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Volunteer


Interested in becoming a volunteer?

Be part of something extraordinary. Volunteering with Marine Rescue Port Jackson offers you the chance to contribute to a world-class emergency service, help people in need, and experience the best harbour in the world from a unique perspective.

Our volunteers are the heart of our operations; dedicated, skilled, and committed to saving lives on the water.


What You'll Gain

  • A rewarding experience helping your community
  • Work with a professional, supportive team
  • Receive training in maritime safety and emergency response
  • Time on the water in Sydney Harbour, one of the most iconic waterways in the world
  • Build leadership skills and lifelong friendships

Training & Development

All new members begin as trainees, with the goal of achieving Crew rating within 12 months. This structured pathway is supported by experienced mentors and includes formal training, practical experience, and self-directed learning.

As part of your development, you'll complete the following:
  • Marine Radio Licence (SROCP)
  • First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation
  • Sea Survival and Firefighting
  • Learner Activity Workbook
  • Complete a Skills Log
  • NSW Maritime Boating Licence knowledge (no external licence required, assessed via our internal quiz)

First Six Months

To build your skills and confidence, you'll be expected to complete:
  • Induction Night (3 hours)
  • First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation course (12 hours)
  • Radio Licence (12 hours)
  • Sea Survival and Firefighting course (10 hours)
  • Boat Licence knowledge and internal test (3 hours)
  • Learner Activity Workbook (self-study)
  • At least ONE fundraising duty (8 hours)
In addition to formal training, you'll be assigned one shift per month, but to progress effectively, we recommend completing 3 to 4 shifts monthly. Regular attendance, active participation in training, and consistent self-study will help reinforce your learning and prepare you for Crew rating.



Ongoing Commitment

Once rated as Crew, members are expected to:
  • Perform a minimum of one shift per month
  • Complete a 'catch-up' shift if a scheduled shift is missed
  • Participate in on-vessel drills to maintain rating currency
  • Complete 12 duty days and 2 fundraising days annually
If you're unable to commit to regular training and duty days, we encourage you to explore meaningful support roles such as fundraising or administration.

Pathways

After achieving Crew rating, volunteers can pursue further qualifications:
  • Coxswain Ratings - become a qualified skipper for inshore - or - offshore rescue vessels
  • Special Operations Group (SOG) - support flood rescue operations via focused training and enhanced skill set.
  • Radio Operations Stream - assist marine safety via the State Communications Centre at Belrose
Alternatively, members may wish to continue as a Rescue Crew operator without pursuing higher ratings.

Important Considerations

  • This is a volunteer role. There are no paid positions available.
  • You may be involved in traumatic situations, including search and recovery operations with NSW Water Police
  • We train for these scenarios and expect all members to be prepared
  • Progress toward Crew rating is expected within 12 months
  • Volunteers who do not meet attendance or training expectations may be discontinued

Joining Our Crew

To join our Rescue Crew, Volunteers must:
  • Have a passion for helping people
  • Be aged 18 years or older.
  • Be capable of performing CPR on a moving vessel (kneeling on hard surfaces involved)
  • Demonstrate excellent communication skills
  • Possess the ability to work in a team environment
  • Pass an internal Marine Rescue NSW boat licence quiz
  • Be capable of swimming and completing sea survival training
  • Attend regularly rostered weekend shifts
  • Attend training courses as required including self study

Physical & Operational Readiness

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers operate on rescue vessels in dynamic environments. You must be able to:
  • Perform CPR on a moving vessel
  • Transit along the side of a slow-moving vessel
  • Deploy heavy tow lines and life buoys
  • Lift anchors and equipment
  • Assist others onto the vessel
  • Hear instructions over background noise
  • Interpret and respond to radio communication
  • Identify colours (red, green, yellow, black, white) at a distance
  • Swim 50m fully clothed in a controlled environment
  • Assess risk and apply mitigation strategies
Every situation is different. You must be able to adapt and apply your training in line with Marine Rescue NSW policies.

Acknowledgement & Commitment

By applying, you agree to the following:
  • Volunteer Role: This is an unpaid position. Your time and effort are vital to our mission.
  • Training: Expect ~4 days/month for the first 6 months, then ~3 days/month to complete your Crew Operational Assessment in a timely manner.
  • Attendance: Rated Crew must complete 12 duty days + 2 fundraising days annually to stay active.
  • Crew Rating: Trainees are expected to work toward achieving their Crew Rating, which is essential for being considered operational and participating in rescue missions. It confirms you've completed the required training and demonstrated readiness for active duty.
  • Progress: Lack of attendance or progress may result in removal. Prefer a shore-based role? Let us know in your application.
  • Disclosure: You must inform the Unit Commander of any existing medical conditions or disabilities that could impact your ability to perform the role. Any new health issues arising during your membership must also be reported.

Health & Safety Disclosure

If you have a medical condition or disability-such as hearing loss, colour vision deficiency, or limited mobility-that may affect your ability to safely perform assigned duties, please tick the box in the webform. This will prompt a confidential conversation with the Unit Commander to ensure your role is safe and suitable. Sharing this information will not affect your opportunity to volunteer-it helps us support your wellbeing and the safety of our team.



It's over to you!

Register your interest via our online registration form below

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!