Marine Rescue Broken Bay is equipped with two rapid response rescue vessels, a 10m Naiad offshore vessel and a 7.5m Walkthrough Naiad for inshore and near shore rescues. The rescue vessels are equipped to respond to all boating craft in any kind of trouble or support activities such as administering first-aid, working with NSW Police in coordinated search and rescue operations and on water-safety coverage for aquatic events.
Unlike most emergency services, MRBB are not a Government agency but an independent not-for-profit organisation and rely on donations from the public to keep operating.
While MRBB are committed to their mission of saving lives on the water in Pittwater, Broken Bay and out at sea, Marine Rescue Broken Bay also provides education to the boating public which include Boat & PWC licence courses, Marine Radio (Both SROCP and LROCP) courses and Flare usage and demonstration.
Find out more at: brokenbay.marinerescuensw.com.au
Marine Rescue Broken Bay is one of the busier volunteer Marine Rescue NSW Units along our coastline. The June 2024 statistics sent in from MRNSW show even during the quieter months the Pittwater and Broken Bay areas are those where boaters and recreational watersports people may need assistance.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers return almost 500 people safely to shore in June
Statistics released: July 18, 2024
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state completed their second busiest June ever with crews undertaking 237 search and rescue missions last month, down 25% on the record 315 responses recorded in June 2023.
Of last month’s 237 search and rescue missions, 82 were emergency responses while volunteer crews safely returned 468 people to shore.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said people heeded the safety advice and education last month with unfavourable weather conditions at times restricting opportunities to enjoy the state’s waterways.
“It is vitally important that boaters continue to monitor the weather and only go out when conditions permit.
“Boaters can access weather updates and maritime safety alerts on the free Marine Rescue NSW app, they should also Log On via the app or VHF channel 16 so that our team of dedicated volunteers can monitor their safe return.
“Boaters should regularly check their vessel’s engine and battery, have enough fuel with some in reserve, carry the correct safety equipment and always wear a lifejacket,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Last month, 5,300 vessels Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW while the Service’s radio operators managed 17,178 calls.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers in the Greater Sydney region completed a state high 86 search and rescue missions in June while the Monaro region (Batemans Bay to Eden and inland on the Alpine Lakes and Moama) had its quietest June on record with two responses. The previous quietest June for the Monaro region was in 2016 and 2015 when crews completed five missions.
Breakdown of June 2024 search & rescue missions across Marine Rescue NSW regions:
NORTHERN RIVERS – 45 search and rescue missions including 26 emergency responses with 110 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 20, Ballina 11, Iluka Yamba 6
MID NORTH COAST – 25 search & rescue missions including 13 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: Port Macquarie 9, Forster Tuncurry 7, Coffs Harbour 5
HUNTER/CENTRAL COAST – 61 search & rescue missions including 18 emergency responses with 112 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 31, Port Stephens 18, Central Coast 6
GREATER SYDNEY – 86 search & rescue missions including 19 emergency responses with 169 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney - State Communications Centre at Belrose, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson & Botany Port Hacking.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand: Sydney State Communications Centre at Belrose 27, Botany Port Hacking 22, Middle Harbour 8, Cottage Point 8, Broken Bay 8
ILLAWARRA – 18 search & rescue missions including 5 emergency responses with 27 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.
Number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand: Port Kembla 9, Jervis Bay 4, Sussex Inlet 3
MONARO – 2 search & rescue missions including 1 emergency response with 2 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 2
Marine Rescue Broken Bay members also took part in the SAREX exercise that took place last month, in June 2024.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers complete major Search and Rescue Exercise in Sydney Harbour
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have practiced their skills alongside members of NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW during a Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) in Sydney Harbour today, June 22, 2024.
Three Marine Rescue NSW vessels from Port Jackson and Middle Harbour units departed their respective bases this morning after being tasked to a simulated incident coordinated by Marine Area Command.
Marine Rescue NSW Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer said the real-time exercise involved a capsized vessel off Dobroyd Head, drifting towards Balmoral, with multiple people in the water requiring urgent assistance.
“Volunteer crews were deployed from their respective units just after 8.30am and requested to undertake an inshore search in Middle Harbour.
“This simulated response is exactly how Marine Rescue NSW vessels and crews would be tasked in a real emergency and this exercise was run to ensure we test our deployment, communication and multi-agency response,” Zone Commander Duemmer said.
The on-water response was supported by volunteer radio operators at the Marine Rescue NSW State Communications Centre at Belrose and officers from Marine Area Command at Balmain.
NSW Police Marine Area Command Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Ryan Spong said there were two search areas, inshore in Middle Harbour and offshore near Bondi Beach, with Marine Rescue NSW crews tasked to the inshore search.
“The inshore search area was defined using a variety of drift calculations and was bounded by Grotto Point to Middle Head, extending up to Clontarf.
“The objective was to find five manikins in the water along with floating debris.
“The search was complicated by unfavourable conditions reducing visibility,” he said.
Sergeant Spong said PolAir, NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter Service and the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter also provided aerial assistance to the on-water response.
“During a live multi-agency search and rescue operation multiple agencies and assets are committed and exercises like today help to iron out any deficiencies, look at communication and build relationships with partner agencies.
“All targets in this morning’s exercise were located during a thorough three hour search.
“The inshore search crews located two manikins, one at Balmoral and another at Clontarf Beach.
“PolAir located two manikins offshore in the Bondi area which were retrieved and transferred to NSW SLS crews on shore.
“The final manikin was found by Westpac Life Saver Helicopter two nautical miles off Maroubra.
“Casualties were conveyed to Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Bondi Surf Club to awaiting NSW Ambulance paramedics.” Sergeant Spong said.
Zone Commander Duemmer highlighted the crucial role volunteer radio operators from the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre played in today’s simulated exercise.
“The scenario provided an excellent opportunity for our volunteers to practice their skills.
“Radio is where the ocean meets the land and it is vital for us to have effective communications with our vessels, multi-agency partners and the public on the water.
“We thank all our partner agencies for taking part in today’s exercise, we know the learnings will strengthen the operational response when we are tasked to an emergency,” he said.
The NSW Government provided financial assistance for the Greater Sydney SAREX as part of its commitment to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,400 volunteers.
50 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from seven units across Greater Sydney (Port Jackson, Middle Harbour, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Botany Port Hacking, Broken Bay, Cottage Point and Hawkesbury) along with members of NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW took part in the exercise.
This week a chat with MRBB's new UC, Mike Charlton.
What attracted you to joining MRBB as a volunteer? Why no surf life saving or bushcare or…
I’ve been a boat owner for many years, and always loved spending time on the water. The initial attraction was the opportunity to give back to the community and do something that I love.
How long have you been a member of the unit?
14 years.
What have you been doing during that time - what did you join as?
You join as a probationary member and the first target is to achieve being Competent Crew. Once you have achieved that you are able to function as crew on the boat, to ensure that our boat is operational.
After that you can get out the textbooks and start studying towards our higher rankings. These are Leading Crew, Coxswain and Master. Within those rankings you then have the opportunity to take on rankings, such as skippering one of our vessels.
How many Watches are involved at MRBB?
We have 5 Watches. We operate on a 5-week rotational roster – that would seem to come around a little bit quicker when you throw public holidays in there as well.
Each Watch has between 15 and 20 Members.
SAREX 2024: MRBB Members took part in this Winter’s exercise – and the exercise of Lion Island last weekend (Winter exercises – Summer – multi-unit working together)– how much training takes place year round? And why do you choose the quieter months to do the combined training exercises?
We certainly do train all year round – we have to ensure that we’re operationally ready to be able to head out on the water and provide a great service to the community. We do the Trial and structured training courses and training on the water to ensure that we ready.
The Search and Rescue exercises are normally co-ordinated with our Sydney Rescue Radio Base at Belrose. We do involved other agencies from time to time, such as Marine Area Command, Surf Life Saving New South Wales, SES, Rural Fire Service. Those agencies also need to learn how to be ready and we have to co-ordinate with one another in responding to incidents and deployments.
We do do more training during the winter period, traditionally it’s a lot quieter on the water during that period, to ensure we’re available for tasking during the busier summer months.
Those that take place locally in conjunction with other local units – is that to familiarise new members with local conditions?
A lot of our members, while they live and work in the Northern Beaches area, they often don’t venture out on the water all that often. Becoming a Member of Marine Rescue Broken Bay provides them with that opportunity. But also during summer we do go into some areas that are a little less familiar, such as Brisbane Water, the Hawkesbury River and Cowan Creek, and obviously the challenges when we go out to sea as well.
MRBB also offers courses to the public – Boat Licence for instance?
Yes we do offer courses for the public – the Boat Licence course - and we also do Radio Licences for the VHF.
Taking on the Unit Commander role – how did this come about – what was the lead into this role?
As a long-term Member within the organisation this was another step to provide more volunteering within the community. What we thrive on at Marine Rescue is the camaraderie and it’s a great opportunity to work with a great team to fulfil this role. Everyone has some attributes within themselves and when they want to do something for the community but also something for yourself, this is what you bring. To step up into that role within the organisation, with the great bunch of people I do this here with as Members, is exciting.
What’s available for people who may get seasick but still want to join Marine Rescue – is there a role they can help out in?
We do have Members that do get seasick from time to time, for different reasons. Some take a tablet or other concoctions to calm their belly but there are also many roles around the Unit for members who are non-operational. These include PR, Media, Grant preparation, procurement, as well in Administration and Fund-raising. We are actually looking for people who can offer some of their time and contribute to Marine Rescue as a volunteer right now.
We also have our Marine Rescue Sydney our Radio Base at Belrose, this is our Radio Officer area, and they provide opportunities for people that want to stay on the land.
You have completed some phenomenal fundraising for Marine Rescue Broken Bay, which, as a volunteer organisation always needs to raise funds. When we buy our raffle ticket - what are those funds allocated towards?
Most of the fundraising goes into running the Base and Operational Costs. We don’t get fully funded by any organisation or government so we need to get out there and get behind the barbecue at Bunnings, we sell the meat trays at the Royal Motor Yacht Club, we do our annual raffle and we’re also looking at potentially striking up a Golf Day once a year. We look for opportunities where we can raise funds. As volunteers, it’s very important for us to deliver a rescue service for our community and to provide a professional volunteer organisation which our members are proud to be part of. I enjoy watching the skills of our members grow and this takes resources and training. Unfortunately our expenses grow and we need to meet that challenge.
What would you say to visitors and residents who visit our waters?
Log On Log Off but also make sure your boat is ready for the journey you are about to undertake. We want to make sure that everyone is safe on the water. Also be aware of what the rules are – so if you need to put a lifejacket on, make sure you do – importantly make sure you have all the safety equipment on board your boat so that if you do get into trouble you are able to be safe or be able to call for help.
Rest assured that Marine Rescue Broken Bay and others are out there, and we’ll have your back.
We are a safety net that can help the community if they do get into trouble, but make sure before you go out that you are prepared.
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Mike with some of the MRBB Unit - July 2024
Our Vessels
Broken Bay 30 - the Michael Searle
BB30 ‘Michael Searle’ is a 10.5m purpose built Naiad for Marine Rescue NSW and operates out of the Pittwater and Broken Bay waters. BB30 is fitted out with the latest technology for Search and Rescue and is capable of heading out to 30NM offshore.
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BB21 ‘Bungaree’ is a 7.5m walkthrough NAIAD. The vessel holds 400ltrs of fuel onboard and is rated to rescue people and vessels up to 7NM out to sea. BB21 is surveyed to carry 6 POB including crew.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
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.