JOIN MARINE RESCUE MIDDLE HARBOUR

Marine Rescue Middle Harbour accepts membership applications from people of all levels of boating experience. Whilst a few of our members bring experience and qualifications from the navy or commercial maritime industry, many new members have never skippered or even crewed aboard a boat before joining.

To be eligible for membership with Middle Harbour you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old (some MRNSW units can accept applicants from 16 years of age – ask MRNSW headquarters for the nearest unit that accommodates members under 18.
  • Have no criminal record
  • Be capable of kneeling on a hard surface to perform CPR
  • Commit to:
    • attending regular duties (approximately 1 full weekend or public holiday every 4-5 weeks, 7am to sunset)
    • attending unit meetings (approximately 4 Wednesday evening meetings a year)
    • attending additional weekend training courses a couple of times a year and studying in your own time
    • participating in additional fundraising activities a few times a year (e.g. manning barbecues, selling raffle tickets, etc)
  • Demonstrate good English communication skills & the ability to work in a team environment
  • Meet NSW RMS eligibility requirements to obtain a boat licence
  • Be capable of swimming and completing sea survival training
  • Meet basic medical fitness standards (including eyesight & hearing, ability to work on a moving platform, perform manual lifting, climb through an escape hatch, etc)

If you would prefer to help out on shore, you may like to work at our radio base. Membership requirements for radio operators are similar to those for vessel crew, but without the need to obtain boat licence or meet the physical fitness standards of vessel crew.

Check out the video below to find out more about what we do and what it’s like to volunteer with MRNSW. You can  also drop by the base during daylight hours any weekend and the watch on duty will be happy to show you around and share their experiences.

Application Process

Follow this link to register your interest in joining. We will then acknowledge your registration and advise you when the next membership intake will begin. Intakes usually occur twice a year.

When the intake begins you will receive an invitation to attend an information session to learn more about what it means to be a Marine Rescue volunteer.  Soon after the information session you will meet with the Unit Commander. We have limited resources and invest a considerable amount of time and money in training new members, so the Unit Commander will select the candidates most likely to honour their commitment to MRNSW for the long term. After successfully clearing police background checks successful applicants will receive probationary membership and an invitation to induction training.

Probationary Membership

During your probationary period (at least 6 months) you will be required to demonstrate your commitment through regular participation and making sound progress with the following activities:

  • Complete MRNSW Induction Training (1 day course)
  • Assist with fundraising  as requested
  • Obtain a Marine Radio Certificate of Proficiency (1 day course)
  • Obtain first aid & advanced resuscitation certification (2 day course)
  • Obtain a boat  licence
  • Sea survival training (1 day)
  • Marine fire fighting training (1 day)
  • Complete Certificate 1 in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal)
  • Complete “PUASAR013A: Participate in an Aquatic Rescue Operation”
  • Pass an Operational Assessment

Training Delivery

MRNSW delivers all MR Crew training in-house using volunteer trainers with the necessary industry qualifications. Members receive training at no charge, except for the radio course (MROCP) for which there is a small fee to cover the cost of the course manual and licence fee. NSW RMS offers a restricted boat licence for use aboard MRNSW vessels at no charge to members, however members who intend to use their licence on vessels other than the MRNSW fleet must also cover their own RMS licence fees.

Apart from a few formal courses, most crew training takes place on-the-job aboard our vessels  during your rostered duty weekends. You will receive a logbook to keep track of the skills you need to learn and collect signatures to verify that you have mastered them.

Recognition of Industry Qualifications & Prior Learning
All new members must qualify as MR Crew before progressing to higher sea-going ratings. MRNSW recognises appropriate commercial qualifications (e.g. GPH, Coxswains, Masters)
Read more...
and certificates of competency issued by other Australian Registered Training Organisations. Applicants who qualify for such recognition will still need to complete the unit “Participate in an Aquatic Rescue”, provide current certificates of first aid and advanced resuscitation, and undertake an Operational Assessment to demonstrate their understanding of MRNSW SOP and standards.

After completing the MR Crew Operational Assessment, holders of commercial qualifications can apply for assessment for the equivalent MRNSW rating.

Members from Middle Harbour pose for a group photo at NSW Police Marine Area CommandFull Membership

Provided that you demonstrate the required attendance and training progress during your first six months, the Unit Commander will upgrade you to full membership. You will then receive a MRNSW uniform and have the right to vote at MRNSW meetings and elections.