Marine Rescue NSW

Marine Rescue NSW is the State's official volunteer marine rescue service, committed to its mission of ensuring safety on the waterways and saving lives. With more than 3,400 volunteers across 45 strategically located units, including those inland and on Lord Howe Island, Marine Rescue NSW provides a vital service to boaters along the NSW coastline.

Marine Rescue NSW saves lives on the water through our key services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response: Swift and coordinated efforts in life-threatening situations.
• Log On and Vessel Tracking Service: Unique safety services for recreational boaters.
• Marine Radio Monitoring: Constant oversight of NSW coastal waters.
• Boating Safety Education: Training courses for boat and jet ski licenses and marine radio proficiency.
• Assistance for Non-Life-Threatening Issues: Towing stranded vessels, jump-starting flat batteries, and other support.

Marine Rescue NSW is dedicated to handling life threatening situations. Our crew members undergo specialized training in Search and Rescue techniques and can devise a plan to locate individuals who have been lost at sea. This involves establishing a drift line and estimated position followed by developing a search pattern to effectively locate and targets in the water. Additionally, our crew members are highly proficient in First Aid and can administer CPR while aboard a moving vessel. We also have oxygen therapy and life-saving defibrillators readily available on board.

Although we are equipped to handle extreme emergencies, the majority of our work revolves around providing assistance to individuals who are simply having a difficult day. If your vessel breaks down or runs out of fuel, we can safely tow it to a secure location. If you find yourself with a flat battery, our crew carries jump start facilities on board. While these situations may not pose an immediate threat to life, they have the potential to escalate if left unaddressed. Our crew members are prepared to lend a helping hand when such unfortunate circumstances arise.

The volunteers of Marine Rescue Port Jackson provide both emergency and general boating aid on weekends, public holidays, special events, and throughout the busy December-January season. Additionally, the crew offers a 24/7 emergency callout service that can be activated when necessary. Our services cover an extensive area, ranging from Long Reef in the north to Wedding Cake Island near Coogee in the south. We also extend our aid up to 30 Nautical Miles (50kms) offshore, including the interconnected waterways of Sydney Harbour and Port Jackson.

In 2024, Marine Rescue Port Jackson unit:

• Launched 255 rescue operations
• Responded to 31 potentially life-threatening incidents.
• Rescued and brought to safety 786 individuals, including 112 children.
• Boat crew volunteered approx. 15000 hours.
• Rescued vessels totalling $26,603,000.00 in value.
• Operated on fuel expenses of approximately $75,000.

Led by the Unit Executive, Unit Commander Paul Ballard and Deputy Unit Commander Grant Morehouse, Marine Rescue Port Jackson is powered by 140 dedicated volunteers who are the heart of our unit, working tirelessly to ensure the safety of boaters on our waterways.

Our exceptional volunteers are highly regarded for their extensive marine expertise, courage, and unwavering commitment to serving the community.

Marine Rescue NSW equips its volunteers with essential skills:

• Search and Rescue Techniques: Training in emergency response, search patterns, and rescue techniques to assist those in distress on the water.
• Induction Training: New volunteers undergo induction training to familiarize themselves with safety protocols, vessel operations, and organizational procedures.
• Seamanship and Navigation: Learn essential boating skills, including vessel handling, navigation techniques, and radio communication.
• First Aid and CPR: Volunteers receive accredited first aid and CPR training to provide medical assistance when needed aboard moving vessels including the use of life saving defibrillators and oxygen.
• Marine Radio: Volunteers are trained to operate marine radio systems and enhance the safety network.
• Sea Survival: including fighting fires at sea, use of life rafts and appropriate survival techniques.
• Rescue Vessel Handling: Crew are prepared to handle high speed rescue craft for emergence response.
• Equipment Handling and Maintenance: Understanding the use and maintenance of rescue equipment, including radios, life jackets, and emergency gear.
• Flood Rescue Awareness: Preparing for on-water flood emergencies.
• Incident Management: Training in documenting incidents, coordinating with emergency services, and following reporting protocols.

Marine Rescue NSW invites you to become part of a dedicated community committed to saving lives on the water. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your support makes a difference.

Marine Rescue NSW is more than an emergency service-it's a lifeline for countless individuals, a testament to community spirit, and a beacon of hope on the waterways.


"When you're enjoying our waterways, it's quite likely that the first line of defence, the first operational capability that may come to you in the event that you're in trouble, will be a volunteer."
- NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib

Birkenhead Point Factory Outlet, Drummoyne

Our prime location allows us to efficiently respond to inshore assists, which make up 90% of our operations.


Vessel Storage and Readiness

Our rescue vessels are securely stored on AirBerth systems at the Marina attached to the boat base, ensuring they are always ready for deployment.


Emergency Response Efficiency

With easy transport links to the base, crew members on emergency callout lists can arrive and have the vessel ready for action within 30 minutes when urgent assistance is required.


Training and Facilities

The Boat Base is equipped with advanced training and teaching aids, providing an excellent learning environment for our members.

Connected to the Marina lounge, it offers a comfortable space for briefings, training sessions, and operational planning.

A Legacy of Maritime Service

Marine Rescue NSW's history is a testament to decades of dedication, courage, and innovation in maritime safety. Officially established on July 1, 2009, the organization represents the unification of three historic volunteer groups, each with its own unique contributions to Australia's maritime legacy:


Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (Established in 1961)

The Coast Guard emerged as a response to the increasing number of recreational boaters on Australian waters in the mid-20th century. Recognizable by their yellow rescue vessels, Coast Guard volunteers provided life-saving services, including towing disabled vessels, conducting search-and-rescue operations, and offering marine safety education. The organization gained a reputation for professionalism and was instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of safe boating practices. AVCGA was based on the American Coast Guard Auxiliary organisation and was made up of volunteer members.


Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol (Founded in 1937)

The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol was Australia's first volunteer marine rescue organization. Established just before World War II, it was initially formed to bolster national security by patrolling the coastline. During the war, its members undertook vital roles, including monitoring maritime activity and assisting the military. After the war, the Coastal Patrol transitioned into a civilian rescue service, focusing on helping boaters in distress and promoting safety on the water. Their efforts paved the way for a new era of organized marine rescue in Australia with a fleet of vessels that included ex- Royal National Lifeboat Institution life boats acquired from the UK. RVCP was made up of a mix of paid and volunteer staff with almost all the vessel crew being volunteers.


NSW Volunteer Rescue Association Marine Fleet (Founded in 1969)

The Marine Fleet of the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) specialized in responding to emergencies on NSW's waterways. This group expanded the reach of rescue services into areas not previously covered, demonstrating adaptability and technical expertise. Over the years, the VRA Marine Fleet became known for its strong community connections and ability to handle both critical incidents and routine marine assistance tasks.


Marine Rescue NSW - Port Jackson Unit is formally the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association NF1 (National Flotilla 1) and was the first AVCGA flotilla established.


The Unification in 2009
The decision to unite these three organizations under the banner of Marine Rescue NSW marked a significant milestone in Australian maritime history. This merger was driven by the need for a coordinated, statewide approach to marine rescue. Combining the strengths, traditions, and expertise of each group, Marine Rescue NSW officially began operations on January 1, 2010.

The unification brought together not only decades of experience but also a shared vision for the future. It allowed for greater efficiency, modernized operations, and the adoption of state-of-the-art equipment and training practices. The new organization was structured to address the growing demands of recreational boating, waterway safety, and emergency response in a more cohesive and effective manner.

Marine Rescue NSW continues to honour the legacies of its predecessor organizations. The values of bravery, community service, and professionalism established by the Coastal Patrol, Coast Guard, and VRA Marine Fleet remain at the heart of its operations. Today, the organization stands as a symbol of unity and dedication, with its volunteers carrying forward the traditions of service and excellence that began decades ago.

The organisation works closely with the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, Maritime, and other state and federal agencies, ensuring comprehensive safety and rescue measures.

Marine Rescue NSW operates independently and is partly funded through the NSW government boat license fee. Additional funding comes from grants, donations, corporate sponsors, and community events like Bunnings barbecues.

State Comms Center Address : Unit 57, 23 Narabang Way Belrose NSW 2085 Phone : 02 9471 8300 GPS : 33° 42' 29.9"S, 151° 12' 42.9"E Middle Harbour Address : 239 Spit Rd, Mosman 2088 Phone : 02 9969 3270 GPS : 33° 48' 20.897"S, 151° 14' 48.645"E Botany Port Hacking Address : 202 Nicholson Parade, Cronulla South Phone : 02 8071 4838 GPS : 34° 04' 22.8"S, 151° 08' 55.2"E		Broken Bay Address : Rowland Reserve Pittwater Road Bayview 2103 Phone : 02 9999 3554 GPS : 33° 39' 46.7"S, 151° 18' 08.6"E Cottage Point Address : 1 Cottage Point Rd, Cottage Point, 2084 Phone : 02 9456 3055 GPS : 33° 36' 55.942"S, 151° 12' 26.364"E Hawksbury Address : 5 Kowan Road Mooney Mooney 2083 Phone : 02 9985 9012 GPS : 33° 31' 42.6"S, 151° 12' 08.8"E