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Marine Rescue Sydney ( MR Sydney) is responsible for the overall communication with vessels undertaking voyages and day trips along the NSW coast and in our waterways, until the vessel safely reaches its destination. We monitor marine traffic, respond to distress and incident calls and coordinate services for emergencies and general assistance. We also conduct radio checks and broadcast marine weather forecasts and warnings.

MR Sydney operates 24/7 with a multi-skilled, committed and experienced volunteer team. Being the main radio communications base for recreational boaters in the Greater Sydney region our “radio footprint” extends in the day from Norah Head in the North to Wollongong in the South. Overnight we provide radio coverage to over 75% of the NSW coast from the Queensland border to the Victorian border, using Radio Over the Internet Protocol (ROIP). 

We operate over two locations i.e. all radio operations are at Belrose with marketing, fundraising and some training at Terrey Hills.

  • We are involved in community-based activities

Members of MR Sydney are also heavily engaged in a range of community activities that seek to raise funds, promote the services offered by Marine Rescue to the boating public, promote safety on our waterways and along the coast.

  • We rely on skilled volunteers

Available to Members are marketing, community engagement, fundraising, I.C.T., and various administrative tasks to assist and support our operations.

Our Operations

MR Sydney Base is the State Communications Centre that is in contact with vessels by radio, telephone or via our MarineRescue App, to ensure members of the boating public are provided with the following 24/7 services:-

  • Monitor and track vessels via VHF and MF/HF radios, which are undertaking voyages up and down the coast or on day trips in coastal waterways.
  • Conduct radio checks with vessels to ensure that radio transmissions are clearly heard.
  • Coordinate Marine Rescue vessels to assist vessels (everything from yachts, jet skis, fishing boats, kayaks, and paddleboards) which may require general assistance or are in distress and require rescue.
  • Broadcast weather forecasts and warnings.
  • Broadcast navigational hazard warnings.
  • Respond to requests for information from members of the public.
  • Conduct radio courses for Members and the public in a classroom environment.

Types of Memberships Available

Marine Rescue Sydney – Terrey Hills Base starts with Provisional Membership before Regular Membership.                                                                                                 

  1. Provisional Member – New members will join initially as a Provisional Member.
  2. Regular Member – Training is provided to achieve an International Marine Radio Licence

and become a qualified Radio Operator. Alternatively, Members have the option to be a Regular Member and focus on a variety of administrative, marketing, fundraising and community-based initiatives and activities.

Initial Procedures for New Provisional Members wishing to be a Radio Operator:                                                                                                                               

  1. Attendance at an Information night followed by an Induction course.
    • Participation in a “skills based” training program.
    • Completing a Long-Range Radio Operators Course.
    • Working in Base’s radio room with qualified Radio Operators.
    • Completing a workbook and assessment for appointment as a qualified Radio Operator.
    • First Aid Training is also available.

Most Members complete training within six months. All training is provided.  

Initial Procedures for New Provisional Members who do not wish to be a Radio Operator

Members of the public who wish to be involved in activities other than radio operations, will be invited to attend an induction session and then undergo a period of on-the-job training on various tasks that will be assigned by our team leaders. The range of activities comprises:

  • Community engagement activities that include fundraising, the provision of information to the boating public, and responding to enquiries.
    • Assisting with administrative tasks for MR Sydney.
    • Assisting with marketing, education (promoting safety on the water) and recruitment activities for MR Sydney.

Uniforms

Uniforms will be issued at the completion of a satisfactory period of service.

Police Checks

Members are required to undergo a routine police check.

Additional Opportunities

All Members are cordially invited to the MR Sydney unit meetings held bi-monthly at the Base (currently via Zoom due to COVID-19. This allows Members to receive updates on what is happening, network and meet other Members over a relaxing BBQ meal.

Soundings is the Marine Rescue NSW magazine mailed to all Members quarterly.

For further enquiries or to reserve a place at one of our information evenings, contact our Membership Officer at:-      

newmembers.sydney@marinerescuensw.com.au or call the Base on 02 9471 8350.