Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state were busy during November, with the service expecting demand to increase over the holiday season.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said volunteer crews completed 375 search and rescue missions last month, including 98 emergency responses, with 902 people safely returned to shore.
“The large number of search and rescue missions performed by our volunteers across the state in November indicates that Marine Rescue NSW is anticipating an extremely busy holiday season ahead.
“The Illawarra region had its busiest November on record, while our units in the Hunter Central Coast and Monaro regions equalled their busiest-ever November. I can’t thank all of our volunteers enough for their round-the-clock response to assist boaters on the state’s waterways,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW units across the Illawarra region (Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla and Kioloa) had their busiest November since 2022, completing 41 search and rescue missions and safely returning 124 people to shore.
Units on the Hunter Central Coast (Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast and Terrigal) equalled their record mark set in 2022 with 125 missions, while the eight Marine Rescue NSW units in the Monaro region (Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes and Moama) completed 20 missions, matching the demand of 2022.
Greater Sydney was the busiest region in November, with Marine Rescue NSW’s seven units returning 349 people to shore following 138 search and rescue missions.
Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 17,818 radio calls last month and kept watch over 19,367 people on board 5,352 logged-on vessels.
Commissioner Barrell said boaters and paddlers can provide themselves and their loved ones with peace of mind this holiday season by always Logging On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW.
“People hitting the water can rest assured that Marine Rescue NSW has the capability to assist those in need on enclosed, inland and offshore waters, with more than 120 rescue vessels able to be rapidly deployed.
“A sudden change in conditions, combined with engine failure or running out of fuel in the wrong location, can lead to life-threatening incidents, such as capsizing or running aground. Boat like your life depends on it.
“Our message to boaters this holiday season is: prep now, boat later.
“Marine Rescue NSW crews will assist any boater at any time, day or night, but if you are heading out on the water, we want you to get home safe with wonderful memories of your day.
“Make sure your vessel is in good working order, you have the correct safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket, have plenty of clean fuel, monitor the weather, and always log on with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW units across Greater Sydney performed 138 search and rescue missions in November 2024
Breakdown of November 2024 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
GREATER SYDNEY – 138 search & rescue missions including 18 emergency responses with 349 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Sydney State Communications Centre 45, Botany Port Hacking 34, Port Jackson 21, Middle Harbour 17
NORTHERN RIVERS – 29 search & rescue missions including 16 emergency responses with 56 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Point Danger 13, Iluka Yamba 8, Ballina 7
MID NORTH COAST – 22 search & rescue missions including 8 emergency responses with 48 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 & Forster Tuncurry.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Forster Tuncurry 12, Coffs Harbour 3, Woolgoolga 2, Crowdy Harrington 2, Trial Bay 2
HUNTER CENTRAL COAST **Equal busiest November on record** – 125 search & rescue missions including 31 emergency responses with 252 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Central Coast & Terrigal.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Lake Macquarie 54, Central Coast 26, Port Stephens 17
ILLAWARRA **Busiest November on record** – 41 search & rescue missions including 16 emergency responses with 124 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa. **previous November record was 34 missions in 2022**
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Port Kembla 18, Shoalhaven 8, Jervis Bay 7
MONARO **Equal busiest November on record** – 20 search & rescue missions including 9 emergency response with 73 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand:
Batemans Bay 9, Eden 4, Merimbula 4
Marine Rescue Shellharbour 30 assisted a family off Bass Point after their boat suffered engine failure off Bass Point on Nov. 26
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Report: Monday December 16, 2024
Log On/ Log Off
Log On & Off with Marine Rescue. It’s quick, simple and free. Log On whenever you’re heading out on the water and Log Off when you return. We’ll stand watch. If you don’t Log Off as planned, our volunteers will start searching for you.
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To Log On, call your Marine Rescue NSW base on VHF Channel 16 or use the free MarineRescue App. You can download the App at the App Store for Apple devices or Google Play for Androids.
You can always Log On, whether you’re out for a morning’s fishing, a day trip around your local area or cruising along the coastline. And it doesn’t matter if you’re on a tinnie, a cruiser, a yacht, a kayak, a canoe or a jet ski.
When you Log On via, our radio operator will ask you for some basic information about your vessel, your destination and contacts.
You’ll enter the same details on your smartphone or other device if you’re using the MarineRescue app. If you don’t Log Off, this information will help us find you, whether you’ve simply forgotten to Log Off when you returned to shore or you’re caught in an emergency and need help fast.
Tell us:
- Your boat registration number
- Where you’re leaving from
- Where you’re heading
- What time you plan to return
- The number of people on board
- Your mobile phone number
If the fish are biting and you decide to stay out longer, simply call the base on VHF Ch 16 or use the MarineRescue App to update your arrival time.
Remember to Log Off when you’re back on shore. If you haven’t let us know you’re back safely, we’ll start to look for you. We’ll try calling you first up, just in case you’ve forgotten to Log Off and headed home with your catch. That’s the best outcome. If we get no answer, we’ll step up the response.
When you Log On via the App, choose the live safety tracking option so your position is updated in our vessel tracking system every 30 minutes. This means that in an emergency, our rescue crews will have a starting point for a search operation, based on your last known position, saving valuable time when minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
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Skeds
If you’re travelling along the coastline, we encourage you to establish a voyage plan with Marine Rescue NSW and an offshore tracking schedule for you to check in (to ‘sked’) with our bases along your route. This lets us know that you’re travelling safely, on schedule and not in need of emergency help. We’ll keep track of your progress until you safely arrive at your destination in NSW or we hand you over to the marine rescue service in the next State if you’re travelling further north or south.
Preparing to go on the water
As the skipper, you're responsible for safety of the vessel and people on board. Be prepared to keep everyone safe and enjoy time on the water.
Carry enough lifejackets
Wearing a lifejacket can save your life. Make sure your vessel is carrying enough approved lifejackets for everyone on board. They must be in good condition and quick and easy to access.
Always wear a lifejacket while on the water. This means that you'll be more prepared for unexpected events, such as suddenly falling into the water.
The rules for wearing a lifejacket depend on your vessel, where you are and the level of risk.
Know the rules
Before you go out, make sure you know the rules and regulations for using NSW waterways. Key rules to help you stay safe and avoid collisions including:
- keeping a proper lookout for hazards
- knowing who you must give way to and when
- identifying and obeying navigation marks, lights and sounds
- travelling at a safe speed and keeping a safe distance between your vessel and other people, vessels and objects
- staying under the legal limit for alcohol
- knowing the rules for towing a person on the water and towing a trailer on the road.
Check the weather
Always check the weather before you head out. Be aware of warnings, marine conditions, storms, winds, waves and tides. This can make the difference between an enjoyable day and an emergency situation. If in doubt, don't go out.
Let someone know
Before you leave, contact a friend or relative or use your marine radio to log on with a coastal radio base. Tell them:
- where you're going
- your estimated return time
- your vessel details
- how many people are on board.
Take extra care to let someone know if you are going out alone.
Report in if you extend or change your trip.
You can also use the MarineRescue app to log on and log off with Marine Rescue NSW.
Know what to do in an emergency
Being on the water can be unpredictable and dangerous. Be prepared for an emergency or incident, and know what to do and who to contact if you run into trouble.
If you're involved in or witness an incident, you must always stop and give as much help as possible. Depending on the severity of the incident – for example, if someone is injured – you may need to give information to authorities.
Marine Rescue NSW provides important services, including safety education, marine radio communication, and emergency search and rescue services.
Check your vessel
Check your vessel is in good working order, including the engine and lights. Check you have all the correct equipment on board before you leave home or launch your vessel.
If your vessel is registered, check the registration has not expired.
Check your vessel is suitable for the waterways you want to travel on. For example, if the vessel is designed for enclosed waters, it may not suit open waters or along the coast where waves are larger.
Check all hatches can be opened from both the inside and outside of the vessel. Keep all hatches unlocked while the vessel is underway.
Anyone driving your vessel should have the skills and experience to handle the vessel on the waterway you're using.
Have the correct safety equipment
Check you have the correct safety equipment on board for where you're going and your vessel type.
Make sure every item is in good condition and easy to access. Everyone on board should know its location and how to use it.
Plan where you want to go
Plan where you're going and know how long the trip will take. Be aware of any special waterways or designated areas. Check the location of harbours, ports and potential refuges from bad weather.
Take extra care in cold water, especially alpine waters, where your risk of cold shock and hypothermia are increased.
Build your experience by starting out on calm, quiet waterways. Take a more experienced person with you, if possible.
Make sure you have enough fuel. Plan to use a third to get there, a third to get home, and have a third in reserve for unexpected events.
Make sure you have a compass and up-to-date chart (or map) for the waterways you will be using, especially if you're going out on open waters.
You must have a chart or map if you plan to go out on open waters.
Prepare children
If you're taking children out on your vessel:
- Make sure they have a lifejacket and are wearing it when required.
- Teach them emergency procedures and drills, such as what to do if they fall overboard or the vessel capsizes.
- Show them where the safety equipment is, and teach them how to use emergency items, such as the marine radio, EPIRB and flares. Make sure they understand they must only use them in an emergency.
- Show them how to get in and out of dinghies and small boats while keeping them stable.
- Make sure they do not have any part of their body out of the vessel when it's underway.
- Teach them about keeping a proper lookout and a safe distance from other vessels.
- If you're planning to tow, make sure they know the rules for towing people aged under 16.
- Carry everything they need to be prepared for all types of weather.
- Consider the risk of seasickness, especially if you're going out on choppy water.
- Teach children about lifejackets and sunscreen.
Download boating apps
Boating apps give you quick access to helpful information about waterways on your smartphone or tablet. For example, boat ramps, speed zones, navigation aids, weather, special events and safety advice.
Transport for NSW endorses Deckee, available for free via the Apple Store and Google Play. The Deckee app includes maps showing boat ramps, speed zones, navigational aids. It also has access to a live data feed from Transport for NSW that captures alerts, marine notices and campaigns.
Marine Rescue NSW
Marine Rescue NSW is the State’s official volunteer marine rescue service. The Marine Rescue App allows you to register details of your next boating trip.