Comments Off on Marine Rescue Middle Harbour volunteers join multi-agency search for missing swimmer off Maroubra Beach
Volunteers and vessels from Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking are assisting in a multi-agency search for a male swimmer who failed to return to shore at Maroubra Beach this afternoon (Sunday 1 February).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Andrew Harding said crews and vessels were rapidly deployed from the Middle Harbour and Botany Port Hacking units after 4pm.
“Both Marine Rescue NSW vessels are conducting a coastal search off Maroubra Beach alongside Water Police.
“Conditions are not favourable offshore this afternoon, with choppy seas and squally rain showers.”
“Volunteer crews on board Middle Harbour 30 and Botany Hacking 32 will continue searching this evening until instructed otherwise by NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels and crews are on standby to assist should the search continue tomorrow,” Inspector Harding said.
Comments Off on New record for Marine Rescue Middle Harbour with 254 search and rescue missions in 2025 – Ranks 3rd in State
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour has broken its former record of 199 search and rescue missions in 2022 by more than 50 in 2025. The 100+ volunteers that crew two vessels on Sydney Harbour year round to save lives on the water completed 254 missions in 2025. In addition, Middle Harbour was the 3rd ranked boat crew unit in the state in terms of total overall missions.
Statewide, the Lake Macquarie region has been identified as the waterway where boaters are most likely to need assistance in NSW with Marine Rescue’s Lake Macquarie unit performing more than 594 search and rescue missions. Marine Rescue Sydney, State Communications Centre in Belrose oversaw 493 search and rescue missions during a busy year for the volunteer rescue organisation.
Collectively, Volunteer crews performed 4,512 search and rescue missions across the state and safely returned almost 10,000 people to shore during 2025.
The five busiest Marine Rescue NSW units for search and rescue missions were: Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie – 594 Marine Rescue State Communications Centre Sydney – 493 Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking – 396 Marine Rescue Middle Harbour – 254 Marine Rescue Port Jackson – 243
Fourteen of the 46 Marine Rescue NSW units across the state experienced record demand for volunteer services in 2025. The Point Danger, Nambucca, Lord Howe Island, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Broken Bay, Middle Harbour, Sussex Inlet, Kioloa, Narooma, Bermagui and Eden units all recorded record demand.
Greater Sydney was the busiest region with 1,737 search and rescue missions performed by volunteers. The Monaro region, which covers Batemans Bay to Eden and inland waterways including the Alpine Lakes and the Murray River at Moama, recorded its busiest year ever.
Marine Rescue NSW has credited improved boating education and boaters heeding weather warnings for a six per cent reduction in incidents compared with the record 4,786 search and rescue missions conducted in 2023.
In 2025, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers responded to a wide range of incidents, including missing person searches, vessel fires and medical emergencies.
Sixty-one per cent of responses could have been prevented with improved boat maintenance, with engine, battery and fuel issues again the leading reasons for boaters requesting assistance.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators kept watch over almost 270,000 people on board 71,487 logged-on vessels in 2025 and managed 226,946 radio calls, including 105 MAYDAYs and 56 PAN-PANs (A MAYDAY is a distress call for life-threatening emergencies, a PAN PAN is an urgent call signalling a serious situation).
Boaters are urged to follow these steps to stay safe on the state’s waterways:
Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW via VHF Channel 16 or use the free Marine Rescue NSW app available for iOS and Android devices
Ensure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket
Check that your vessel’s engine and battery are working
Carry enough fuel, including a reserve
Always check conditions and ensure required safety equipment is carried
In 2025, Marine Rescue NSW surpassed 3,500 volunteers, with 50 under the age of 20, including 16-year-old Noah Blackwell, who followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the Botany Port Hacking unit.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said: “The demand on Marine Rescue NSW volunteers is constant throughout the year. These volunteers play a vital role in keeping everyone safe on the state’s waterways, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
“Sadly, in recent weeks we have seen lives lost on our coastline including two at Palm Beach when their boat capsized, demonstrating the challenges that can be faced on our waterways.”
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers stand ready to provide a rapid response to assist boaters in need, at any time of day or night, and we know this summer will continue to be busy on our waterways.”
“Through simple steps like checking you have the right equipment we can help ensure everyone returns home safely from a day out enjoying our beautiful coastline and waterways.”
“Whether operating on enclosed or open waters, it is essential that boaters carry the appropriate safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket, ensure their vessel is in good working order, carry sufficient fuel, regularly monitor weather conditions and always Log On with Marine Rescue NSW.”
“I commend our highly skilled and dedicated Marine Rescue NSW volunteers for their unwavering commitment to saving lives on the water, often in challenging conditions.”
“I’d encourage anyone thinking of volunteering to reach out to Marine Rescue NSW, including younger members of the community who will become the next generation playing a vital role in supporting their local communities.”
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews said: “Our dedicated volunteers responded to numerous fatalities on the state’s waterways in 2025.”
“There is a fine line between a great day on the water and the worst—or possibly last—day of your life. A single poor decision or lack of preparation can lead to a life-threatening situation. Conditions can deteriorate quickly, with weather, water, wind and waves all combining to create serious risk.”
“Always wear a lifejacket, continually monitor conditions and never put your life, or the lives of others, at risk.”
“Consistent boating safety education plays a vital role in reducing preventable incidents.”
“Marine Rescue NSW wants to see preventable issues reduced. Sixty-one per cent is too high, and boaters have a role to play in bringing this number down.”
“Marine Rescue NSW radio operators are the vital link between land and sea and are often the first voice heard by a boater in distress. They play a critical role in search and rescue operations, and boaters can be assured that Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are available around the clock.”
Marine Rescue NSW volunteer, Noah Blackwell said: “I joined Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking to learn, give back to the community and spend time with dad.”
“There is so much to learn including first aid and boating safety and I really enjoy learning how to drive the rescue vessel.”
Breakdown of 2025 rescues across regions: Across NSW, volunteer crews performed 4,512 search and rescue missions, including 1,326 emergency responses, safely returning 9,886 people to shore who required assistance on the state’s waterways.
Northern Rivers – 327 search and rescue missions including 179 emergency responses with 722 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli. Locations of highest demand were Point Danger 149, Ballina 56 and Iluka Yamba 48. Of note: Marine Rescue Point Danger set a new unit calendar year record with 149 missions surpassing 145 set in 2022.
Mid North Coast – 345 search and rescue missions including 183 emergency responses with 702 people safely returned to shore across all 9 Mid North Coast units – Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Trial Bay, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Crowdy Harrington and Forster Tuncurry. Locations of highest demand were Forster Tuncurry 102, Port Macquarie 84 and Coffs Harbour 57. Of note: Marine Rescue Nambucca equalled its unit calendar year record with 17 missions first set in 2020.
Hunter/Central Coast – 1,362 search and rescue missions including 295 emergency responses with 2,729 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water and Terrigal. Locations of highest demand were Lake Macquarie 594, Brisbane Water 235 and Port Stephens 234. Of note: Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie was the busiest in the state. Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage set a new unit calendar year record with 99 missions surpassing 83 set in 2023. Marine Rescue Newcastle set a new unit calendar year record with 77 missions surpassing 62 set in 2023. Marine Rescue Norah Head equalled its unit calendar year record of 18 missions first set in 2024. Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes set a new unit calendar year record with 93 missions surpassing 69 set in 2024.
Greater Sydney – 1,737 search and rescue missions including 261 emergency responses with 4,182 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney (State Communications Centre), Middle Harbour, Port Jackson and Botany Port Hacking. Locations of highest demand were Sydney (State Communications Centre) 493, Botany Port Hacking 396, Middle Harbour 254 and Port Jackson 243. Of note: Marine Rescue Middle Harbour set a new unit calendar year record with 254 missions surpassing 199 set in 2022. Marine Rescue Broken Bay set a new unit calendar year record with 153 missions surpassing 147 set in 2023.
Illawarra – 457 search and rescue missions including 226 emergency responses with 955 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla and Kioloa. Locations of highest demand were Port Kembla 124, Jervis Bay 120 and Sussex Inlet 71. Of note: Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet set a new unit calendar year record with 71 search and rescue missions surpassing 60 performed in 2023 and 2024. Marine Rescue Kioloa set a new unit calendar year record with 8 missions surpassing 6 set in 2018.
Monaro **REGION RECORD** – 284 search and rescue missions including 182 emergency responses with 596 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes and Moama. Locations of highest demand were Batemans Bay 121, Eden 43 and Bermagui 43. Of note: Marine Rescue Eden set a new unit calendar year record with 42 search and rescue missions surpassing 32 set in 2022. Marine Rescue Bermagui equalled its busiest calendar year of 32 missions set in 2022.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Middle Harbour launches Club 500 fundraising programme
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour has introduced a new fundraising and community engagement initiative, the Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Club 500 Programme, designed to strengthen connections between the boating public and the volunteers who support them.
So far this year, volunteers at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour have performed 188 search and rescue missions, including 24 emergency responses, safely returning 460 people to shore.
The programme has been developed by volunteer crew member Tony Collins, who also serves as the unit’s Community Partnership Manager – Club 500. It invites boat owners and supporters to become Club 500 Members by contributing an annual $500 fee. Members gain access to a range of benefits provided by local marine businesses and national industry partners.
Marine Rescue NSW is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation that receives some government funding but relies on community support to sustain its services. Collins said fundraising is essential for Marine Rescue Middle Harbour to maintain its operational readiness.
“The programme raises essential funds to ensure safe and effective operations, while also fostering stronger engagement with the wider boating community. Club 500 is structured so that participating partners also gain commercial value through increased customer engagement,” he said.
Club 500 has attracted a range of partners offering practical benefits to members, including:
Fuel discounts from d’Albora Marinas
Antifouling discounts from BoatYard and Short Marine
Mooring services from Treharne Moorings
Mechanical servicing by Onboard Marine Services
Equipment discounts from Boat Warehouse
Dive service discounts from Underwater Dive Services
Membership discounts at Manly Skiff Club
Survey and inspection services from Boatbuy
Marine training courses from Maritime Training School, Boatwise, and Flying Fish Sailing
The programme is designed so that many boat owners can recover the cost of membership through partner discounts alone. Contributions also support Marine Rescue Middle Harbour search and rescue and emergency response capability on Sydney Harbour and offshore, vessel maintenance and crew training.
“Marine Rescue Middle Harbour’s Club 500 establishes a programme grounded in partnership, trust, and community connection, offering a practical way for members of the boating community and the wider public to support volunteer rescue services,” Collins said.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Middle Harbour member receives Emergency Services Medal in King’s Birthday Honours
Three dedicated Marine Rescue NSW members have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List, each receiving the prestigious Emergency Services Medal (ESM) for their outstanding service and commitment to maritime safety and rescue.
The Emergency Services Medal honours distinguished service by members of Australia’s emergency services, as well as those involved in emergency management, training or education.
This year’s Marine Rescue NSW recipients are: • Lance Miller, long-serving volunteer with Marine Rescue Middle Harbour • Alex Barrell, Commissioner, Marine Rescue NSW • Steve Raymond, Marine Rescue NSW Hunter Central Coast Zone Duty Operations Manager
Marine Rescue NSW Chair Jim Glissan AM ESM KC congratulated the trio and said their recognition is well deserved.
“Their dedication and commitment to serving boaters and those who enjoy our waterways is appreciated not only by Marine Rescue NSW but by the wider community,” Mr Glissan said.
“All three are highly experienced in maritime search and rescue and generously share their knowledge within the Service. This honour is a testament to their exceptional contributions to public safety and emergency response.”
Lance Miller ESM
With 50 years of continuous service, Lance Miller is a cornerstone of Marine Rescue Middle Harbour. Joining the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 1975, Mr Miller has led countless complex rescue operations and remains an active Marine Rescue NSW Master and mentor to new recruits.
Known for his calm leadership and unwavering commitment, Mr Miller has saved lives in high-risk conditions on Sydney Harbour and beyond. His service has shaped the culture and capability of his unit, and he is widely respected for his integrity and humility.
Lance is a highly committed volunteer and has been commuting from Penrith for decades to serve at the unit.
“I originally joined to learn how to drive a boat because I liked fishing, but the more time I spent with the team, the more I realised this is where I belonged,” he said.
Commissioner Alex Barrell ESM
Commissioner Alex Barrell has dedicated over three decades to frontline emergency services, specialising in maritime rescue and emergency management. Starting as a surf lifesaver at age five, his career has spanned roles in Surf Life Saving NSW, the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command, and Transport for NSW Maritime. During the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires, he played a key role in marine evacuations.
Since joining Marine Rescue NSW in 2020, Commissioner Barrell has helped modernise the fleet and led key emergency responses, including flood rescues and COVID-19 support operations. He was appointed Commissioner in 2023 and also serves as the only Australian trustee on the International Maritime Rescue Federation board.
Steve Raymond ESM
Steve Raymond brings decades of combined volunteer and professional service to Marine Rescue NSW. His career began in 1989 with the NSW Rural Fire Service and evolved into senior fire control and training roles before he joined Marine Rescue NSW in 2016.
As Regional Training Manager, Regional Operations Manager, and now Zone Duty Operations Manager, Mr Raymond has played a crucial role in coordinating search and rescue operations, supporting volunteers, and enhancing training and emergency response capabilities.
His extensive operational knowledge, commitment to volunteer development, and strategic leadership have been instrumental in advancing Marine Rescue NSW’s mission of saving lives on the water.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Middle Harbour crews join search for missing male at Mona Vale
Three Marine Rescue NSW units from across Greater Sydney are assisting in a multi-agency search for a missing man at Mona Vale.
The man was last seen on Mona Vale Beach at 11am yesterday.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said vessels and volunteer crew from the Marine Rescue Middle Harbour, Broken Bay, and Cottage Point units were tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command this morning to assist in the search.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels Middle Harbour 30, Broken Bay 30, and Cottage Point 30 were deployed at 9 am.
“The three Marine Rescue NSW vessels are conducting a parallel line search, along with a NSW Water Police boat, between Mona Vale Headland and Turimetta Head.
“Conditions are favourable for an offshore search.
“All three Marine Rescue NSW crews will continue searching today until instructed otherwise by Marine Area Command.
“Marine Rescue NSW has crews on standby to assist tomorrow, if requested,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue NSW boosts Sydney Harbour rescue capability for peak boating period
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Marine Rescue Port Jackson volunteers are now providing seven-day-a-week coverage during daylight hours across December and January to assist boaters on Sydney Harbour. Volunteer crews will also be on call overnight.
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Deputy Commissioner Dan Duemmer said the service has increased its presence over the peak summer period, with large numbers of recreational boaters expected on Sydney Harbour.
“The Greater Sydney region is the busiest boating area in the state, and volunteers and vessels from either Marine Rescue Middle Harbour at The Spit or Marine Rescue Port Jackson at Birkenhead Point will be on the water for 62 days straight to assist boaters in need, significantly reducing response times.”
“So far this year, volunteers from both of Marine Rescue NSW’s Sydney Harbour-based units have completed 357 search and rescue missions, including 28 emergency responses, and have safely returned 992 people to shore,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer said.
“More than half of these missions were due to engine and battery failures or running out of fuel.
“Many of these issues are preventable, and we urge all boaters to ensure their vessels are in good working order before heading out and to always carry enough clean fuel with plenty in reserve.
“With the amount of traffic on Sydney Harbour, including large commercial vessels, boaters need to be aware of the dangers if their vessel fails on such a busy waterway,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW crews from the Middle Harbour and Port Jackson units have four rescue vessels at their disposal, servicing not only the enclosed waters of Sydney Harbour but also having the capability to assist boaters offshore.
“Marine Rescue Middle Harbour’s 11.5-metre Steber and both of Marine Rescue Port Jackson’s Naiad vessels are capable of assisting boaters up to 30 nautical miles (55 km) offshore,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer said.
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Deputy Unit Commander Glen Lighton emphasised the importance of safety and weather awareness for boaters.
“Whether heading out on the harbour or offshore, it is vitally important for boaters to carry the correct safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket, and continually monitor the weather.
“A sudden change in conditions can lead to life-threatening incidents, such as capsizing or running aground on rocks.
“Volunteers at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Port Jackson are well-trained, highly skilled, and rescue-ready in case a boater needs our help,” Deputy Unit Commander Lighton said.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer also encouraged boaters to always Log On with Marine Rescue NSW, either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or marine radio VHF channel 16.
“There is definite room for improvement from the Greater Sydney boating community in Logging On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW.
“Logging On provides details of their trip, and in the event they don’t return as planned, a search can be initiated. Logging On saves precious time in an emergency. It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime,” he said.
Volunteer radio operators and watch officers at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre manage radio communications on Sydney Harbour and operate 24/7, 365 days a year.
“Our radio operators are the link between the land and the sea and are often the first voice a boater in distress hears. They play a crucial role in search and rescue responses, and boaters should feel assured that the dedicated team at Marine Rescue Sydney are available round the clock.
“We would like to see all boaters on Sydney Harbour have an enjoyable day on the water and return home safely without incident, in the event they do need assistance our crews from Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Marine Rescue Port Jackson will rapidly respond,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer said.
Comments Off on Former Middle Harbour UC appointed as a Regional Director, joins Marine Rescue NSW Board
Marine Rescue NSW Chair, Jim Glissan AM ESM KC, has announced the election of three new Regional Directors following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last Saturday. This leadership transition comes as Greater Sydney Regional Director, Ken Edwards, Illawarra Regional Director, Keven Marshall ESM and Monaro Regional Director, Glenn Felkin ESM, stepped down from their positions.
The Board warmly welcomes Peter Steigrad (Greater Sydney), John Samulski CSC (Illawarra) and Caron Parfitt ESM (Monaro) as the newly elected Regional Directors.
“With their extensive leadership experience spanning maritime and corporate sectors, these new Regional Directors bring a wealth of expertise to our Board,” Mr Glissan said.
“Their dedication to operational excellence, innovation and community engagement will be instrumental in advancing Marine Rescue NSW’s mission of saving lives on the water.”
At the AGM, outgoing Directors Mr Edwards, Mr Marshall and Mr Felkin were recognised for their extraordinary contributions.
“Together, they have served an impressive 22 years on the Board, shaping and strengthening Marine Rescue NSW during their tenure,” Mr Glissan said.
“Their ability to balance the needs of the organisation with those of unit members has been invaluable.”
Beyond their Board roles, all three have remained steadfast in their commitment to saving lives, dedicating a combined 55 years of service as active members of their local units—Cottage Point, Ulladulla and Batemans Bay.
“On behalf of the Board and our 3,400 volunteers, I extend heartfelt thanks to Ken, Keven and Glenn for their remarkable service and leadership,” Mr Glissan said.
Peter Steigrad – Regional Director, Greater Sydney
Peter Steigrad has been a committed member of Marine Rescue NSW for over 15 years, dedicating more than half of this time to leadership roles at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour. He served as Unit Commander from 2018 to 2024 following a two-year term as Deputy Unit Commander from 2016 to 2018. Peter is a Marine Rescue NSW Master, holds an AMSA Certificate of Competence M<24M and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Beyond his Marine Rescue NSW experience, Peter brings a wealth of business and governance expertise. A Foundation Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Peter served on the State Council from 1990 to 1996. He has served as Chair and/or Director at various organisations including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Australian Advertising Industries Council, the Australian International Hotel School and the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia. Peter was the Trustee of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia and Chair of Indigenous Community Volunteers.
As a member of the Greater Sydney region leadership team for eight years, Peter has developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing unit leadership, including financial constraints and growing operational demands. He is committed to working with the Marine Rescue NSW Directors to support units in delivering exceptional service to the boating community. In 2021, Peter was honoured with a Premier’s Citation. His dedication to Marine Rescue NSW was further recognised in 2024 with a Commissioner’s Citation, along with a mention of his service in State Parliament, which was recorded in Hansard.
John Samulski CSC – Regional Director, Illawarra
John Samulski has been a member of Marine Rescue NSW since 2019. He was elected as Marine Rescue Ulladulla Unit Commander in 2022 and has also held the role of Deputy Unit Commander.
John’s leadership experience is built on an exceptional career in military, government and civilian sectors, including an incredible 35 years in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). His extensive military service includes roles such as Deputy Air Commander Australia, Chief of Defence Force Liaison Officer to Headquarters Central Command (USA) and Commanding Officer of 36 Squadron.
In addition to his operational expertise, John brings significant governance and strategic planning experience. He has operated at board level within Defence, overseeing capability management, organisational training and current operations. He is Vice President of a charitable foundation and co-owner of a small business, further showcasing his ability to lead and manage across diverse sectors.
John’s expertise in crisis management, risk management and search and rescue operations is complemented by his commitment to fostering strong, cohesive teams focused on achieving shared goals.
Caron Parfitt ESM – Regional Director, Monaro
Caron Parfitt has been an active and dedicated member of Marine Rescue NSW for over 11 years, serving as Marine Rescue Bermagui Deputy Unit Commander from 2016 to 2018 and as Unit Commander from 2018 to 2024. As a Marine Rescue NSW Coxswain and Watch Officer, Caron possesses a comprehensive understanding of Marine Rescue NSW operations, both on the water and in the radio room.
Caron holds a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Statistics. Over her 40-year career, Caron gained extensive experience across information technology, marketing, customer service, strategy and project management. This includes a decade as an independent management consultant, where Caron frequently advised company boards on strategy and operational improvements.
Her leadership at Marine Rescue Bermagui has been marked by a strong focus on communication, stakeholder engagement and risk management. As Unit Commander, Caron successfully managed significant changes, including the implementation of new technologies like ROIP (Radio Over Internet Protocols) and Seahawk, as well as updates to operational procedures. Caron is also an active member of the South Zone Diversity Group, supporting efforts to increase diversity across Marine Rescue NSW. In 2023, Caron was awarded the Emergency Services Medal in recognition of her dedication to saving lives on the water.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Middle Harbour unit member awarded Emergency Services Medal
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour member and former Unit Commander, Anthony “Tony” Whybrow, RFD is one of four Marine Rescue NSW volunteers recognised on the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List as recipients of the Emergency Services Medal.
Botany Port Hacking Coxswain and Search and Rescue Support Officer, Ian Baker; Regional Director and former Forster Tuncurry Deputy Unit Commander, Roman (Ray) Mazurek; and Batemans Bay unit Life Member, Colin Tritton, were also awarded the ESM.
The medals were presented by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC during an Investiture Ceremony at Government House Sydney on Tuesday 17 September, 2024.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the service is privileged to have such highly regarded volunteers in the ranks.
“Their dedication and commitment to serving local boaters and those who enjoy our waterways is appreciated by Marine Rescue NSW and their respective communities.
“All four recipients are extremely experienced mariners holding either Coxswain or vessel Master ratings and share a wealth of knowledge with their fellow volunteers.
“Our volunteers sacrifice personal and family time to help boaters in distress at any time of day or night to help keep our waterways as safe as possible and I thank all of them for their commitment to service and saving lives on the water,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Tony remains a very active member of Marine Rescue Middle Harbour. He joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol (RVCP), an antecedent of Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) in 2003. He was appointed as the Divisional Commander for Sydney of RVCP in 2009. Mr Whybrow became Unit Commander of the Middle Harbour unit under the MRNSW flag in 2010.
During his command, Mr Whybrow also took on the role of Training Officer and assisted unit members with requalifying their rating in accordance with new qualification requirements. He remains in a training role today.
Apart from continuing to be operational as a Marine Rescue NSW vessel Master of the unit’s largest rescue vessel, Mr Whybrow is also the unit’s Training Systems Officer. Mr Whybrow has mentored many senior Marine Rescue NSW members not only within the Middle Harbour unit but also across the Greater Sydney region and beyond.
Mr Whybrow has spent hundreds of hour’s at sea conducting search and rescue efforts in company with other Marine Rescue NSW and Marine Area Command vessels, often in deteriorating conditions. During his extensive service with MRNSW, Mr Whybrow has demonstrated a distinguished and exemplary commitment to public service and to the Marine Rescue NSW mission of saving lives on the water.
Comments Off on Marine Rescue Middle Harbour crew assist with rescue of two people after boat overturns
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Middle Harbour have aided in the rescue of two people after their fibreglass boat capsized near Beauty Point on Sydney Harbour.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said the Middle Harbour unit was tasked to respond after receiving a call from NSW Police Marine Area Command at approx. 5.30pm last night, Saturday 6 July 2024.
“We were told that a vessel had overturned with two people in the water.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Middle Harbour 30 (MH 30) was deployed with a volunteer crew on board.
“The crew on MH 30 were undertaking night training at the time of the incident, and were first on scene, arriving within five minutes of receiving the call.
“In dark conditions, MH 30 crews utilised vessel spotlights to locate the two people, enabling NSW Police Marine Area Command vessel crews to safely retrieve the two boaters,” Inspector Greenslade said.
MH 30 secured the partially sunken vessel to ensure it didn’t became a navigational hazard.
Comments Off on New Marine Rescue NSW base opens at Middle Harbour
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has officially opened the new Marine Rescue Middle Harbour base at The Spit in Mosman, one of the busiest boating areas in the state.
The new $3.8 million building, funded by the NSW Government, provides easy access to the unit’s two vessels to support the search and rescue missions of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
The pristine waters of Sydney and surrounds are enjoyed by Sydneysiders year-round, making Middle Harbour a fixture in the top 10 busiest Marine Rescue NSW bases in the state.
Situated next to the Spit Bridge in Mosman, the new base mirrors its surroundings with a design inspired by the contours of a ship and a colour scheme replicating the water, sky and nearby bushland.
The Marine Rescue Middle Harbour base was built by Sydney based Farindon Constructions and designed by Mona Vale’s Centric Architects, who envisioned the front of the building to represent the bow of a boat as it cuts through the water.
Spanning 350 square metres, the single-storey structure includes crew readiness facilities, radio, training and meeting rooms, offices and a kitchen/dining area.
Minister Dib said Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are the unsung heroes of the state’s waterways.
“They play a vital role in keeping people who enjoy our waterways safe.
“Our beautiful waterways are busy year-round, so it is important Marine Rescue NSW has the facilities and equipment it needs to carry out its important role.
“This investment is recognition of the volunteers’ dedication and an assurance that they will have the resources and support needed to save lives,” Minister Dib said.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell thanked the NSW Government for its support in realising the new base.
“This state-of-the-art building significantly enhances our rescue capability around Middle Harbour and Sydney Harbour, and ensures the 89 volunteers at the unit have facilities designed and equipped for modern emergency management.
“Middle Harbour and surrounding waterways are some of the busiest boating areas in NSW, and this new facility will help ensure our volunteers are rescue ready when emergencies arise.
“Volunteers at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour completed 193 search and rescue missions last year, safely returning 555 people to shore,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Unit Commander Peter Steigrad said the new base provides a major boost to Sydney’s boating community.
“This new facility has expanded our search and rescue capabilities and has already played a vital role in numerous emergency responses.
“It serves not only as a hub for emergency responses but also as a training base for volunteer crews to ensure they are rescue ready,” he said.
