boaters visiting our stunning Sapphire Coast.
“Marine Rescue NSW’s mission of saving lives on the water is only possible with the dedication of volunteers like the members of the Merimbula unit, who can now launch the latest in search and rescue vessels to assist boaters in need.
“These vessels have improved handling and manoeuvrability, allowing crews to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and conditions.”
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said: “The new rescue vessels are a much welcomed-asset for the community.
“Boaters at Merimbula can be confident that these state-of-the-art vessels are at the ready should they run into trouble.
“Using the service by Logging On and Off through Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16 ensures that a search will be initiated for boaters who don’t return from a voyage as planned.”
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said: “These replacement rescue boats were designed and built to meet demanding local operating conditions and will be a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.
“Marine Rescue NSW values the ongoing support of the NSW Government. Without it we would not be able to provide our world-class rescue capability to the boating community.
“I would like to thank the local community and visiting holidaymakers for supporting the fundraising efforts of Marine Rescue Merimbula’s volunteers that contributed to the costs of the new vessels, which are a significant improvement over the unit’s former boat.”
Four Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Evans Head unit have received National Emergency Medals for their service during the 2019/20 bushfire emergency.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan presented the medals to Deputy Unit Commander Jim Roberts, Kira Hartland, Kerrie Exley and Ken Exley at the Marine Rescue Evans Head base.
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Northern Zone Commander John Murray also attended the ceremony and congratulated the members for their service.
“This group of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are extremely dedicated to community and I thank them for their commitment to service.
“Not only in assisting boaters on the Northern Rivers but for going above and beyond during the bushfire emergency,” Acting Northern Zone Commander Murray said.
Long-serving Marine Rescue Ballina volunteer Phillip Causley has taken out the Marine Rescue NSW agency award at the 2023 Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards at Bankstown Sports Club.
Mr Causley was presented the award last night (Saturday 12 August) and supported by fellow Marine Rescue NSW finalists, Jervis Bay Grants Officer Leona Curran, Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock and Merimbula’s Stewart Dietrich.
Mr Causley has more than a decade of experience with Marine Rescue NSW after joining the Ballina unit in 2011.
He has progressed through the ranks from crew to Coxswain and has also held the role of Deputy Unit Commander.
Mr Causley also assisted with last year’s flood emergency response in the Northern Rivers and NSW Central West.
He said he was surprised to receive the Marine Rescue NSW agency award.
“I saw that all four of us (Marine Rescue NSW finalists) had our own credits and it was a surprise.
“I’d like to thank of all of my fellow unit members.
“It’s always a team effort for everything we do and also my family and friends that I’m disappearing from all the time.
“It’s very overwhelming (winning the award) but I’m very happy about it,” Mr Causley said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said Mr Causley was a deserving winner.
“I’m so proud of our four finalists and really proud of Phillip Causley as Marine Rescue NSW member of the year.
“It has been a really great night to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partner agencies and celebrate the wonderful work of our emergency services throughout New South Wales,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Two long-serving Marine Rescue NSW members from the state’s South Coast have been awarded the NSW Maritime Medal during a ceremony at the Sydney International Boat Show in Darling Harbour.
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen presented the medal to Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Unit Commander Kevin Hill and Marine Rescue Merimbula Unit Commander Bill Blakeman.
Mr Hill was awarded the NSW Maritime Medal for Safety.
In his decade with Marine Rescue NSW, Mr Hill has gone above and beyond as a rescue vessel skipper and worked tirelessly to train, educate and encourage boaters to be safe on the waters of Jervis Bay.
“I went to the boat show today to have a look around, I knew I was in the running for the medal but never thought I would be awarded it,” Mr Hill said.
“I was surprised to receive the medal and am humbled by it,” he said.
Mr Hill said since becoming a volunteer with Marine Rescue NSW in December 2013, two incidents earlier this year standout in his mind.
“In February we saved a father and his daughter who got into trouble while standup paddle boarding inside Jervis Bay off Iluka Beach near Green Patch.
“We rescued them in record time but it was the next day when I was manning the raffle stand at a shopping centre that the family walked in and the mother was overcome with emotion.
“To see the gratitude on the faces of that family was amazing.
“Within a week though, we went from the best possible outcome to the worst when in an almost identical situation and location with a different family, a young mother didn’t survive,” Mr Hill said.
Merimbula’s Bill Blakeman earned the medal for his service to Community for his outstanding contribution as a Training Officer, spending countless hours training and developing crew to conduct rescues and respond to incidents.
“I enjoy training new members and get great joy out of seeing their progress and development, it’s very satisfying.
“I work with a wonderful group of people at the Merimbula Unit and I am grateful to receive this recognition,” he said.
Mr Blakeman has volunteered for Marine Rescue since November 2008 and is a life member of the Merimbula Unit.
Mr Blakeman said after a lifetime in the marine industry, which began as a deck boy on a Port Line vessel at the age of 16, volunteering with Marine Rescue NSW is his chance to give something back to the community.
“My focus today is about saving lives on the water,” Mr Blakeman said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell, Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott and Marine Rescue NSW Board member Bob Wilson also attended today’s NSW Maritime Medal presentation.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and Bega MP Dr Michael Holland today welcomed a new $375,000 Marine Rescue NSW vessel which provides a significant boost for the Batemans Bay community.
The new vessel, funded by the State Government and community donations, was today officially commissioned Batemans Bay 21.
Mr Dib said the new vessel is a vital addition to support the life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
“This rescue boat has the speed and technology to quickly and safely get rescue crews where they are needed when vital seconds count,” Mr Dib said.
“This outstanding rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of Batemans Bay and the Batemans Coast’s active local boating community and its many visiting boaters.”
Mr Dib also encouraged all boaters to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW either by the free Marine Rescue app or via VHF channel 16.
“Using the Marine Rescue app or establishing contact through VHF Channel 16 ensures that a search will be initiated for boaters who don’t return from a voyage as planned,” Mr Dib said.
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said the new rescue vessel is a much welcomed asset for the community.
“Boaters at Batemans Bay can rest easier knowing that this state-of-the-art vessel is at the ready should they run into trouble,” Dr Holland said.
“Volunteer crew members at Marine Rescue Batemans Bay have been fully trained on the operation of the new vessel and are ready to respond to boaters in need.”
Powered by twin 115 horsepower Suzuki outboard engines and with a specialist Raymarine suite of maritime navigation equipment, the vessel is a 6.3 metre walk-through centre console Naiad.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the replacement rescue boat was designed and built to meet demanding local operating conditions and would prove a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.
“As well as assisting boaters on Batemans Bay, the Clyde River and surrounds, this vessel can also quickly deploy up to seven nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore.”
“In the first six months of this year the Batemans Bay unit has been incredibly busy assisting boaters, completing 75 rescue missions, 46 of which were emergencies,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Batemans Bay Unit Commander Rod Ingamells thanked the local community for its generous support of the unit’s fundraising efforts to contribute 20 per cent of the cost of the new vessel.
He said the new vessel was a significant improvement over the unit’s former 6.2 metre Cobia rescue boat.
“The upgraded search and rescue technology on board has improved our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives on the water,” he said.
“With improved handling and manoeuvrability and greater volunteer comfort, our crews are able to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and conditions,” Mr Ingamells said.
Minister Dib also presented National Emergency Medals to Marine Rescue Batemans Bay members Rod Ingamells, Amanda Thompson, Peter Poole, John Dolgan, David Murn, Peter Bladwell and Michael Syrek and Narooma’s Ian Noormets for their operational services during the 2019/20 bushfire emergency.
Marine Rescue Jervis Bay member Leona Curran has been named a finalist in the Marine Rescue NSW agency category for the 2023 Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) less than a week after being crowned the Marine Rescue NSW winner at the Shoalhaven Emergency Services Community Awards.
Ms Curran joins Northern Rivers pair, Brunswick Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock and long-serving Ballina volunteer Phillip Causley and Marine Rescue Merimbula member Edwin Dietrich as finalists for this year’s agency award.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said all four members are deserving finalists.
“Marine Rescue NSW is proud of all its volunteers and it is wonderful to see this group recognised as RESCA finalists.
“Their dedication to their local community, the boaters of NSW and Marine Rescue NSW is greatly appreciated.
“I wish them all the best at the awards ceremony,” Commissioner Barrell said.
The winner of the Marine Rescue NSW agency award will be announced at the RESCA ceremony at Bankstown Sports Club on August 12.
Leona Curran – Marine Rescue Jervis Bay
During her nine years at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay, Leona Curran has helped raise more than $500,000 for the unit.
Classified as Grants Officer, she has organised grants and coordinated fundraising activities including Bunnings barbecues, the Huskisson Monthly Markets, raffles and Marine Rescue’s Australia Day Jervis Bay Duck Derby where Ms Curran has also strengthened relationships with the Gadhungal Murring organisation.
Ms Curran’s work on the Duck Derby has helped the unit set new fundraising records for the event and she was also awarded second place with photos of the derby in a National Australia Day Council competition where she secured $2,000 for the unit.
Jonathan Wilcock – Marine Rescue Brunswick
Starting as a sailor in Victoria at the age of seven, Jonathan Wilcock became involved in competitive sailing and supporting boat operators as a child.
In his late teens he joined the SES to help with rescues in road accidents, swift water emergencies and floods.
After moving to the NSW Northern Rivers, he joined Marine Rescue Brunswick in 2017 and became Unit Commander in July 2019.
During the 2022 Northern Rivers flooding event Mr Wilcock worked alongside the NSW SES, NSW Police and Surf Lifesaving volunteers assisting with rescues and at one point extracting a severely ill person trapped in a flooded house. With neither an ambulance or helicopter able to access the area, he borrowed a vehicle with a snorkel fitted, allowing it go into deeper water, and got the patient out.
Mr Wilcock worked closely with the Mullumbimby SES, assisting people affected by flooding in the Mullumbimby and Upper Brunswick Valleys, delivering fuel, food and other necessities.
He also assisted in the Emergency Operations Centre and when the waters receded was active in the clean-up.
Phillip Causley – Marine Rescue Ballina
There was little doubt Phillip Causley would end up in a helping profession. From his last years in high school he was out helping, first with Kidz Kamp for the St Vincent de Paul Society, then the NSW SES, followed by service with the Westpac Helicopter and the Ballina Hospital Auxiliary.
In 2011, Mr Causley joined Marine Rescue Ballina and has held the positions of Crew, Leading Crew, Coxswain and Deputy Unit Commander.
His skills were put the to the test in June 2020 when a vessel sank off Patch’s Beach in South Ballina in the early hours of the morning. Mr Causley went out with crew, battling a treacherous bar and ferocious seas to rescue two people in the water.
During the 2022 floods, Mr Causley spent three days in Lismore rescuing flood victims. Notwithstanding his own home in Ballina being flooded, he assisted others for the next five days.
When floods hit the far west last November, he went to Walgett to assist with evacuations, helping small indigenous settlements and restocking supplies. He then went on to assist at Condobolin repairing and stabilising flood levies.
Edwin (Stewart) Dietrich – Marine Rescue Merimbula
After retiring from service with the Royal Australian Navy, Edwin Dietrich joined Marine Rescue Merimbula in 2015.
Based at Merimbula, he has trained other members of Marine Rescue NSW in navigation and boat handling, held executive positions, raised funds, monitored the marine radio network and participated in sea rescues.
When the 2019-20 bushfires threatened Merimbula, he worked tirelessly at evacuation centres, providing help and comfort. After the fires passed, he went back to the evacuation centres to assist with the clean-up and return to business.
Mr Dietrich was awarded the National Emergency Medal for his service during the 2019-20 bushfires.
As a member of Marine Rescue NSW he was seconded to the NSW SES Incident Control Centre at Bankstown during the 2021 floods.
In 2022, he was deployed to the Riverina as part of the flood response where he skippered various vessels and assisted isolated people and livestock.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Four Marine Rescue NSW members have been recognised on the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours list.
Central Coast Unit Commander Ian Morrow, Botany Port Hacking volunteer and Marine Rescue NSW Board member Robert (Bob) Wilson, long-serving Wooli member Jacquelyn Taffs and Shoalhaven volunteer Raymond Jones have been named Emergency Services Medal recipients.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell congratulated the group and said being awarded the Emergency Services Medal is a fitting tribute for their service.
“Ian, Bob, Jackie and Ray’s dedication to their respective units and communities make them all worthy recipients of the Emergency Services Medal.
“To have people of their calibre amongst our ranks is a real asset for our service.
“Marine Rescue NSW is extremely thankful for their commitment to the service and the NSW boating community,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Ian Morrow – Marine Rescue Central Coast
Ian Morrow joined the then Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 2007 serving over 15 years in a volunteer capacity and at the time of the formation of Marine Rescue NSW in July 2009 was a qualified and highly experienced Coxswain and Watch Officer. While originally joining the Central Coast Unit, he has during his service also volunteered and assisted the Marine Rescue Newcastle Unit in various capacities.
Mr Morrow has become one of the region’s leading trainer/assessor and educators for Marine Rescue NSW members on water and in radio operations. In addition to his training and education roles, he has been involved in a large number of rescues and assists over the years.
His confidence, knowledge, and ability as a Coxswain to undertake all manner of assists and rescues using his vast experience and common sense is exemplary.
During the 2022 Flood emergency, like many Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, Mr Morrow coordinated and led the Central Coast Unit team to assist with flood relief for properties on the MacDonald River near Wiseman’s Ferry.
In June 2022, Mr Morrow skippered Central Coast 21 which was involved in an 11-hour rescue of a distressed vessel 20 nautical miles east of Terrigal along with Central Coast 30. Mr Morrow and his crew shadowed CC 30 due to sea conditions until both rescue boats were around five nautical miles off Avoca where CC 21 took the tow for the long trip to Bayview.
In 2021, Mr Morrow was tasked to rendezvous with a Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie vessel off Redhead escorting a 30-foot cruiser with intermittent engine issues and possibly taking on water. The sea conditions leaving Newcastle were atrocious with four to five metre swell and winds blowing at more than 25 knots. The cruiser with five people on board made it to safely Newcastle Harbour with the rescue well commanded by Mr Morrow.
Mr Morrow is a qualified trainer and assessor with the TAFE Cert IV in Training and Assessment and while primarily involved with the Central Coast and Newcastle Units, he has become the subject matter expert in ongoing training for the region’s Coxswains and Watch Officers. Mr Morrow is also a qualified NSW Boat Licence trainer for which he has trained members of the public and Marine Rescue NSW members to obtain their NSW boat licences.
Throughout Mr Morrow’s years of service, his dedication to training has been without question, and in the last few years he has added administration of Marine Rescue Units to his abilities and experience.
In 2015, Mr Morrow became Deputy Unit Commander of the Newcastle Unit for four years while also undertaking the role of Operations Officer, Trainer and Assessor and Training Systems Officer for both the Newcastle and Central Coast Units. He was elected Unit Commander of the Central Coast Unit in 2022 and as a sign of his dedication continues with training and other related duties at the Newcastle Unit.
Mr Morrow has been heavily involved in regional and inter-regional Search and Rescue Exercises with Marine Rescue NSW and other agencies. Beyond the Newcastle and Central Coast Units, He is a highly regarded trainer and assessor for all levels of vessel operations for Marine Rescue NSW and has contributed to training for a range of Marine Rescue NSW Units and has conducted training for state-wide courses for vessel Crew, Leading Crew and Coxswain. He has worked closely with NSW Police Marine Area Command in his region and undertaken voluntary duties with Marine Area Command Sydney.
Mr Morrow’s contribution to Marine Rescue NSW in numerous roles, operational courage and willingness to share his extensive knowledge and experience to build the safety and professionalism of his fellow volunteers is driven by an abiding and selfless commitment to service.
Robert Wilson – Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking
Robert Wilson has served the community of NSW with distinction as a Marine Rescue volunteer for more than 15 years. Mr Wilson is a member of the Botany Port Hacking Unit and has contributed greatly to the organisation both on the water and in key leadership positions.
He has served in a variety of roles at the Botany Port Hacking Unit such as operational Marine Rescue NSW Vessel Crew, Deputy Unit Commander, Treasurer and Public Engagement and Fundraising Officer.
In a broader organisational contribution, he was Company Secretary of Marine Rescue NSW for a five-year period when it came into being on 1 July 2009. In 2010 he was elected as a Director of the Board of Marine Rescue NSW for the Greater Sydney Region and served for four years until 2014. For the past five years he has served as a General Director after being elected in 2018.
In addition to his leadership attributes, Mr Wilson has recorded hundreds of hours of sea time encompassing search and rescue operations within enclosed waters and offshore. These operations vary in terms of seriousness and complexity and range from routine breakdowns to life-threatening situations. On many occasions, he has often put himself in harm’s way to ensure the safety and wellbeing of others. Mr Wilson has also been involved in sensitive offshore operations as a senior crew member of Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking.
In 2015, Mr Wilson was on board Marine Rescue Botany 30 for a multi-agency rescue after a vessel ran aground at Cape Solander and became jammed on rocks. Four people were safely retrieved by PolAir.
He previously assisted in an emergency operation in which a boater had suffered an extensive propeller injury to his legs. Mr Wilson performed first aid prior to the patient being transported to hospital.
Mr Wilson is widely respected for his skill and professionalism. He has been involved in numerous challenging search and rescue operations in response to traumatic emergencies and his care and compassion for those in need is also extended to his fellow volunteers.
Mr Wilson has participated in many joint water and boating safety programs representing Marine Rescue NSW including as a member of the Black Spot Program education team alongside representatives from Fisheries, Maritime and the Recreational Fish Association which focused on Rock Fishing Safety and the Life Jacket program for fishers in the areas from Coogee to La Perouse.
He has contributed greatly to the safety of the NSW boating community, serving with distinction, dedication and commitment to the highest standards of service and saving lives on the water.
Jacquelyn Taffs – Marine Rescue Wooli
Jacquelyn Taffs has served the community of NSW with distinction as a Marine Rescue NSW volunteer for more than 20 years. Mrs Taffs is a dedicated and selfless member of the Marine Rescue Wooli Unit on an isolated stretch of the Northern Rivers coastline. Mrs Taffs has supported the surrounding Northern Rivers Marine Rescue Units with leadership, mentoring and training whilst performing key roles within her own unit such as Base Operations Officer, Watch Officer and Radio Operator.
Mrs Taffs joined the Marine Unit of the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association at Wooli in June 2002. In 2009, with the formation of the new Marine Rescue NSW, the unit became Marine Rescue Wooli. The unit keeps watch over the Wooli River, its hazardous bar and exposed offshore waters on an isolated stretch of the Northern Rivers coastline. It operates with a small pool of volunteers drawn from the Wooli village of 350 residents, requiring a major commitment of time and effort from all 21 unit members.
Mrs Taffs lengthy and varied experience sees her act as a valued mentor and advocate for her volunteer colleagues where she is recognised as a champion for the female members of Marine Rescue NSW, providing leadership and support to encourage the development and ambitions of the women around her. Mrs Taffs consistently displays commitment to volunteer education and professional development investing significant time and effort to deliver training courses for Radio Operators and Watch Officers from all seven Northern Rivers Regional Units to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles.
As a senior Marine Rescue Radio and Watch Officer, Mrs Taffs is usually the first point of contact for boaters in need of rescue and assistance who are often in high levels of stress. This requires maintaining constant communications with the boater to keep them calm and provide instructions over the radio while rescue craft reach the vessel. In her role she is responsible for incident activations and the tactical response for distress and urgency calls.
Mrs Taffs constant readiness has seen her respond to distress calls from boaters in trouble on the water at all times of the day and night. In 2021 in her role as Watch Officer she demonstrated great professionalism and flawless teamwork in the successful life-saving rescue operation of SV Mystic, a 43ft steel ketch with three people on board.
She has played a pivotal role in the unit’s operations to save lives on the water, including many Wooli bar rollovers and responded to numerous life-threatening emergencies, such as a man overboard from the vessel Del Segno, off North Solitary Island at night in 2011, in which one life was lost and another saved, the loss of the sailboat Pelgram II a MAYDAY operation in 2014 and the rescue of the sailing vessel Bullwinkle that smashed onto rocks in 2015.
Mrs Taffs has contributed in a most distinguished manner to the safety of the NSW boating community serving with distinction, dedication and commitment to the highest standards of service and saving lives on the water.
Raymond Jones – Marine Rescue Shoalhaven
Image: (LtoR) Marine Rescue Shoalhaven’s Peter Dicker, Raymond Jones ESM and Deputy Unit Commander Lynne Hocking
Raymond Jones has given meritorious service to the NSW community as a volunteer member of the Marine Rescue Shoalhaven Unit for more than a decade. His professionalism, commitment and skill have directly contributed to the safety of the boating public on Shoalhaven waterways.
A qualified Marine Rescue Master, Mr Jones places the highest priority on the safety of his crew members and boating community, particularly when operating in dangerous conditions at night, in rough seas or unfavourable weather. He has led numerous challenging search and rescue operations in response to traumatic emergencies.
Mr Jones is a quiet achiever and never seeks thanks or accolades. In January 2016, Mr Jones was requested to take on the role of Training Officer and assist with other administration roles at the Shoalhaven Unit. These responsibilities were in addition to his normal rescue vessel Crew and Watch Officer operations.
He remains the Unit’s Roster Officer, Training System Officer, Assessor, Membership Officer and Training Officer while also continuing his operational on water duties.
Mr Jones has recorded hundreds of hours of sea time and is a skilled and respected rescue vessel Master who makes himself available around the clock to respond to emergencies on the water. He has been involved in numerous rescue missions, often in dark and dangerous conditions to return those in trouble safely to their families and friends.
As vessel Master in 2013, Mr Jones was tasked to rescue three spear fishers from the water after their vessel overturned off Crookhaven Heads in rough conditions. All casualties were rescued and taken to safe haven while he was also involved in a protracted night search for a missing rock fisherman in perilous conditions off Beecroft Head. The search went well into the night in very rough seas but despite all best efforts, the fisherman was never recovered.
In 2022, Mr Jones rescued two paddle boarders and a dog that had been swept out to sea across the Crookhaven bar.
In 2019 in his Watch Officer role, Mr Jones was overseeing the night shift in the Radio Room when a yacht requested assistance for a medical emergency off Jervis Bay. Mr Jones organised for a Marine Rescue NSW vessel to transfer the person to shore where they were assisted by NSW Ambulance paramedics. He then assisted the yacht’s crew to navigate to a safe berth within Jervis Bay.
Mr Jones is held in the highest regard by the members of the Marine Rescue Shoalhaven Unit and the local boating community.
Just over 10 months after being named on the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours list, Marine Rescue Bermagui Unit Commander Caron Parfitt ESM will be at Government House in Canberra tomorrow morning to receive the Emergency Services Medal from Governor-General David Hurley AC DSC (Retd).
Ms Parfitt was recognised last June for her decade of service to Marine Rescue NSW and the local community but was unable to attend the September ceremony because of a long standing travel commitment.
As one of Marine Rescue’s first female Coxswains, Ms Parfitt has recorded hundreds of hours of sea time and is a skilled and respected rescue vessel master who makes herself available around the clock to respond to emergencies on the water.
She has conducted numerous rescue missions, often in dark and dangerous conditions, returning those in trouble safely to their family and friends.
During the 2019-20 bushfire emergency on the South Coast, Ms Parfitt was tasked to be in operational readiness to assist on water evacuations and liaised with the local Surf Club during the evacuation process, before finally being evacuated herself.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell will attend Ms Parfitt’s Investiture Ceremony.
“Caron’s been an outstanding member of Marine Rescue for just on a decade now and to have a female leader of her calibre amongst our ranks is a real asset for Marine Rescue,” Mr Barrell said.
Ms Parfitt said Marine Rescue was a great fit for her when she moved to Bermagui in 2013.
“I’m a keen sailor and wanted to volunteer for an organisation where I could make a difference with like-minded people.
“I feel so humbled and honoured to receive this award and very privileged to be part of the Marine Rescue Bermagui team.
“I’m just one of a team of volunteers who all do amazing work to help save lives on the water,” she said.
With the ANZAC Day weekend upon us, the Bermagui Unit Commander is urging boaters to remember safety first.
“My message to boaters is simple.
“Safety first and always Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue.
“I encourage all boaters to check their boat and weather before heading out and when in doubt, stay home,” Ms Parfitt said.
More than a dozen Moama Marine Rescue NSW volunteers will be assisting NSW Maritime and NSW Police this weekend to keep the Murray River safe for the biggest water ski race in the world, the Southern 80.
Hundreds of competitors have converged on Moama and Echuca for the event.
Marine Rescue NSW Monaro Zone Duty Operations Manager Glenn Sullivan said volunteers will be on board Moama 20, Moama 10 and Xray 20 which has been deployed from Marine Rescue state headquarters.
“Marine Rescue members are very experienced with this type of operation and their local knowledge on the water is invaluable.
“It’s great to be part of the event and working with our partners to keep the Murray River safe whilst promoting water safety,” Mr Sullivan said.
Moama Unit Commander Luke Sharrock was joined by Marine Rescue members Laura Stahl, Darren Woods and Mr Sullivan at this morning’s Breakfast with the Stars at the Kerrabee Sound Shell.
“Our volunteers spent the morning engaging with the public discussing water safety,” Mr Sullivan said.
“Rescue vessel Moama 20 was also a very popular attraction for the crowd before she hits the Murray for the weekend,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond will arrive in Moama this afternoon to assist with the agency’s operation over the weekend.
Marine Rescue Wooli Unit Commander Matthew McLennan has been recognised for 10 years of service with Marine Rescue NSW.
Mr McLennan’s commitment to the agency and community he serves was celebrated at the Marine Rescue NSW Northern Rivers Regional Operations meeting in Ballina.
Marine Rescue Northern Zone Commander Mal Jeffs said Mr McLennan is a valued member of the agency.
“Matthew is an excellent communicator with exceptional interpersonal skills.
“The Wooli unit under Matthew’s leadership contributes significantly to keeping boaters safe in the area,” Mr Jeffs said.
Mr McLennan joined the Wooli unit in 2013 as a Crew member and has since earned ratings as a Radio Operator, Leading Crew and Coxswain.
“I feel proud to have been given the opportunity to train up to the skipper rating of Coxswain through Marine Rescue NSW,” Mr McLennan said.
The Northern Zone Commander said Mr McLennan has devoted a significant amount of time to Marine Rescue NSW in serving the community whist working as an Optometrist.
Mr McLennan spent two-years as Deputy Unit Commander at Wooli before being appointed Unit Commander in August 2022.
“I feel at a small unit like Wooli we have a sense of camaraderie amongst our crew that helps us work as an efficient team, given we generally train together regularly.
“A lot of the members in the unit have fuIl-time jobs, so the commitment provided by our volunteers is admirable,” Mr McLennan said.
The Wooli Unit Commander was presented with his 10-year service medal and epaulet by Mr Jeffs at the meeting.
“I have been fortunate enough to be on numerous assists and searches over the 10 years but the one assist that stands above all others is the rescue of the SV Mystic, for which a number of our unit were awarded Commissioner’s citations,” Mr McLennan said.
“It was a particularly difficult job in poor sea conditions at night.
“Our training, thanks to Richard Taffs stood us in good stead when things were quite dangerous,” he said.
Wooli volunteer Marten Hutchings who was also part of the SV Mystic rescue operation in January 2021 recently celebrated a milestone as well.
Mr Hutchings was awarded the 15-year medal for his service to Marine Rescue NSW.
The Wooli Unit Commander said Hutchings is one of the longest serving members in the unit and is highly respected for his seamanship.
“He grew up in Wooli, is the son of a professional fisherman and has spent countless hours at sea.
“He is well respected in the community.
“Marty is our go to man for any vessel engineering advice and qualified as a Coxswain in 2022.
“He is the first to admit he joined MRNSW, not for accolades but to assist the boating public when things go a bit pear shaped,” Mr McLennan said.
Hutchings was involved in two Mayday assists over consecutive days on March 4 and 5 spending a total of 15 hours at sea that weekend.
The newest addition to Marine Rescue’s fleet in NSW, Merimbula 31 has arrived at its new home on the South Coast as it prepares for operational service.
The 11.3 metre Naiad (NY-ADD) is one of 38 new rescue vessels funded by a four-year $37.6 million NSW Government investment to support the vital, life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of Merimbula’s active local boating community and visitors.
“With the latest in marine navigation and safety equipment, this new rescue boat has the speed and technology to quickly and safely get rescue crews where they need to be when vital seconds count,” Ms Cooke said.
Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin completed the induction in Batemans Bay this week after MB 31 was transported from the Northern Rivers following its construction at Yamba Welding and Engineering.
“Induction with the Merimbula senior crew and trainers went smoothly,” Mr Parkin said.
“This vessel is a step up from their previous boat and the crew embraced learning about it.
“They are being upskilled to be able to operate this new vessel to its full capability,” he said.
Parkin said MB 31 is the latest in the evolution of Marine Rescue’s vessel program which includes the agency’s standardised equipment and improvements on earlier fleet.
“There a number of new inclusions such as augmented reality for water tracking and field of view display on the navigation system.
“If you’ve got a person in the water, the FLIR (infrared heat detection) camera can lock on their position, so if there’s a lot of swell or poor visibility the crew will still know where to navigate to retrieve the person,” he said.
MB 31 has an under chine anchor which Parkin said improves crew safety and ergonomic seats to reduce fatigue.
Marine Rescue Merimbula Unit Commander Bill Blakeman said all crew members will undergo comprehensive training over the coming the weeks after the vessel arrived in Merimbula on Thursday.
“We are getting all of the crew members up to speed and are being very thorough with their training on the new vessel prior to going into active service.
“Our crew will spend multiple sessions learning the new vessel because their safety is paramount.
“All our crew have to be 100 per cent up to speed on all of our assets before they head out on the water.
“This boat will be able to handle any situation well offshore.” the Unit Commander said. “I’m very pleased to have this incredible new vessel as it will enhance our mission of saving lives on the water,” Mr Blakeman said.
Volunteers at Marine Rescue’s 46 units across NSW were involved in 478 rescues in February, assisting 1,150 boaters back to shore.
Hunter/Central Coast’s Lake Macquarie unit had the highest demand, undertaking 80 rescues including numerous missions for grounded and disabled vessels. Botany Port Hacking and Port Jackson followed with 44 and 31 rescues respectively.
Marine Rescue NSW has seen an increase in demand for its service across the state with volunteers completing 52% more rescues in February 2023 than they did during the same month last year.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Operations, Alex Barrell is asking boaters to ensure they are well prepared and to take it easy on the state’s waterways with 39% of rescues during February caused by engine failure.
“Sadly many boaters are finishing their day on the water early and at the end of a tow line behind one of our rescue vessels,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
“Many of these rescues could have been avoided with some careful planning and better boat maintenance and preparation.”
6,635 boaters Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW prior to heading out on the water in February.
“It only takes a moment to protect your life,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
“Boaters can Log On and Log Off via VHF Channel 16 or by using the Marine Rescue NSW app,” he said.
21,570 radio calls were answered in February with a large portion of those managed by the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre.
Mr Barrell said that boaters thinking of heading out should ensure that their vessel’s engine and battery had been recently serviced, and they are carrying enough of fuel for the journey with plenty in reserve.
Marine Rescue NSW is encouraging women to volunteer at their local base with Sydney’s Port Jackson unit now having the agency’s first regular all-female crew while a group of incredible women has been assembled at Jervis Bay to operate the unit’s lead vessel off Huskisson for the very first time.
Since being appointed Port Jackson Unit Commander in 2017, Greg Urand dreamed of assembling Marine Rescue’s first ever all-female crew and with the enthusiasm of volunteers Julie Barkworth, Sophie Baker and Nicole Bowden, the dream became a reality in January this year.
“It’s been my goal to have an all-female crew, we’ve finally achieved it, it’s something I am very proud of,” Urand said.
“Julie put her hand up when we were looking for a female Master and she was determined to achieve it.”
Barkworth joined the Port Jackson unit in October 2020 and became qualified as leading crew at the beginning of the year, paving the way to head up an all-female crew.
“Julie, Sophie and Nicole are amazing,” Urand said.
“They’re very strong women in their professions and joined the unit with minimal boating experience.
“Sophie was our youngest member ever, joining the unit at just 18, she drove a boat and said you’ve got me for life,” Urand said.
“They have worked incredibly hard to go through all the training and achieve their goals,” the Unit Commander said.
The Port Jackson all-female crew also has two trainees and is rostered for duty once a month.
Just over 25% of Marine Rescue’s 3,296 volunteers across NSW are female with the agency encouraging more women to get involved in its mission of saving lives on the water.
Marine Rescue NSW offers a variety of volunteer positions and training from coxswain, crew, radio operating and fundraising.
On the state’s South Coast, the Jervis Bay unit recently assembled its first ever all-female crew for a patrol and marine drill exercise to mark International Women’s Day.
Experienced sailor Jean Cane was Master onboard JB 41 with crew members Kristy Jones, Janet Boardman, Fran Koster and Cheryl Fogarty.
Cane said it was a great experience to showcase the unit’s strength and hopes it inspires more women to join Marine Rescue NSW.
“It just shows other women out there that they can join and they’ll get full support from every member.
“The males in the base, everybody in the base have helped train me as a female on the crew.
“People give a lot of time, they get out there at weekends and do extra time at night.
“Both male and female, very supportive bunch of people, you’ll always get help when you’re going through your training, it’s great,” Cane said.
Illawarra Zone Duty Operations Manager Stuart Massey was in awe of the women who crewed Jervis Bay 41.
“It’s a complex boat, the women handled that without any problems whatsoever and it’s always impressive to see a group of women on the water like that volunteering to save lives,” he said.
Massey said Marine Rescue NSW offers the same opportunities for all volunteers.
“Whether that be on the boats, whether that be in the radio room or whether that be helping us with fundraising, the more people we have in there the safer the mariners of NSW will be,” he said.
“I would encourage women to get involved with Marine Rescue NSW, give them the opportunity to get out on the water, help other people out there if the need arises and even look at an opportunity to progress a maritime career,” Massey said.
Construction has been completed and the plaque has been unveiled, marking the official opening of a new $1.215 million Marine Rescue Broken Bay base.
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said the new facility, in Rowland Reserve on the shores of Pittwater, has been developed thanks to $915,000 from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s four-year investment of $37.6 million in Marine Rescue NSW, a $200,000 commitment by Northern Beaches Council and a $100,000 Community Building Partnerships grant.
“I’m delighted to be here today as we mark the completion of this important project,” Mr Stokes said.
“This wonderful new facility means the members of Marine Rescue Broken Bay now have an operations base specifically designed to support them in their vital work in keeping watch over the Pittwater and Broken Bay boating community.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is proud to support our Marine Rescue volunteers by providing them with the facilities they need to deliver life-saving services to the State’s boating community.”
The new facility includes a large training and meeting space, ample storage for rescue equipment, offices, amenities, kitchen facilities, a wet area for boat crews and access for volunteers living with disability.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell thanked the Government for its support in developing the new base.
“This funding has boosted our rescue capability on Pittwater and Broken Bay, and ensured our volunteers have facilities designed and equipped for modern emergency management,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
“Pittwater and Broken Bay are some of the busiest boating areas in NSW, and these new facilities will help ensure our volunteers are rescue ready should an emergency arise.”
Commander of the Broken Bay Unit, Jimmy Arteaga, said the new building was the culmination of extensive planning and input by the unit’s volunteers to ensure it met their needs now and well into the future.
“This new building provides a significant improvement to our ability to train and undertake operations, as well as providing our members with a safe and secure working environment,” Mr Arteaga said.
“I’m grateful for the support of the NSW Government and Northern Beaches Council and confident these first-rate facilities will also help encourage new members to join our mission of saving lives on the water.”
Chair of the Marine Rescue NSW Board, James Glissan AM ESM KC, has today announced the appointment of Alex Barrell as the new Commissioner of Marine Rescue NSW.
The Marine Rescue NSW Board recently undertook an extensive recruitment campaign to attract a new leader to take the helm from Commissioner Stacey Tannos ESM, who will retire later this year.
Marine Rescue NSW’s reputation for professionalism and advancement resulted in a strong field of candidates, from a range of professions.
“Alex’s relevant and extensive career experience in the NSW Water Police, maritime and rescue services made him a stand out candidate for the role.” Mr Glissan said.
“The Marine Rescue NSW Board unanimously agreed to appoint Alex to the position.”
In addition to his long serving career with the NSW Police Force and executive roles at NSW Maritime, Alex has held the position of Deputy Commissioner Operations and Capability at Marine Rescue NSW since October 2020.
Alex will officially commence as Commissioner on 1 April 2023. Stacey Tannos will remain with the organisation during the transition period before his retirement this year.
“On behalf of the Marine Rescue NSW Board I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and sincerely thank Stacey Tannos for his exemplary leadership of the organisation over the last 12 years and wish him all the best as he sails into retirement.” Mr Glissan said.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Operations and Capability Alex Barrell today formally opened a new $119,000 training centre for Marine Rescue Eden.
Deputy Commissioner Barrell was joined by Chair of the Pambula and District Community Development Limited Tim Shepherd, Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland, Marine Rescue NSW Board Director Glenn Felkin, Zone Commander South Mike Hammond, and Eden unit members to officially open the new centre.
Deputy Commissioner Barrell said the new unit facility, located on the jetty at Snug Cove on the South Coast’s Twofold Bay, had been completed thanks to a $45,000 grant from Bendigo Bank.
“I’m delighted to be here today to open this important project for the Marine Rescue Eden unit and the Far South Coast boating community,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
“This wonderful new facility means the 44 members of the Marine Rescue Eden unit now have a facility specifically designed to support them in their vital work in keeping watch over the Far South Coast boating community.”
“This new centre provides the members of the Marine Rescue Eden unit with a dedicated all-weather location for training, crew readiness area, office space, and for boater community education and engagement.”
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Barrell thanked Bendigo Bank for its support in making the new facility a reality.
“The funding from Bendigo Bank has helped ensure our Marine Rescue Eden volunteers have the equipment they need to achieve their mission of saving lives on the water.
“Marine Rescue NSW thrives on great community support,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
“Having local businesses and local industry backing our mission and vision for the boating community is integral and it’s something that we couldn’t do without.
“To have the support of Bendigo Bank is outstanding,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
Chair of the Pambula and District Community Development Limited Tim Shepherd said the organisation jumped at the opportunity to contribute to the training centre.
“When we became aware of the Eden unit’s desire to set up a training centre we wanted to get involved to assist with Marine Rescue’s life-saving work.
“The Pambula & District Community Development Limited through our Bendigo Bank Community Branches in Pambula and Bega are very proud to have been able to support the Marine Rescue NSW Eden unit to establish their new training facility at Snug Cove.
“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Marine Rescue NSW in the future,” Mr Shepherd said.
Marine Rescue Eden Unit Commander Nancy Weatherman said the new centre would provide a major boost for the unit’s volunteers.
“It provides a space for vital debriefing sessions and post-training discussions, as well as a location for our Training Officer, Training Systems Officer and Fleet Officer to work and have access to the computers, phones, and storage they need to carry out their essential duties.”
“Bendigo Bank’s support has allowed us to fit out the new centre which includes a new training and volunteer area,” Ms Weatherman said.
“It’s wonderful for our unit to benefit from Bendigo Bank’s investment in the community.
“Bendigo’s a community bank that is committed to supporting its local community,” Weatherman said.
The Eden Unit Commander said the new training centre will facilitate training for radio courses, navigation and systems for Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
“As well as pre-boat work where we train new volunteer crew before they start on a vessel,” Weatherman said.
Weatherman said the Eden unit’s goal is to expand training and education opportunities for the public in the future.
“We plan to introduce general boating safety education, radio and boat licence courses,” the Unit Commander said.
“I’m grateful for the support of both Bendigo Bank and Marine Rescue NSW, and am confident this first-rate facility will also help encourage new members to join us in our mission of saving lives on the water.”
Marine Rescue NSW volunteer, Lynne Hocking has been appointed the Shoalhaven unit’s first female Deputy Unit Commander.
Hocking was appointed to the position by recently retired Unit Commander Bruce Mitchell and newly promoted Unit Commander Martin Kaye.
“It was a privilege to be asked to take on the role and great acknowledgement of my love of the Shoalhaven unit,” Hocking said.
“I’m proud to take on the role, it’s an honour to be the unit’s first female Deputy Unit Commander.
Kaye said he was delighted to have Hocking as his deputy.
“We have worked together in the unit for three years.
“I am proud to have a female Deputy Unit Commander and seeing the increase of women joining the Shoalhaven unit,” Kaye said.
Hocking is looking forward to supporting Kaye in her new role.
“We’re a good balanced team, I can handle the admin and fundraising while Marty is very operationally strong, he knows the vessels and I know radio communications.
“I respect him very much and enjoy working with him,” she said.
Hocking joined Marine Rescue Shoalhaven in early 2020 following a 35-year marketing career.
“I think if there’s two things that got me through Covid and transitioning into retirement, it’s my love of fishing and Marine Rescue NSW,” she said.
Hocking began as a radio operator with Marine Rescue before earning qualifications as crew and watch officer.
The 60-year-old is currently training for senior crew rating and has been mentored by the Illawarra region’s only female Unit Commander, Sussex Inlet’s Karen Lowry.
“Karen is an exceptional role model and a great go to person whenever I need clarification,” Hocking said.
“I helped Karen run the inaugural Southern Zone Empowering Women Forum last September which assists females volunteering with Marine Rescue,” she said.
Hocking said that Illawarra Zone Commander Mike Hammond is also a champion for Marine Rescue’s female volunteers.
This year’s Empowering Women’s Forum will be held in Batemans Bay in August.
Marine Rescue NSW boat, Merimbula 30 has completed a three-and-a-half-hour mission after a marlin slammed into the engine of a private fishing vessel more 32 kilometres off Tura Head.
The skipper of the 6.7 metre fishing boat said they were trawling and hooked up a black marlin just before 1pm Sunday.
“We were fighting it and it did a U-turn and slammed into the engine.”
“It happened so quick,” the skipper said.
The marlin hit the engine, punching a hole in its canvas cover and cowling, disabling the vessel’s power.
“It was a freaky thing,” the skipper said.
“We had to cut the line.
“The marlin would have been around 70 kilograms,” he said.
The skipper called Marine Rescue Merimbula to request a tow to Tathra.
Marine Rescue Merimbula Unit Commander Bill Blakeman and fellow volunteers Stewart Dietrich and Bob Ainsworth were tasked to crew MB 30 and took one hour to reach the stranded vessel.
“It was an unusual rescue,” Blakeman said.
In Blakeman’s 15 years of volunteer service on the water, he’s never responded to an incident involving a marlin damaging a vessel.
“I’ve had a couple of shark related incidents over the years where they attacked propellers, but never a marlin disabling a vessel,” Blakeman said.
Because of the distance involved, MB 30 took two hours to tow the damaged vessel back to Kianinny (Kye-ninee) boat ramp at 10 knots, using just over 50 litres of fuel an hour.
Blakeman praised the Marine Rescue NSW crew and Anita Ormandy, Bernie Ryan and Sonia Teston in radio operations.
“It was a good experience for our new trainee at the radio base.
“She’s about to take her assessment as a Radio Operator this weekend, this rescue will put her in good stead,” Blakeman said.
The skipper of the damaged vessel said he will be making a donation to Marine Rescue NSW today.
“I am very thankful for the assistance Marine Rescue provided,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW boat Tuggerah Lakes 20 has saved a female paddler who was left stranded in the water for half an hour after capsizing her kayak last night.
The Westpac Rescue chopper located the woman just before TL 20 arrived on scene.
TL 20 skipper Ian Hodge said the woman was pulled from the water just after 8pm.
“She was conscious and responsive when we got her out of the water.
“We got her onboard and wrapped her up in a space blanket to try and bring up her body temperature,” Hodge said.
“She’d been in the water for a while.
“Her kayak had taken on a lot of water, we retrieved that and took her to the Peel Street jetty near our Toukley base,” Hodge said.
It took less than 10 minutes from retrieving the woman for the Marine Rescue NSW crew to hand her over to waiting NSW Ambulance paramedics who assessed her on scene.
NSW Ambulance said the woman didn’t require treatment in hospital.
Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Unit Commander Bob Sutton said TL 20 was on route to assist a grounded vessel on Lake Munmorah when the call came to help the kayaker.
“The crew of Ian Hodge, Peter Fischer, Steve Noakes and our Radio Operator Don Hobbs did a great job,” Sutton said.
“They had to triage the whole thing by which job was more important.
“A person in the water is always more important but once they had rescued the kayaker and got her to paramedics they immediately went to assist the grounded vessel,” he said.
Sutton said kayakers can get caught out on inland waters.
“When it’s calm it’s beautiful but the wind changed last night and people can get into trouble.
“Because of the shallow nature of the lakes, they blow up,” Sutton said.
Last night’s rescue was the second involving a kayaker since last Sunday afternoon when a fisherman was collected by Marine Rescue NSW after getting into trouble on Tuggerah Lake.
The newest addition to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet is just weeks away from arriving on the South Coast after undergoing a sea trial at Yamba.
Merimbula 31 is one of 38 new rescue vessels funded by a $37.6 million four-year State Government investment to support the vital, life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
The 11.3m NAIAD (ny-ad) vessel was taken through its paces by Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet, Kelvin Parkin and crew.
“It was a great sea trial.
“The boat went extremely well; she is beautiful on the water.
“It really bites nicely when you’re bringing her up.
“I’m really happy with the results of this vessel so far,” Parkin said.
MB 31 will undergo further testing before being delivered to Batemans Bay by truck on March 7 where the crew will undergo training and induction.
The vessel will then be taken to its new permanent home at Merimbula.
With tens of thousands of boaters expected to cram the State’s waterways for traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations tomorrow, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos has asked boaters to take it easy on the water and to make safety their top priority.
“New Year’s Eve last year saw 56 rescues across the State, making it one of the busiest days of the year for our dedicated volunteers,” Commissioner Tannos said.
“We want all boaters to enjoy themselves out on the water in welcoming in the new year, but sadly some will end up requiring assistance that could have been avoided with a little preparation.”
Commissioner Tannos said that to help ensure everyone has a fun, and safe, day out, it’s important to prepare their vessel and to act responsibly once they hit the water.
“Before you set off, ensure everyone on board, even the dog, is wearing a lifejacket and that you Log On with Marine Rescue NSW on VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescueapp so we can watch out for your safe return, so if you don’t Log Off as planned, we can quickly start searching for you.”
“It’s also important to check your engine and battery are in good condition, that your fuel tank is full before heading out, and to carry some spare fuel in an approved container.”
“Make sure you’ve all the required safety gear including lifejackets, flares, EPIRB, V-sheet and a VHF marine radio, so if something should go wrong on the night, you can signal for help and keep safe until our crews come to your assistance.”
Commissioner Tannos said that boaters in areas with fireworks should be aware of local exclusion zones and stay well clear to remain safe.
“New Year’ s Eve is one of the best times of the year to be out on our waterways, and with a little preparation, common sense and courtesy, can be a safe as well as enjoyable night on the water.”
From all of us here at Marine Rescue NSW, have a safe, peaceful and joyous Christmas.
If you are heading out on the water over the Christmas break, our dedicated volunteers will be keeping an eye out for you, just like the crew in the photo from Marine Rescue Sydney at our State Communication Centre. They were on duty this morning and received a welcome visit from Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell.
Help us to help you if there’s an emergency on the water by Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW using the free Marine Rescue NSW app or on VHF Channel 16.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready for a surge of boaters heading on to the State’s waterways over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, with Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos appealing to boaters to make safety their highest priority and take extra care on the water.
“While it’s been a busy start to the boating season with over 900 rescues since 1 October, our volunteers are well prepared for an expected influx of boaters over what is traditionally the busiest week of the year on our waterways,” Commissioner Tannos said.
“We want everyone to have a great time on the water – and most importantly, to return home safely.”
“Over the Christmas – New Year break it’s more important than ever to make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket and that you Log On with Marine Rescue NSW on VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue NSWapp.
“This free service gives you the peace of mind of knowing our volunteers are watching out for your safe return and that if you don’t Log Off as planned, they will start searching for you.”
Commissioner Tannos said it was concerning that many of the rescue missions launched since the start of the boating season could have been avoided if boaters had taken simple safety precautions.
“Of the rescue operations carried out across the State over the past year, 40.4% have been due to engine failure, 10% a flat battery and 9% in response to boats out of fuel,” Commissioner Tannos added.
“These can easily be prevented by checking your engine and battery are in good condition and that your fuel tank is full before heading out.”
He said large numbers of boaters on the water over the Christmas – New Year period made collisions more likely and urged boaters to slow down, stay vigilant and take it easy on the water.
With summer often coming with strong sea breezes and notorious southerly busters, Commissioner Tannos added that Marine Rescue NSW crews were often called to help boaters who had misjudged weather and sea conditions.
“Check weather and sea conditions before heading out and regularly throughout the day as conditions can change quickly. You can get up-to-date forecasts from your local Marine Rescue base by calling on VHF Channel 16 at any time or on the Marine Rescue NSW app.”
A feature on smart mobile phones and watches detects rapid accelerations, interprets these as a vehicle crash, and alerts emergency services via Triple Zero.
Several recent false alarms have shown that the device can also be triggered when on board a vessel that is travelling over choppy water or bouncing over waves.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell has asked boaters to check their mobile devices for the feature, and to consider turning it off while on the water to avoid triggering an accidental emergency response by the emergency services.
The latest issue of our new look Soundings magazine is now available to read and enjoy.
This issue includes a wrap of a busy twelve months on the water, support by Marine Rescue NSW to the NSW SES flood responses, the latest on member training activities, notable rescues, new vessels and buildings, a $540,000 investment in new lifejackets for our volunteers, and much more.
Packed with great pictures, this issue of Soundings is great reading for over the Christmas and New Year period and has useful hints and tips to help keep you safer during the holiday boating period.
Yesterday a joint training exercise was conducted at the Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking base on Port Hacking with members of the NSW Ambulance Special Operations Team.
The interagency in-water training was designed to better equip both NSW Ambulance and Marine Rescue NSW members for joint rescue incidents, ensuring both organisations can work seamlessly together when time is of the essence and lives are on the line.
The exercise also helped the members of NSW Ambulance better understand Marine Rescue tasking and processes for future joint responses.
Marine Rescue NSW along with other emergency service agencies will benefit from a $200 million investment in the implementation of recommendations from the NSW Government’s Flood Inquiry.
The announcement of the new funding was made this morning at the Penrith Whitewater Centre with Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioners Todd Andrews and Alex Barrell in attendance along with the Premier of NSW, Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, and heads of partner emergency services agencies.
Details of what the additional funding will mean for Marine Rescue NSW are to come.
Following is the release from the NSW Government:
NSW GOVERNMENT INVESTS $200 MILLION TO IMPLEMENT FLOOD INQUIRY RECOMMENDATIONS
The NSW Government has committed almost $200 million in new funding to implement a number of the recommendations from the independent Flood Inquiry.
The funding will ensure emergency services are better equipped to respond to future disaster events and support impacted communities during recovery.
It builds upon work that is already underway to implement recommendations of the Inquiry, including passing legislation to establish the NSW Reconstruction Authority and appointing a Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Management in the NSW Police Force.
Key elements of the package are additional dedicated flood rescue vehicles, including 60 Inflatable Rescue Boats and 16 high clearance vehicles, the ability to train an additional 2,350 personnel in flood rescue, support for volunteer initiatives, and increased funding to ensure seamless coordination of evacuation centres and emergency accommodation.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the key focus of this funding was the State’s emergency response and recovery functions.
“Events of this year alone show that the conditions we are facing and the magnitude of the natural disasters need this level of support to ensure our frontline agencies are well-placed to continue delivering for the community,” Mr Perrottet said.
The $199.4 million new funding includes:
• $159.5 million to enhance NSW’s flood rescue capability for our emergency services agencies and volunteer organisations (recommendation 4), including the NSW State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Volunteer Rescue Association;
• $16.8 million to support the Department of Communities and Justice in its delivery of key disaster welfare functions, including evacuation centres (recommendation 5);
• $11.9 million to better support volunteerism, including training community members who may become ‘spontaneous’ volunteers in a disaster (recommendation 6);
• $6.5 million to enhance Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley flood evacuation modelling (recommendation 26);
• $2.2 million to commence the establishment of the NSW Reconstruction Authority following passage of legislation (recommendation 15);
• $1.9 million to support support NSW specific climate and weather research (recommendation 2);
• $1.8 million to Service NSW to enhance customer support for disaster affected individuals and businesses by streamlining grants delivery (recommendation 10);
“Our combat agencies will benefit from more resources to respond to disasters, and our service agencies will be better equipped to support the people of NSW through the recovery process,” Mr Perrottet said.
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the NSW Government’s response balanced the need for rapid changes with long-term planning.
“The current flood risk across parts of the Central West, as well as the ongoing recovery of communities hit by floods earlier this year including the Northern Rivers, clearly shows us, that no matter where you live in the State, now is the time for action to better prepare, respond and recover the next time a disaster strikes,” Mr Toole said.
“Already as part of our response to the Inquiry, we have announced Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM’s appointment as the new Deputy Commissioner, Emergency Management to oversee and coordinate emergency services’ response to future natural disasters right across the State.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the funding will allow first responders to better protect communities from a range of weather events.
“The NSW Government is committed to addressing the recommendations in the independent Flood Inquiry which will equip us to better respond to and recover from all types of natural disasters,” Ms Cooke said.
“Many communities across inland NSW continue to be confronted with major flooding and we remain focused on supporting all of the impacted families, farmers and business owners during this difficult time, but we are also working hard to improve the capability of our combat agencies to better fight the floods of the future.”
The NSW Government continues to progress implementation of all the recommendations from the Inquiry and will make further announcements in 2023.
After 46 consecutive days, the most significant support operation in the Service’s history has come to a close, with the flood situation having eased sufficiently for NSW SES to no longer require the support of Marine Rescue NSW.
Over the past 7 weeks an extraordinary 112 volunteers and 9 staff from 28 units provided practical, much needed support to flood affected communities across inland NSW. These included locations as diverse as Moama, Barham, Balranald, Deniliquin, Forbes, Brewarrina, Bourke and Walgett.
The Marine Rescue NSW response commenced back in mid-October, with the Service’s members responding to the call to assist with characteristic enthusiasm, with ten members going back for a second deployment.
Once on the ground, members soon found themselves dealing with a range of unfamiliar situations – transporting livestock (earning the affectionate nick-name of Merino Rescue NSW), ferrying isolated residents, resupplying cut-off properties, filling and laying sandbags and undertaking a wide range of liaison and logistical tasks.
Along the way there were many challenges faced, with long distances to travel, unfamiliar SES vessels to drive, submerged fences and snags, homeless snakes, as well as plenty of rain and mud!
The compensations however more than made up for any challenges – most particularly the warmth and gratitude of those helped, the chance to assist communities at their time of greatest need, the opportunity to learn new skills, and the chance to make new and enduring friendships.
Although the support of Marine Rescue NSW has concluded, the flooding continues in inland NSW, with the Service standing by to again assist should that be required.
Support by Marine Rescue NSW to the flooding in inland NSW continues, with 87 members now having deployed, volunteering around 5,000 hours towards the flood response.
Four Marine Rescue NSW members deployed to Parkes and Forbes have now driven to Moulamein in the western Riverina as the situation in the Forbes area has eased. This means that there are now Marine Rescue NSW crews in Moulamein, Brewarrina and Deniliquin. At the next crew rotation on Tuesday the Deniliquin crew will not be replaced, leaving Moulamein and Brewarrina as the only deployed locations.
Moulamein update
The current crew of four is arriving in Moulamein today, and is anticipated to be used for transportation and resupply by SES vessel.
Brewarrina update
The current crew of four have been conducting transportation and resupply by vessel. Water levels are now falling, with fewer homes expected to be isolated and require this service in coming days.
Deniliquin update
The current crew of two were yesterday tasked with conducting a flood damage assessment along the Murray between Tocumwal and Ulupna, approximately 50km of river.
With floodwaters moving downstream, it is anticipated that support to the NSW SES flood response will continue into the new year.
At the 2022 Marine Rescue NSW AGM the proposed amendments to the Marine Rescue NSW Constitution were passed by special resolutions and a number of Directors were reappointed to the Marine Rescue NSW Board
Changes to the MRNSW Constitution
The Marine Rescue NSW Board proposed five amendments to the Marine Rescue NSW Constitution that required special resolutions of the Members of the company. All Regular and Life Members were eligible to vote online. The following five amendments were passed by special resolution:
Appointing a Chairperson and Two Regular Directors
The Constitution will be amended to abolish the three existing elected General Director positions. When the current General Directors’ terms expire, or they retire as Directors, the Board will appoint a Chairperson and two Regular Directors, sourced from both members and external persons.
The six Regional Director positions will remain unchanged, except that two Regional Directors will be elected from each Zone, reflecting the new organisational structure.
Management and Leadership of Units
The Constitution will be altered to allow an increase in the number of Deputy Unit Commanders to two, remove the requirement that Deputy Unit Commanders are elected and allow Unit Commanders to appoint up to two Deputy Unit Commanders.
Creation of Zones
The Constitution will be amended to reflect the creation of Zones and the new organisational structure.
Creation of a State Operations Group
The Constitution will be amended to allow for the creation of a State Operations Group, comprising both members and staff with key skills and experience, to greatly enhance Marine Rescue NSW’s ability to respond to multi-agency emergencies, such as floods.
Returning Members
The Constitution will be amended to streamline the process for former members to be readmitted as Regular Members.
2022 Marine Rescue NSW Board Elections
Elections this year were held for the positions of one General Director and the Greater Sydney, Illawarra and Monaro Regional Directors. In addition to this, an election was also being held for the position of Hunter/Central Coast Regional Director, due to a current vacancy.
Incumbent Directors James Glissan (General Director), Keven Marshall (Illawarra Regional Director) and Glenn Felkin (Monaro Regional Director) were all elected unopposed.
An election was held for Greater Sydney Regional Directors, with Regular and Life Members in the Greater Sydney region eligible to vote. Incumbent Director Ken Edwards was re-elected.
No nominations were received for the vacant position of Hunter/Central Coast Regional Director and this position remains vacant.
The Board subsequently re-elected Mr Glissan as its Chair following the AGM.
Over the weekend, sunny weather, light winds and slight seas brought out boaters in their thousands from their winter hibernation.
With the surge in boaters on the water, came a range of incidents to keep our volunteer crews and radio operators busy, with a total of 70 rescues undertaken across the state.
Among the rescues Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes assisted a small sailboat that had dismasted, with rescue vessel Tuggerah 20 towing it to the North Entrance boat ramp.
This broken down runabout was assisted by Marine Rescue Hawkesbury over the weekend.
Just up the coast, Marine Rescue Newcastle pulled a grounded centre console with four adults and four children aboard off a sandbank, after it became stuck at low tide near Stockton.
Another grounding, this time a 10 metre sloop with two people on board, occured on Paddys Channel near Gosford, with Marine Rescue Central Coast rescue vessel Central Coast 21 successfully pulling them off; while on Sydney Harbour, Marine Rescue Port Jackson picked up a kayaker who had overturned and could not right his vessel, safely returning him to a local marina.
In the west of the state, the flood support by Marine Rescue NSW continued over the weekend.
For volunteers from Marine Rescue Ulladulla, their response duties led to a most unusual task for rescue vessel Ulladulla 10, as it ferried hay to livestock stranded by floods in the Moama area, a significant departure from their usual types of rescues on local lakes and the blue waters of the Tasman Sea.
Ulladulla 10 ferries Hay to stranded livestock
Over the weekend other Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were also active, in the Moama/Deniliquin area in the Riverina, as well as in the north of the state at Walgett, Collarenebri and Bourke.
In addition to ferrying hay to stranded livestock, crews transported local residents and supplies and undertook reconnaissance and other duties to support local NSW SES units and flood affected communities.
It is expected that support by Marine Rescue volunteers to the flooding will continue for several weeks to come.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW are continuing to support the NSW State Emergency Service in their response to the flooding in inland New South Wales.
Currently the Service has volunteers located in the Riverina at Deniliquin and Moama, where they have been undertaking patrols on the river and helping to transport members of other services. This has included use of both Marine Rescue NSW and other agency vessels.
In the north of the state volunteers are in Collarenebri, Bourke and Walgett. In these locations they are helping to rescue stranded residents and animals (including assisting in the rescue of 50 sheep on Monday), tagging trees to denote the river channel, and acting as a water transport service, helping transport children to school, and local residents to shops so they can purchase food and other essential items.
The flat plains in the areas where Marine Rescue NSW are operating mean that floodwater is rising and falling very slowly, with flood peaks very slow moving. This will mean a continued presence by Marine Rescue NSW up until Christmas and possibly into the new year.
Marine Rescue NSW continues to provide support to the NSW SES response to flooding in different parts of the state. Ten volunteers from the Marine Rescue Ulladulla, Jervis Bay, Merimbula, Botany Port Hacking, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson and Broken Bay units and one staff member have been deployed to the Riverina, staying at the NSW Rural Fire Service camp outside of Deniliquin.
With the members are four rescue vessels plus a fuel trailer, as well as a rescue vessel based at the Marine Rescue Moama unit supported by local Moama volunteers, who are on standby to provide assistance if required.
Earlier today, two rescue vessels, Moama 10 and Batemans Bay 21, undertook a flood reconnaissance mission near Moama, setting out from Deep Creek harbour.
In the Northern Rivers, 15 members of the Marine Rescue Brunswick, Ballina and Evans Head units today undertook a reconnaissance and replenishment mission with members of the NSW SES on the Richmond River, with a Liaison Officer based at the local operations centre.
Support by Marine Rescue NSW to the flood response is expected to continue into the first week of November in the Riverina, with the support on the Northern Rivers wrapping up today.
Volunteers from three South Coast and five Sydney Metropolitan Marine Rescue NSW units have today headed west to assist the NSW State Emergency Service in supporting flood affected Riverina communities.
The South Coast volunteers, from Jervis Bay, Ulladulla and Merimbula Sydney volunteers, will be joined by members from the Marine Rescue Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson and Botany Port Hacking units, and will be based in the towns of Deniliquin, Barham and Moama.
The 14 volunteers replace a contingent of 12 who are today wrapping up their week long deployment in which they have filled sandbags, sandbagged at risk properties, undertaken on-water patrols, and checked local levee systems.
With levees now in place and floodwaters reaching their peak, the new crews are expected to be busy with the resupply of isolated properties, undertaking rescues, and in on-water patrols.
Also travelling to the area today is an additional rescue vessel, X20, bringing the number of rescue vessels able to be deployed to six.
The communities of Moama, Barham and Deniliquin have been delighted to have the assistance of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, and have made them feel extremely welcome during their deployment.
Assistance by Marine Rescue NSW to the flood emergency along the Murray River has focused today on the small town of Barham, 800km to the south west of Sydney.
Volunteers from three South Coast Marine Rescue units, Ulladulla, Batemans Bay and Tuross Moruya have spent the morning filling sandbags and helping to lay them so as to protect several properties under threat from the Murray River.
Ulladulla Unit Commander John Samulski gives an update
In Moama, the volunteers of Marine Rescue Moama remain on standby and ready to assist in the flood response as required.
Despite the wettest start to a year on record, Marine Rescue NSW has had its second busiest 12 month period ever with 3,905 rescues safely delivering 8,599 to shore.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke congratulated Marine Rescue NSW volunteers for their outstanding efforts.
“One third of the rescues conducted in the last financial year were for life-threatening emergencies, sometimes in the worst of weather and sea conditions and at the dead of night,” Ms Cooke said.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers whose skill, bravery and dedication saves lives on the water and helps keep our State’s waterways safe.”
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said that the number of rescues had come in slightly below the previous year, thanks to the poor weather over the popular summer boating period.
“Over the year our volunteers received an extraordinary 223,338 radio calls, nearly one every two minutes. These included 73 Mayday calls when lives were in imminent danger, and 47 Pan Pans, when boaters were in an urgent but not life-threatening situation, as well as 14 flare sightings,” Commissioner Tannos said.
“57 per cent of calls were for flat batteries, running out of fuel or engine problems, providing boaters with an important reminder to keep their vessel properly serviced and to always carry enough fuel for the journey. In total, 65,433 boaters Logged On to their local Marine Rescue base, helping to keep them, and their passengers, safer.”
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers also attended 247 groundings, 146 capsizes and 23 medical emergencies, with most rescues while boats were fishing (37 per cent), cruising (32 per cent) or sailing (eight per cent).
Weekends accounted for 50 per cent of all rescues, with Sundays the busiest day with 27 per cent of rescues, and Thursdays the quietest on the water. Boaters were most likely to be rescued between 12pm and 3pm, with 40 per cent of all rescues at this time as boaters begin to head home and strike mechanical issues or deteriorating weather conditions.
As the warmer months approach, Marine Rescue NSW is urging boaters to follow the safety advice and wear a lifejacket, check the weather conditions before heading out and to Log On with their local Marine Rescue base so they can be quickly located in an emergency.
Today Marine Rescue NSW’s newest rescue vessel Botany Port Hacking 32, was launched onto the waters of the Clarence River at Yamba on the North Coast of NSW.
The state of the art rescue vessel made the short journey by truck from the yard at Yamba Welding and Engineering to the shores of the Clarence River, where it was lifted by a boat lift and lowered gently onto the water.
In coming weeks Botany Port Hacking 32 will undergo testing and sea trials before being transported to Sydney to start its new life on the busy waters of Port Hacking.
Parliamentary Secretary for the South Coast, Shelley Hancock, has officially welcomed Marine Rescue Jervis Bay’s $791,000 rescue boat Jervis Bay 41 in a ceremony conducted at Huskisson this afternoon.
Ms Hancock was joined by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos and Mayor of Shoalhaven City Council Amanda Findlay in a ceremony to officially commission Jervis Bay 41 to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.
Jervis Bay 41
“Jervis Bay 41 is one of 38 new rescue vessels funded by a $37.6 million four-year State Government investment to support the vital, life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers,” Ms Hancock said.
“With powerful 900 Horsepower Suzuki engines and specialist Raymarine Suite of maritime navigation equipment including 16 inch multifunction displays, radio direction finder, FLIR camera and two loud hailers, this new rescue boat has already proved itself to have the speed and technology to quickly and safely get rescue crews where they need to when vital seconds count.”
“This outstanding rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of Jervis Bay’s active local boating community and its many visiting boaters.”
Jervis Bay Unit Commander Tony Dagger receives the Commissioning Certificate from Commissioner Stacey Tannos
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said Jervis Bay 41 had been purpose-designed and built to meet the demanding local operating conditions found on Jervis Bay and out to sea, and would prove a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.
“As our Jervis Bay unit works closely with the naval base at HMAS Creswell, we needed a vessel that could not only quickly and safely respond to emergencies in the worst of weather conditions but also reliably support the Navy’s exercises,” Mr Tannos said.
The official party at the commissioning.
“Critical in the build process was working with our volunteer members and challenging their thinking on what a rescue boat should look like. The outstanding result speaks for itself.”
Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Unit Commander Tony Dagger said the new vessel was a significant improvement over the unit’s former boat.
“This boat has a number of interesting features, including a specially designed hydraulic heavy lift platform which drops below the waterline to assist in disembarking passengers and loading heavy equipment, a carbon fibre lifting davit, deck area with a roll away tow line and roaming bilge pump system, and lots of storage for essential rescue and safety equipment.”
“The internal fit out has been carefully planned with high grade ergonomic seating, a stable internal workspace to lay out charts, and grab rails for extended search and rescue operations helping to reduce fatigue and enable crew members to safely operate out on the water for longer.”
“The vessel’s name, the John Gallimore, is a fitting tribute to much respected member John Gallimore, who tragically died while on duty as a Radio Operator last year.”
Marine Rescue specialists from the Illawarra and South Coast have taken to the water off Ulladulla today to search for a fishing boat missing at sea as part of a major capability exercise.
The search is the focus of a two-day regional Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) designed to test agencies’ marine search and rescue practices and coordination.
Jervis Bay 40
Minister for Emergency Services, Resilience and Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, said 50 volunteers from nine Marine Rescue NSW units were among more than 120 specialists taking part in the first of a series of search and rescue exercises along the NSW coast this winter.
Today’s exercise saw Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla, Kioloa, Batemans Bay and Tuross Moruya units take part.
Vessels gathered for the start of the exercise
The Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were joined by personnel from the NSW Police, including Incident and Emergency Command and Marine Area Command; the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, forty members of Surf Life Saving NSW, and the Regional Emergency Management Officer.
“These exercises are staged along the coastline each year to hone marine rescue search and rescue skills and cooperation between agencies to ensure they operate seamlessly when a real emergency strikes,” Ms Cooke said.
“This weekend’s event is a major component of our emergency services’ ongoing professional training program in this busy boating region.”
“Our emergency services personnel are trained to the highest standards for their roles and the on-water experience they gain from these exercises helps keep them rescue-ready around the clock.”
Morning briefing at Ulladulla Harbour
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell said that while the search exercise was based on a familiar scenario for emergency services personnel involving a search for a missing fishing boat, a few surprises thrown in tested the participant’s skills and their coordination with other agencies.
“In addition to the on-water component of the exercise, volunteers from all nine units undertook incident management exercises on shore to further test their skills and capability, as well as participating in presentations by participating agencies designed to enhance inter-agency understanding and cooperation.”
“Boaters on the South Coast and Illawarra can be confident that in an emergency, those coming to their aid are skilled and well-practiced professionals thanks to these exercises and rigorous on-going training,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell added.
Recently Marine Rescue NSW were invited by The Finnish Lifeboat Institution to participate in a online campaign to get boaters to wear a lifejacket. Click on the play button to see the video produced.
We provided a short clip, as did marine rescue services from Finland, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and France.
Below is the clip, and we are proud to have played a small role in this small but important international collaboration to promote boating safety.
North Coast communities are continuing to benefit from more than $10.5 million in Marine Rescue NSW contracts to build and fit-out new vessels.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke and Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis today visited the Yamba Welding and Engineering shipyard where two Marine Rescue NSW vessels, worth $986,000, are being built.
“These two new boats will bring the number of Marine Rescue NSW vessels delivered by Yamba Welding and Engineering to 19, with more in the pipeline,” Ms Cooke said.
“The construction of each vessel has been made possible by the NSW Government’s four-year investment of $37.6 million in Marine Rescue NSW, which is supporting the ongoing replacement of ageing facilities, vessels and equipment.”
Minister Cooke inspecting a Marine Rescue vessel under construction
Member for Clarence said the Marine Rescue NSW construction contracts are supporting skilled jobs and providing apprenticeships for young people in the region.
“Yamba Welding and Engineering is producing state-of-the-art rescue vessels equal to those produced anywhere in the world, and the job and training opportunities this creates are also a vital part of the flood recovery effort,” Mr Gulaptis said.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell said each boat is custom designed to meet local conditions and the specific needs of the Unit receiving the vessel.
“This collaborative approach is delivering faster, safer and more responsive rescue vessels which are able to reach the scene of an emergency in a wider range of weather and sea conditions,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
General Manager of Yamba Welding and Engineering Jamie Howden said the shipyard had a proud history of building first-class vessels for NSW, including for the Police Marine Area Command, DPI Fisheries, Maritime NSW and the State Emergency Service.
“The acquisition of Yamba Welding and Engineering by Australian-owned The Whiskey Project Group has enabled us to continue supporting regional jobs and to deliver state of the art vessels for our clients. The investment by Marine Rescue NSW and the NSW Government has helped us to employ six apprentices and to continue to grow our business and to support jobs and skilled industry on the North Coast,” Mr Howden said.
Wet weather has failed to dampen boating activities this summer, putting Marine Rescue NSW crews on track to match or exceed the total number of rescues recorded in the 2020-21 boating season.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said 60 per cent of all boating rescues were due to preventable incidents like engine failure, flat batteries and running out on fuel.
“The warmer weather over recent weeks has drawn many to the State’s coastline and waterways and there are simple precautions every boater can take to reduce the risk of running into trouble,” Ms Cooke said.
“Taking the time to prepare your vessel, having the necessary safety equipment on board and boating safely when you do hit the water can make the difference between a great day out and a potentially life-threatening emergency.
“I also want to commend all Marine Rescue NSW volunteers for their thousands of hours of dedicated service to keeping our coastline and waterways as safe as possible this summer.”
Marine Rescue Commissioner Stacey Tannos said over the course of the boating season, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers helped thousands of people and pets safely back to shore.
“Some incidents responded to were potentially life-threatening situations in difficult weather and sea conditions, and I’m immensely proud of the efforts of all our volunteers,” Commissioner Tannos said.
Bermagui 30 gets ready to assist a disabled yacht
“It’s vital that boaters get their vessels regularly serviced and take the time to properly plan their day out on the water to minimise the likelihood of a serious incident occurring.
“One of the best way boaters can stay safe on the water is to Log On with their local Marine Rescue base. Logging on means that if you don’t log off as expected, we will come searching for you, saving vital seconds if you are incapacitated in an emergency and cannot call for help.
“I urge all boaters to Log On using the Marine Rescue app or on their marine radios using VHF Channel 16.”
The official boating season runs from 1 October to ANZAC Day. Key statistics for the 2021-22 boating season are as follows:
41,730 boats carrying more than 140,000 people “Logged On” with Marine Rescue NSW;
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers helped 6,433 people including 664 children and 67 pets;
Boaters aged 35 and over accounted for 70 per cent of all rescues; and
62 per cent of boaters rescued described themselves as ‘somewhat experienced’ or ‘very experienced’.
Our Marine Rescue Alpine lakes unit received a visit yesterday from Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell and Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews accompanied by Zone Commander South Mike Hammond.
The trio dropped by the unit to chat to recently installed Unit Commander Cain Hopwood and his deputy David Farmer.
The visit provided an opportunity to better understand the unique operational conditions on the alpine lakes and the needs of the unit and its members, as well as to inspect the unit’s base and two rescue vessels.
After the visit, a dinner was held with unit members which allowed for further discussion.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioners Alex Barrell and Todd Andrews have headed into the outback, visiting Marine Rescue’s farthest-flung unit at Moama on the Murray River in the south west of the state.
Also accompanying the deputies on their visit was Zone Commander South, Mike Hammond.
Inspecting the Moama unit’s vessels
At Moama, the trio inspected the unit’s facilities including its two rescue vessels, and held discussions with the Moama Unit Commander Luke Sharrock and his deputy Anthony Clark, before joining unit members for dinner.
The trip are making their way east today to Marine Rescue’s other inland unit, the Alpine Lakes, based in the Snowy Mountains town of Jindabyne.
Soundings is Marine Rescue NSW’s quarterly magazine packed with three months worth of great stories, including our support to the severe flooding in early March, the arrival of MR Eden’s first ever rescue vessel, new staff arrivals, and much more.
Just click on the link to get yourself up to date on all things Marine Rescue!
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos has announced that the Marine Rescue Tuross unit will henceforth be known as the Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya unit.
Commissioner Tannos said that the new name better reflects the local community served by the unit’s volunteers.
“Volunteers attending the unit come from both the Tuross and the Moruya communities”, Commissioner Tannos said.
“The unit also has vessels located in both communities, on Tuross Lake and the Moruya River at Preddys Wharf, so it makes good sense to better represent this dual presence in the unit’s name.”
Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya unit was initially called the Tuross Rescue Squad and was part of the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA). The current unit base and infrastructure was developed over time by local VRA volunteers, with the base officially opened in 1994.
When the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and NSW Volunteer Rescue Association Marine Fleet Services merged in 2009 to create Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW), the MRNSW Tuross unit was formed, and now has 40 members, two rescue vessels and two Rescue Water Craft.
Unit Commander Alan Blessington said that the name change would not affect the great service offered by the unit to the local boating community.
“Our unit undertakes rescues on the on the Tuross River, Tuross and Coila Lakes, the Moruya River and on the open sea from Broulee Island to Potato Point.”
“Our new name acknowledges the important role that the Moruya community plays in supporting our volunteers, and we will continue to offer 24/7 rescue assistance to both communities.”
“We’re always interested in hearing from local people who would like to become volunteers, and welcome anyone wanting to make a positive difference to the Tuross Moruya communities.”
Members of Marine Rescue’s Port Jackson unit based at Birkenhead Point on Sydney’s iconic harbour are to appear in a new Discovery Channel series airing from next month.
The volunteers from Port Jackson were involved in the filming of the Discovery Channel show Sydney Harbour Force over the summer of 2020-21, and have made it past the cutting room floor, appearing in 6 of the show’s 10 episodes!
During the filming, the Port Jackson volunteers were involved in several emergency responses on the harbour, showing their skills and abilities to the cameras and a world-wide audience estimated at well over 100 million.
The Australian premiere of Sydney Harbour Force is on Discovery Channel on Monday 11 April at 7.30pm.
Tune in, and keep a sharp eye out each week for MR Port Jackson Unit Commander Greg Urand and his volunteers aboard rescue vessels PJ30 and PJ31.
With the flooding having eased in most areas, and better weather with slight seas, boaters were back on the water over the weekend after a few quiet weeks due to flooding, damaging winds and hazardous surf.
Over the weekend, Marine Rescue crews responded to 52 requests for assistance, ranging from a multi-agency search for a missing rock fisherman at Frazer Park near Munmorah in the Hunter, to the usual ‘bread and butter’ requests from boaters with mechanical issues, flat batteries and out of fuel.
Pictured are the crew of Marine Rescue Bermagui aboard rescue vessel Bermagui 30, as they headed out on Saturday afternoon to assist a broken down 6 metre vessel with five people on board.
Boaters are reminded to Log On with their local Marine Rescue base on VHF Channel 16, or via the free Marine Rescue app.
Marine Rescue NSW are continuing to assist NSW SES with the ongoing flood response.
Today MR Point Danger will be delivering diesel fuel to Murwillumbah with MR Brunswick delivering unleaded fuel to Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby.
After access and technology issues, both the MR Point Danger and MR Ballina bases are again operational. Evans Head crews have now stood down from staffing the local evacuation centres, however, they continue to assist the local SES where required.
MR Iluka Yamba and Yamba Welding and Engineering are continuing to assist at Maclean with resupply and the transport of isolated persons.
Marine Rescue NSW assistance on the lower Hawkesbury River at Wisemans ferry is now complete.
Further heavy rain on the Mid North Coast and around the Hunter and Sydney Metro is expected to result in renewed rises and possible additional assistance.
Crews from Marine Rescue from the state’s north and Sydney metropolitan and Central Coast continue to provide assistance to the NSW SES and flood affected communities, as the state’s flood crisis continues.
In the north of the state, Marine Rescue (MR) Point Danger delivered fuel to Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby to enable local fire trucks and other emergency vehicles to continue operating, while the MR Brunswick unit established an emergency operations centre at the Ocean Shores Country Club evacuation Centre, from which support to the Mullumbimby SES and local Police was coordinated.
At Evans Head, the MR Evans Head unit has been assisting the NSW SES with evacuations and doorknocking, while on the Clarence River at Maclean, three vessels from MR Iluka Yamba, MR Nambucca, MR Camden Haven and volunteers from MR Trial Bay and MR Port Macquarie have been undertaking resupply and evacuation missions.
On the lower reaches of the Hawkesbury River at Wisemans Ferry and Lower Portland, volunteers from MR Central Coast and MR Broken Bay have been working with the NSW SES to undertake resupply missions, with four vessels being deployed.
Marine Rescue are also providing Radio Operators to the Metropolitan Flood Rescue Cell (3x 8 hour shifts) per day.
The support by Marine Rescue NSW will continue over the weekend.
Over the past 48 hours, members of Marine Rescue NSW have provided vital support to flood affected communities across the North Coast.
Volunteers from Point Danger, Cape Byron, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba, Trial Bay, Port Macquarie, Nambucca Brunswick, Ballina and Wooli, and staff from Marine Rescue State Headquarters, have all provided vital assistance.
The tasks undertaken have been varied including fuel runs, transporting food to isolated properties, providing on ground support at evacuation centres, transporting medical supplies and evacuations.
Among these tasks was the delivery of diesel fuel to Murwillumbah to enable electricity trucks in the area working to restore power to continue operating, the transport of domestic animals including dogs and chickens, the transport of medical and food supplies to the Alstonville evacuation centre, transport of people from flooded properties for medical appointments and other essential tasks.
Support to the North Coast will continue on Thursday.
In the south of the state, including Sydney, Marine Rescue has asked boaters to secure moorings or remove boats from the water ahead of expected flooding, as severe weather buffets the coast from Newcastle to the Victorian Border. Local crews are on standby to assist NSW SES should it be required.
Boaters are again reminded to stay off the water until conditions ease.
With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting very heavy rain with flooding along many North Coast and Mid North Coast Rivers in coming days, Marine Rescue NSW is urging boaters to prepare their vessels now and to delay going out on the water until conditions ease.
Marine Rescue Zone Commander North, Mal Jeffs, said with conditions deteriorating, it was important that boaters were well prepared.
“Flood warnings have already been issued for the Tweed, Wilsons and Bellinger Rivers with more heavy rain forecast and further rivers expected to experience flooding.”
“Boaters should immediately secure their vessel’s mooring or remove it from the water, fix storm covers, and consider what other actions they need to do to keep their vessel safe should river levels continue to rise.”
Mr Jeffs said that boaters should stay home rather than heading out on the water.
“Rising seas and swell will make coastal bars extremely hazardous and conditions offshore will become increasingly dangerous with heavy rain, poor visibility and strong winds.”
“Even if you are intending to stay in enclosed waters, flooding on coastal rivers and estuaries may result in strong currents and submerged and floating debris. Navigation markers may become submerged, moved or damaged, and channels and shoals may be shifted to new areas, making boating extremely dangerous. Access and egress points such as boat ramps may become submerged or difficult to access safely.”
“Once conditions ease, boaters are reminded to always Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue on VHF Channel 16 or via the Marine Rescue NSW App.”
Emergency Services Medal recognises dedicated service
Bill Blakeman. Photo: Sonia Teston
This year’s Australia Day honours recognised the long and meritorious service of Merimbula volunteer, William (Bill) Blakeman.
Mr Blakeman’s working and volunteer careers have been steeped in maritime activities. He began his working life with the British Merchant Navy and eventually retired from the NSW Maritime Service Board in 2007. At the same time, he served as a volunteer member of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard in Sydney.
Upon his retirement, he moved south and joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol at Merimbula, taking up the role of Training Officer and Training Support Officer, roles which he continues to perform. To comply with the requirements of these roles, he successfully obtained a Certificate IV Trainer and Assessor.
Mr Blakeman holds Marine Rescue NSW’s highest qualifications, Marine Rescue Master and Watch Officer, meaning he can train and assess his fellow volunteers working for all qualifications attainable in the organisation. As the Training Officer, he has been staunch in his commitment to the professional development of members in operational activities and emergency search and rescue response. He draws on his extensive experience and knowledge to efficiently elevate volunteers to the appropriate trained standards, in the process helping many volunteers to build the skills and knowledge needed to progress through the ranks.
In March 2015, Mr Blakeman was awarded the Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage for an operation undertaken in October 2011. He was the skipper of the rescue vessel with a crew of two volunteers, who risked their lives to save two men and their floundering vessel. The stricken vessel was stranded metres from rocks in winds gusting to 30 knots in three-metre seas. Mr Blakeman skilfully manoeuvred the rescue vessel close enough to pass a tow rope to the foundering vessel and quickly pull it away from immediate danger by the stern, before a second line could be secured to the bow. The two vessels returned safely to Merimbula under worsening conditions.
In 2014, Mr Blakeman was unanimously elected to the position of Unit Commander of Marine Rescue Merimbula, and elected unopposed for another two terms. In the role he demonstrated strong leadership and people skills, a commitment to supporting volunteers, the ability to set goals and manage multiple tasks, while also dealing with local government, community groups and the public. During his tenure as leader, the unit experienced significant growth in membership growth and retention, with a high degree of volunteer satisfaction and commitment.
His foresight and initiative has ensured the exponential growth of the Merimbula unit’s profile within the visiting and local boating community. He has adopted a multi-pronged approach to promote the unit, using multi-media, flyers, local radio and newspapers, open days, barbecues, raffles and presentations to local community groups. The unit’s raised profile has resulted in numerous enquiries from locals to join or financially support the unit.
In 2019, Mr Blakeman was awarded the Bega Valley Shire Community Service Medallion in recognition of his skills and dedication as both an emergency services trainer and Unit Commander. The Medallion was presented as part of the Bega Valley’s National Volunteers Week celebrations to acknowledge his outstanding work as a volunteer in the region.
He has displayed foresight and vision for the future, campaigning and fundraising to purchase a secondary rescue vessel capable of reaching local waterways inaccessible by the unit’s large primary response vessel. In 2020 he steered a project to replace the vessel’s floating pontoon and renovate its jetty to accommodate both vessels.
As Unit Commander, Mr Blakeman worked closely with the unit executive to develop and implement detailed business and financial plans to guide and grow the unit as an efficient and effective rescue service. The unit has remained financial buoyant under his administration, ensuring it remained well placed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In early 2020, the far south coast experienced its worst bushfire season. Mr Blakeman worked tirelessly in the local Emergency Operations Centre representing Marine Rescue NSW, helping to coordinate our members to monitor NSW Rural Fire Service radios overnight and undertake countless jobs in the four evacuations centres located at Merimbula, Tura Beach and Bega. His work in the Emergency Operations Centre only ceased when he was forced to evacuate his family home, which was threatened by the advancing bushfires.
Mr Blakeman has had a profound effect on all those he has inspired, influenced and saved, working over and above normal employment duties. His skill, commitment and outstanding contribution have benefited not only Marine Rescue NSW and the volunteer members in Merimbula but also the wider boating community as a whole.
Ahead of the busiest boating week of the year, Marine Rescue NSW is asking boaters and paddlers to play it safe and ensure they are well prepared before heading out on the water.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said over the peak summer period Marine Rescue’s over 3,000 professionally-trained volunteers would be on watch right along the NSW coastline from the Queensland border to Eden and on the Alpine Lakes and Murray River at Moama, with extra boats on the water to cope with the projected demand.
“With travel overseas and to some interstate destinations remaining challenging, we expect boaters to again flock to our spectacular NSW coastline in record numbers in coming weeks,” he said.
“We are also expecting many inexperienced boaters and paddlers trying out their first boat, jet-ski or kayak. Coupled with a spike in boating traffic, this means an increased risk of boaters running into trouble on the water, with Marine Rescue’s volunteers ready for an increased demand on their life-saving services.”
Mr Tannos said all MRNSW units had focused on increased training in recent months to ensure their crews were rescue-ready for the peak summer season, with preparations made to boost capability and response times over the summer.
“Marine Rescue volunteers will be a strong visible presence on the state’s waterways this summer, particularly during the peak Christmas – New Year period.”
“We have extra patrols scheduled in high-traffic locations, with rescue vessels and Rescue Water Craft pre-deployed to areas of known risk such as hazardous coastal bars, to ensure crews can be quickly on the scene of an emergency.
“As we do every summer, senior staff will be based in the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command base at East Balmain to ensure the seamless coordination of emergency response operations.”
Mr Tannos said the extra boating traffic on the water meant boaters needed to take extra precautions to stay safe, including:
Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW via VHF Channel 16 or the free MarineRescue App. If you’re not back as scheduled, our professionally trained staff will start to search for you saving vital seconds in an emergency.
Ensure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket.
Carry safety equipment such as flares, first aid kit and EPIRB and know how to use them.
Check the sea and weather conditions before heading out and throughout your trip.
Ensuring that your vessel is serviced and in good order, and there is plenty of fuel for the journey.
Packed with reports about our volunteers’ mighty efforts to save lives on the water and on the frontline of the response to the NSW floods crisis, it’ll definitely help you fill some hours in lockdown!
Even if you’re not in the red zone, you’ll be able to catch up with your local volunteers’ activities.
We visit Lord Howe Island for the launch of our first offshore rescue unit, salute our volunteers who have been awarded honours by our nation and give you advice on boating safely in winter and around the masses of whales making their way up the coastline.
