From newcomer to Coxswain: A volunteer’s rapid rise at Marine Rescue Eden
When Dave Pruckner first moved to the NSW South Coast, he never imagined he would one day become a fully rated Marine Rescue NSW Coxswain, let alone achieve it in just two years and five months, and with limited offshore boating knowledge and not a single shred of prior marine navigation experience. Yet with determination, discipline and an unwavering desire to help others, he has done exactly that. His accomplishment is not only remarkable on a personal level; it is a major boost to Marine Rescue Eden’s operational capability and, ultimately, to the safety of the local boating community.
Dave’s journey began after retiring from policing in 2017 and relocating to a small hobby farm in Bald Hills at the end of 2021. He and his partner, Helen, had spent years holidaying in Merimbula, where stand‑up paddle‑boarding trips past the Marine Rescue NSW vessels sparked the first quiet suggestions that the work might suit him. “Every time Helen would say to me, ‘You know, I think that’s something you would really like to do. With your police background and helping people and love of the water you would be great at it.’ So once I moved down here I did… and the rest, as they say, is history,” Dave recalled.
Marine Rescue NSW’s training standards are famously rigorous, and many volunteers take years to progress through the ratings. Dave, however, attacked the challenge with real intent. “He is a keen and motivated person,” Marine Rescue Eden Unit Commander Roger Barson said. “Sometimes trainees struggle to get into the theory, but Dave just knuckled down and got it done. He completed his theory workbook in a week, which was extraordinary. Once he commits to something, he drives ahead and sees it through. Dave is an achiever.”
His learning approach was grounded in structure, something he found deeply appealing. “What I have liked is the very structured approach to the learning environment. Everything is based on standard operating procedures and local operating procedures. I like that structured approach,” Dave said. But mastering the responsibilities of a Coxswain proved to be the greatest challenge. “The level of responsibility required at the full Coxswain level far outweighs the difficulty of any other rating, so I’d have to say it was the most difficult.”
Along the way, Dave sought guidance from some of the most experienced volunteers on the Far South Coast. “I was pretty much a sponge,” he said with a laugh. “I tried to take in as much information and knowledge as I could, which is why I sought out several mentors from our neighbouring units in Merimbula and Bermagui.” Masters Stuart Dietrich and Rick Bettua, along with Bermagui Coxswain Volker Aebischer, all played a role in sharpening his skills.
He achieved four Marine Rescue NSW ratings in just two years and five months, an exceptionally rare pace. All the while, he was not only training but also teaching. As Training Officer at Marine Rescue Eden, he runs weekly volunteer training sessions, supporting others to progress just as he has. “He is truly supportive of all our volunteers and wants to see them succeed and progress,” Unit Commander Barson said. “He is great with people. He is very giving of his time, not only to his fellow volunteers at the unit but also the boating community.”
Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond sees the same determination. “Dave is one of those people who embody the saying, bite off more than you can chew and chew fast. He has really applied himself and Marine Rescue NSW is fortunate to have him.”
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan agreed, describing Dave as “a real boost for the unit,” adding that his achievement “enhances the reach for Marine Rescue Eden and will also benefit NSW Water Police with our increased offshore capability.”
And that capability is already greater than ever. With Dave now rated as a Coxswain, he joins a Master and Coxswain-restricted already serving at Marine Rescue Eden, dramatically improving response times and offshore readiness. “Having a Master and a full Coxswain at the unit enhances our rescue capability,” Unit Commander Barson said. This is crucial in a region where the offshore area stretches from Eden to the Victorian border at Cape Howe. Until now, the unit’s primary skipper, Mark, had juggled rescue duties with running a full‑time business. Dave’s qualification significantly strengthens the team’s ability to respond whenever needed.
Despite the rapid success, Dave remains modest, and cautious about what comes next. When asked whether the Master rating is his next goal, he laughed. “I don’t think I want to go there just yet. I’ll need to let this settle in a bit and give myself some time to enhance my experience at the Coxswain level.”
For now, he is content doing what he loves: helping others, building capability and inspiring those around him. “I like to encourage people to learn more and have fun while they are doing it,” he said. “I am really enjoying what I am doing with Marine Rescue Eden. It is a great environment to operate in and with likeminded people, we’re all volunteers wanting to help others on the water,” he said.
Marine Rescue Eden now has just over 30 volunteers covering marine radio operations and on-water search and rescue, Zone Commander Hammond said the unit is actively recruiting to boost their response capability.
“Marine Rescue NSW provides full free training and Dave’s story is proof that with motivation, discipline and heart, extraordinary things are possible. His achievement is not just a personal milestone; it’s a win for every boater who relies on the dedication of volunteers like him,” Zone Commander Hammond said.
Information about volunteering with Marine Rescue NSW can be found at https://www.marinerescuensw.com.au/become-a-volunteer