Marine Rescue NSW at full speed ahead for safer boating

by Ken McManus on 14 Jan 2010
Marine Rescue NSW began operations on New Year’s Day following successful, last-minute, record-time completion of a mountain of essential administrative tasks.

'I would like to acknowledge the tremendous effort of the NSW Government, especially Emergency Services Minister, Steve Whan, and Ports & Water ways Minister Paul Mcleay, for helping ensure that WorkCover and insurance arrangements were in place for our more than 2,300 volunteer members.' said A/Commissioner Marine Rescue NSW Glenn Finniss.

'Our members were on the water on New Year’s Day in their distinctive new, blue Marine Rescue NSW uniforms aboard an impressive number of rescue vessels already in the new Marine Rescue colours,' said A/Commissioner Finniss. 'This demonstrated a magnificent commitment by many existing units as they raced to get these boats finished in time for this busy holiday season.'

Already the boating public is recognizing the value of a single marine rescue organisation in NSW,' said A/Commissioner Finniss. 'In the first four days of operations, the 24/7 Marine Rescue Sydney radio base handled a 400% increase in general radio traffic and extra radio operators have been on duty ever since.'

'We now have more than 2,300 members and almost two-thirds of all existing NSW rescue units have made or will soon make the transition to Marine Rescue NSW.'

Recent meetings with the Melbourne-based National Office of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association have confirmed the commitment of Marine Rescue NSW to achieving a resolution to assist local Coast Guard flotillas retain their assets which have been acquired through the hard work of local NSW volunteers, local NSW community support and Government funding.

The National AVCGA representatives reaffirmed their position, that they would not prevent Coast Guard members from joining MRNSW.

A draft Interim Agreement has been provided to the AVCGA to ensure that NSW Coast Guard members can use their vessels and other equipment under the Marine Rescue banner. An agreement has already been established with Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol prior to legal transfer of their assets and a similar agreement is in place with the Volunteer Rescue Association Marine.

Marine Rescue recognizes the importance of past support and fund-raising efforts in local communities and ensured that the principle 'If it’s raised local, it stays local' is enshrined in its Constitution to protect existing local assets.

Visit www.marinerescuensw.com.au for more information about safer boating with Marine Rescue NSW.