Marine Rescue Merimbula

17/10/2026

Ten finalists from seven countries have been shortlisted for the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Awards 2026, recognising the work of Search and Rescue (SAR) professionals, volunteer crews and organisations across the international maritime rescue community.

Now for the exciting part. Our very own Deputy Unit Commander of Merimbula, Sonia Teston, is one of the 10 nominated. Impressive work Sonia. You have all of Marine Rescue NSW backing you and being nominated alone is such an amazing achievement. We are so happy for you.

The winners of the IMRF Awards 2026 will be announced at the IMRF Conference in Saint-Malo, France, on 25 -26 November 2026.

Read more in the link.

The IMRF has revealed the 10 shortlisted finalists for its 2026 Awards, recognising individuals, teams and initiatives whose work has contributed to maritime SAR around the world.

14/10/2026

🌊 CREW CERTIFIED 🚢

Phil Kinnane and Rob Simic were handed the epaulettes and certificate of completion for crew by Unit Commander Bill Blakeman during the recent unit meeting on the weekend. Please help us in congratulating them for this achievement. It takes time on the water and commitment to the learning to achieve the components of this course. We are so pleased to see your success in gaining this qualification. Well done 👏

14/10/2026

🎙 RADIO OPERATOR 📱

We have a new radio operator to welcome to the team. Congratulations to Rob McCombie who has passed all requirements to becoming a Marine Rescue Radio Operator. An essential job in the organisation is monitoring radio for communication and keeping lives safe at sea. Well done for your commitment to achieving this as it doesn't happen overnight. We are all so happy to have you with us.

14/10/2026

🌟 FIVE YEAR PIN 🌟

Unit Commander Bill Blakeman had a busy weekend presenting achievements to some of our amazing members. Three members recently received their five year pins for ongoing service to the organisation. We are thankful for the time they have generously provided in keeping lives safe at sea. Well done to Paul Considine, Shahram Saber and Allan Mullaney for the commitment and dedication to Marine Rescue.

10/10/2026

Fran Hopkins was presented with her Watch Officer rating by Unit Commander Bill Blakeman at the Merimbula Base. Our congratulations to you Fran for completing your training. Your dedication and commitment to the organisation is much appreciated and an inspiration to all. Thank you 😊

08/10/2026

With around six hours on the water it was a long day in trying to free a whale calf entangled in fishing lines and buoys.

It was a joint effort between Marine Rescue Merimbula with National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Although the mission was unsuccessful, it was a great example of cooperation between different rescue organisations. The whale calf was last seen near Boyd Tower Eden heading south. Please report any sightings to National Parks and Wildlife Rescue.

Marine Rescue Merimbula crew included UC Bill Blakeman, Bernie Ryan, Kathy Sims and DUCA Sonia Teston plus radio communication with Vince Sant.

08/10/2026

Here is some footage of today's rescue mission involving and Marine Rescue Merimbula working together to help an entangled whale Calf.

08/10/2026

Can you see yourself as part of the team? Are you seeking a meaningful role in the community? We are looking for volunteers in various roles such as Fundraising, Marine Radio monitoring, administration and crew. Don't hesitate to be in touch for more information by calling the base or sending us a message here on Facebook.

03/10/2026

In addition to the unit being nominated for the emergency award posted seperatly earlier today, we also want to make a mention to three of our members who were successfuly nominated for awards. Unit commander, Bill Blakeman, Deputy Unit Commander of Operations, Stewart Dietrich and all-rounder Bernie Ryan are all deserving after contributing over and above organisational standards in this emergency service. Thanks for all you do.

03/10/2026

Help us congratulate our very own Sonia Teston from Marine Rescue Merimbula plus our neighbour from Marine Rescue Bermagui, Director Caron Parfitt and Liv Ford the Zone Training manager who won the south coast emergancy award at the recent NSW Volunteer of the year awards 2026!! They formed the Marine Rescue NSW event organising committee for the women in search and rescue which was a fantastic success in providing training to females in a mostly male dominated field. Very well deserved to such an inspiring team 👏