Volunteers encouraged to make waves

From boat fires and finding missing people to rescuing distressed or grounded vessels... there’s never a dull moment on the Central Coast waterways for the team at Marine Rescue Central Coast (MRCC).

13 March 2024

 

MARINE RESCUE Central Coast’s hardworking team of volunteers work tirelessly and enthusiastically to save lives on the water – whether that’s on the Brisbane Water, the Hawkesbury River mouth/Broken Bay or wherever a rescue mission takes them, says Central Coast Unit Commander, Ian Morrow.

 

“We've seen the numbers go full throttle since COVID-19 restrictions ended and the number of operations we did in 2023 doubled,” Mr Morrow said.

 

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch applauded the unwavering efforts of Marine Rescue Central Coast’s diverse team. Its operations – based out of Point Clare – are manned by volunteers who are drawn together by their mission to save lives on the water.

 

“Thank you for the great work you do in all kinds of weather – from hair-raising, white-knuckle rescues in choppy seas to keeping locals and visitors safe on our beautiful Central Coast waterways,” said Ms Tesch.

 

“I encourage people to give volunteering for Marine Rescue a go – you never know what you could learn or experience... from meeting new people, to learning new skills... there are all manner of intangible benefits to be had from getting out and about and serving the community.”

 

Ian Morrow says members of Marine Rescue Central Coast perform such a broad myriad of tasks, from manning the radio, or even the year-round task of fundraising.

 

"The organisation is on the hunt for interested volunteers who are needed at Point Clare," he said.

 

“There’s no one skillset we’re after – our crew ranges from people as young as sixteen to more senior members of our community and some of the most experienced boaties with decades on the water.

 

“The range of situations the group is called on to tackle – from manning 24/7 boat crews or conducting radio duties and fundraising - means CCMR is always on the lookout for volunteers.

 

“Our team of volunteers receive all the training they need to fill the required roles – from aspects of first aid, to fire fighting and sea survival for vessel operators, to radio training for radio operators.”

 

Any experience that volunteers bring is valuable. Their business is as reliant on computer skills and life skills as most commercial businesses these days. On water or radio experience is desirable but they provide all necessary training for a new member to be able to fulfil an operational role and they can expect to be in training for at least 6 months.

 

Volunteer in profile: from Point Clare to a career with Sydney Ferries

 

For over 25 years Brent Malcolm has been an active member of CCMR. Since joining CCMR (then known as the Royal Volunteer Coast Patrol) at the age of 16, Brent he has gained experience and a wide range of qualifications. These days Brent works as a ferry master with Sydney Ferries.

 

“I’d always had an interest in boating and I wanted to do a bit of community service with Marine Rescue and it went on from there,” said Mr Malcolm, who has completed training and qualifications with CCMR over the years, from sea survival to marine radio operations and first aid," Mr Malcom said.

 

Brent Malcolm said the benefits of volunteering for MRCC are many and varied.

 

“What's the most valuable? Gaining knowledge and experience. Volunteering at MRCC is a good stepping stone for people wanting to step into the maritime industry...it leads you on a good path. And they’re a great bunch of people from all kinds of backgrounds. All of us- from young people to retirees - have the same common interests of helping out.”

 

Mr Malcolm's career has included delivering mail along the Hawkesbury River between Dangar Island and Marlow Creek near Spencer. “Nowadays I do everything from safely navigating a vessel around Sydney Harbour, transporting people on the Parramatta River to Manly and anything in between," he said.

 

“I’ve trained on just about everything in the ferry fleet – from Parramatta Rivercats to the large Manly Ferries."

 

Mr Malcolm loves the constantly changing nature of Sydney Harbour and its diverse vessels.

 

“There’s always something changing on the harbour – from shipping movements and cruise ships coming in, to all kinds of recreational boats on the weekend. It certainly keeps you on your toes,” he said.

 

“The sunrises and sunsets on the water are incredible.”