More crews, faster response: Marine Rescue NSW prepares for summer surge on Sydney Harbour
Marine Rescue NSW has ramped up its presence on Sydney Harbour for the busy summer boating period, with volunteers from Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Marine Rescue Port Jackson providing daylight coverage seven days a week throughout December and January, starting Monday 1 December. Crews will also remain on call overnight to respond to emergencies.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Dan Duemmer said the enhanced coverage reflects the high volume of recreational boaters expected on the state’s busiest waterway.
“From Sydney Heads west to the Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers, our volunteers and vessels will be on the water for 62 consecutive days, ensuring we can reach boaters quickly when things go wrong,” he said. “This increased visibility will significantly reduce response times.”
During the same period last summer, the two Harbour-based units undertook 149 search and rescue missions and brought 420 people safely back to shore. More than half of those incidents stemmed from preventable mechanical issues such as flat batteries, engine failures, and running out of fuel.
“We’re urging boaters to thoroughly check their vessels before heading out and to carry adequate clean fuel with plenty in reserve,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer said. “On such a busy waterway, with large shipping and commercial vessels, a mechanical breakdown for a recreational boater can quickly become dangerous.”
More than 200 volunteers from Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Port Jackson are equipped to respond not only across the Harbour and surrounding waterways but also up to 30 nautical miles (55 kilometres) offshore.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer reminded boaters that preparation and weather awareness remain critical.
“Every safe trip starts before you hit the water,” he said. “Carry the right safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket, and monitor conditions at all times. If in doubt, don’t go out. Conditions can change quickly, and capsizing or running aground can have life-threatening consequences.”
He also renewed the call for boaters to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW via the free app or on marine radio VHF Channel 16.
“There is definite room for improvement from the Greater Sydney boating community,” he said. “Logging On provides us with your trip details, so if you don’t return as planned, we can start searching straightaway. It only takes a minute and could save your life.”
The Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre maintains continuous radio coverage of Sydney Harbour and surrounding waters, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
“Our radio operators are often the first point of contact for boaters in distress, providing a lifeline between sea and shore,” he said. “Their work is vital to every search and rescue response.”
“We want everyone heading out on Sydney Harbour to enjoy a safe day on the water. If assistance is needed, our crews from Middle Harbour and Port Jackson are ready to respond without delay.”