Our volunteers

Our unit members are our greatest asset.  Although we have state of the art rescue vessels, it is quality of our team that makes the unit effective. Recognised for their local knowledge and commitment to community service, they are all dedicated to helping boaters stay safe on NSW waterways.

The unit is comprised of:

• The Executive team
• Specialist radio operators and watch officers 
• Operational crew and RWC operators 
• Non-operational specialists 

We are a varied group who come from different backgrounds and range in age from 16 to 80 years.  We are truely an inclusive and cohesive unit of volunteers all contributing to the mission of saving lives on the water.

Whatever role you perform, you are part of a close knit community working together as a team to serve the mission. Whatever your talents you can make a real and valuable contribution. 

Operational specialists 

Watch specialists:  Our radio and watch specialist undertake training in one or more of the following ratings: 

• Radio operators: are the principal point of contact for the community by telephone, radio and internet. They coordinate crews in an emergency and keep an eye on all boats which logon when using our waterways. 

• Watch Officers: are experts in radio and search and rescue procedures. They are drawn from our radio operators and are responsible for planning responses when boaters get into trouble on the water.

Crew specialists: Our rescue vessel crews undertake training in one or more of the following ratings:

• Crew and Senior Crew: are responsible for interacting with vessels or people needing assistance and generally are the first point of contact when we attend.

• Leading Crew: Skipper our 20 class rescue vessel and have overall responsibility for managing and controlling on-water assists and rescues inshore waterways.

• Coxswain/Master: Skipper our 20 class rescue vessel and have overall responsibility for managing and controlling on water assists and rescues off shore out to 15 nautical miles to sea

• RWCO Operators: Operate our 10 class rescue water crafts and can operate in shallow inshore waters as well as the roughest surf conditions. 

Non-operational specialists 

Our unit cannot function without the support of a dedicated group of members who perform the following functions:

• Accounting
• Fundraising
• Administration
• Social media

For more information on our fundraising activities and how you can help, click on the fundraising tab above.