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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
  • The chance to work alongside a professional and supportive team
  • Training in maritime safety, rescue operations, and emergency response
  • Time on the water in Sydney Harbour, one of the most iconic waterways in the world
  • Personal development, leadership opportunities, and new friendships

Training and Development

All new members begin as trainees and are expected to progress to Crew rating within 12 months. This is a structured pathway supported by experienced mentors and includes:
  • 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)
Trainees are assigned one shift per month, but realistically, to progress effectively, you should aim to complete 3 to 4 shifts monthly, attend all required courses within the first six months, and undertake self-study at home to reinforce your learning.


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
We ask all applicants to consider the time commitment involved. Progression to Crew rating is expected in a timely manner. If you're unable to invest the time required to participate in regular training and duty days, we encourage you to explore other meaningful support roles.

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 - support marine safety through the State Communications Centre at Belrose
Alternatively, members may wish to retain currency and contribute as Rescue Crew operators on boat our rescue vessels with out pursuing higher ratings.

Important Considerations

After achieving Crew rating, volunteers can pursue further qualifications:
  • This is a volunteer role. There are no paid positions available.
  • As part of an emergency service, you may be called upon to assist in traumatic situations, including search and recovery operations in conjunction with NSW Water Police. While these events are not common, we train for them and expect all members to be prepared.
  • Consider the time commitment you are making. Progress toward Crew rating is expected within 12 months. Those unable to commit to regular training and duty days should consider alternative roles within the unit.

Joining Our Crew

To join our boat 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
  • Meet TfNSW eligibility requirements to obtain a boat licence
  • Be capable of swimming and completing sea survival training
  • Attend regularly rostered weekend shifts
  • Attend training courses as required including self study

Acknowledgement

By applying, you acknowledge and commit to the following:

Volunteer Role

You are applying for a volunteer position. Your contributions are invaluable but not financially compensated.

Self-Driven Training

You are responsible for actively engaging in your training. Our team will provide guidance and support, but your progress depends on your initiative and dedication. Combined with duty days, this represents a commitment of approximately 4 days per month in the first six months. The remaining six months will require approximately 3 days per month as you complete a Crew Skills Log and demonstrate competency across a range of operational tasks.

Attendance and Commitment

Regular attendance is essential. Once rated CREW Members must complete at least 12 duty days and 2 fundraising days annually to maintain operational readiness and team cohesion.

Achieving CREW Rating

Achieving your Crew rating is essential for participating in rescue operations and fulfilling your role on rescue vessels. It confirms you have received the necessary training and understand your responsibilities.

Progress and Continuation

Volunteers who fail to attend assigned duties or do not demonstrate adequate progress may be discontinued from the unit. If you would prefer a non-water-based role (fundraising or administration), please indicate this in your application.

Trainee Program Commitment

During the initial six months, you will be required 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)

Self Check

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
  • Throw 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.

Health Check

Do you have a medical condition or disability such as partial or full hearing loss, colour vision deficiency, or limited physical mobility, that may affect your ability to safely perform assigned duties?

If so, please tick the box in the webform to let us know. This will prompt a confidential conversation with the Unit Commander to ensure your role is both safe and suitable.

Please note: Sharing this information will not affect your opportunity to volunteer. It simply allows us to work together to support your wellbeing and ensure the safety of everyone involved.



It's over to you!

Register your interest via our Webform below

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!