“It’s the most important advance in marine safety for the recreational boating public in Australia since the Volunteer Coastal Patrol was established in 1937”, said Commodore Peter Phillipson, Officer Commanding, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, when referring to the formation of Marine Rescue NSW.
This week the Minister for Ports & Waterways, Joe Tripodi, presented a cheque for a $3 million grant to the chiefs of the state’s three existing volunteer marine rescue groups, the handover marking the formal establishment of Marine Rescue NSW. The new, unified volunteer marine rescue organisation will provide NSW with the largest safety net of marine search and rescue, radio communication and boating education services of any state in Australia.
This coming together of rescue organisations will mean NSW boaties will only have to contact one rescue organisation while boating anywhere in NSW waters – Marine Rescue NSW will unify 56 accredited volunteer marine rescue units along the NSW coast.
Marine Rescue NSW will be officially launched to the public at the Sydney International Boat Show later this month. For more details visit www.marinerescuensw.com.au
