Marine Rescue Narooma

19/10/2026

Are you coming to Bill Symth oval to meet all your emergency responders?
Also a great oppotunity to ask questions.
The Westpac helicopter crew are ready to arrive
Hope to see you there.

13/10/2026

Two anglers are lucky to be alive after their boat overturned approximately 46 kilometres off the NSW South Coast yesterday afternoon (Monday 12 October), triggering a multi-agency rescue. Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Allan said the men’s decision to carry essential safety equipment, includin...

12/10/2026

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state performed 298 search and rescue missions in September, safely returning 659 people to shore, including 77 emergency responses. Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking was the busiest unit in the state for the first time this year, completing 43 missions. Marin...

02/10/2026

Our units training team was a nominee in the Energency Services Group of the year at the 2026 Centre for Volunteering Awards.

Team member Michael Eburn accepted the certificate on behalf of the team at the ceremony held in Merimbula.

Our training crew ensure that we are fully operational and fit for duty and work tirelessly to ensure that everyone from new trainees to those moving through the ranks are competent and confident for their duties.

Our training team is headed by Training Officer Craig Petterd and Training Systems Officer Mark Amos . Our assessors and trainers included with this nomination Ross Constable, Michael Eburn , Paul Gaston and our radio licence (SROCP) invigilator Steve Moody .

The overall winner in this category was the planning team for Women in Maritime initiative and were also from Marine Rescue . This team was also headed by our Regional Training Manager Liv Ford

Congratulations to all nominees and we are very proud of you

28/09/2026

‘She’ll be right’ won’t cut it: Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner warns boaters to prepare before launching



Boaters across NSW are being urged to put safety first as the 2026/27 boating season gets underway on Thursday 1 October, with Marine Rescue NSW warning that basic preparation could prevent a day on the water from becoming an emergency.

Following the second busiest winter in Marine Rescue NSW history and a warm start to spring, Commissioner Todd Andrews is expecting volunteers to be in high demand as more boaters return to the water.

He is urging skippers not to let excitement about the new boating season override essential safety checks if vessels haven’t been used during the cooler months.

“The ‘she’ll be right’ attitude doesn’t cut it when you’re stranded 20 nautical miles offshore in deteriorating weather conditions because you used old fuel or didn’t check your battery,” Commissioner Andrews said.

“Don’t be that person.

“Whether you’re boating on enclosed or open waters, take the time to properly prepare before you launch.

“Engine and battery failures and running out of fuel account for almost 60 per cent of our responses across NSW.

“Before you launch, service your boat, check your battery, inspect your safety equipment, make sure you have enough fuel to complete your trip with some in reserve, and check and monitor the weather.

“Poor preparation can turn a great day on the water into a life-threatening incident, and many of the problems we respond to are preventable.

“Don’t let complacency turn what could be one of the best days of your life out on the water to one of your worst days or possibly the last day of your life,” Commissioner Andrews said.

Almost 3,400 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state, from Point Danger to Eden and inland across the Alpine Lakes and Murray River at Moama, are ready to respond around the clock on board rescue vessels or from radio rooms throughout the boating season, which runs through to ANZAC Day 2027.

Last boating season, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers completed 3,147 search and rescue missions, including 876 emergency responses, safely returning 7,059 people to shore.

Volunteer radio operators also kept watch over 170,608 people on board 46,824 logged-on vessels.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW was a simple but important step every boater should take before heading out.

“The start of the new boating season is a timely reminder that preparation can prevent a lovely day on the water from becoming an emergency.

“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready around the clock to respond when boaters need help, but everyone who takes to the water has a responsibility to make safety their priority.

“I encourage every boater to log on every trip, every time, whether heading offshore, fishing on an estuary or enjoying an inland waterway.

“I thank the dedicated volunteers who give their time to keep their communities safe throughout the boating season,” Minister Dib said.

NORTHERN RIVERS:

415 volunteers rescue ready for the 26/27 boating season.

During the 25/26 boating season, volunteers across the Northern Rivers performed 204 search & rescue missions including 117 emergency responses with 451 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.

MID NORTH COAST:

660 volunteers rescue ready for the 26/27 boating season.

During the 25/26 boating season, volunteer across the Mid North Coast performed 229 search & rescue missions including 109 emergency responses with 448 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.

HUNTER CENTRAL COAST:

751 volunteers rescue ready for the 26/27 boating season.

During the 25/26 boating season, volunteers across the Hunter Central Coast performed 950 search & rescue missions including 220 emergency responses with 1,880 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter/Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water & Terrigal.

GREATER SYDNEY:

699 volunteers rescue ready for the 26/27 boating season.

During the 25/26 boating season, volunteers across Greater Sydney performed a region record 1,277 search & rescue missions including 185 emergency responses with 3,171 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.

ILLAWARRA:

476 volunteers rescue ready for the 26/27 boating season.

During the 25/26 boating season, volunteers across the Illawarra performed 303 search & rescue missions including 141 emergency responses with 660 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.

MONARO:

367 volunteers rescue ready for the 26/27 boating season.

During the 25/26 boating season, volunteers across the Monaro performed 184 search & rescue missions including 104 emergency response with 449 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer‑based, not‑for‑profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe across the state.

This is "26-27 boating season preview Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews and Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib" by Marine Rescue NSW on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

17/09/2026

Team work makes the dream work.

Not only within our team here at Narooma, but with our neighbouring units and other agencies.

When a call for assistance was received by MR Bermagui yesterday afternoon, they needed some prompt support from us and Surf Live Saving, as a vessel in their area of responsibility was drifting towards a sand bar and their vessel was being serviced.

Our Zone Operations Manager Glenn Sullivan stepped in and activated our unit to help. This contingency plan that is always in place and is similar to what Fire and Rescue do when one of their vehicles is offline and they refer to it as “stepping up “.

Our unit stepped up. As did the on call Surf Live Saving team from Bermagui to assist as well

Our crew consisted of Mike Higgins, Ken Ribbons, Paul Gaston, Bob Struthers, Rob Scott and Mark Amos and they were looked after by our communication team who coordinated the response by our on duty radio operator Jan Ryan and on call Watch Officer Steve Moody.

It was a particularly long day for Steve and Bob.

Steve had been on watch in the radio room earlier that day ( 0530hrs) handing the reins to Jan for the afternoon watch and Bob had also been at the base checking our communications equipment after yesterdays power outage in his capacity as IT Officer, before responding to crew call-out.

Training and behind the scenes preparation all evident with a good outcome including being across the bar before last light

A great effort by many different elements of our Volunteer First Responders all working together. Thank you to the crew for Surf Live Saving who towed the vessel back to safety in Bermagui.

17/09/2026

Marine Rescue NSW records busiest August as volunteers prepare for spring school holidays



Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have recorded their busiest August on record, capping an exceptionally busy winter as crews prepare for a surge in boating activity during the spring school holidays.

Volunteers across the state completed 273 search and rescue missions in August, including 97 emergency responses, safely returning 538 people to shore.

The record August surpassed the previous high of 267 missions recorded in August 2022.

Demand was also at record levels across the Hunter Central Coast and Monaro regions, as volunteers responded to an increase in calls for assistance.

Following the second busiest July in Marine Rescue NSW history, winter was the Service's second busiest on record, with crews completing 762 missions and safely returning 1,593 people to shore.

The busiest winter on record was 2023, when Marine Rescue NSW crews performed 806 missions.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the figures were a timely reminder that boating incidents could happen to anyone, and preparation was critical as hundreds of boaters found themselves needing assistance on the water.

“Our volunteers have experienced an exceptionally busy winter, culminating in a record August, and we are now preparing for another increase in activity as the weather warms up and families head out on the water during the spring school holidays,” Commissioner Andrews said.

“More than 3,500 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers at 46 units are on standby to assist boaters across the state, but the best rescue is the one that never has to happen.

“We want every boater to make safety a priority before they launch, check your vessel, equipment, the weather, always wear a lifejacket, and Log On with Marine Rescue NSW.”

During August, Marine Rescue NSW volunteer radio operators managed 19,731 radio calls, including four MAYDAYs and five PAN PANs, while keeping watch over 23,377 people aboard Logged On vessels.

Commissioner Andrews urged boaters to make Logging On part of their routine whenever they head onto the water.

“If the unexpected happens, Logging On gives rescuers a vital head start and, when it comes to emergencies, every second matters,” he said.

“We want Logging On to become second nature for every boater, a routine safety step that no one skips.

“Don’t be the person who overlooks it and finds themselves in a life-threatening situation. Logging On ensures our dedicated radio operators keep watch for your safe return.

“Logging On saves time, and time saves lives.”

Marine Rescue NSW is encouraging boaters to download the free Marine Rescue NSW app before heading away on holidays and Log On every time they hit the water, either through the app or via VHF Channel 16.

With the spring school holidays approaching, Commissioner Andrews said boaters should also take the opportunity to carry out some basic checks before launching.

“Our units across the state consistently notice an increase in activity by recreational boaters and paddlers during the spring holiday period,” he said.

“Our crews have been busy throughout winter responding to calls for assistance and undertaking training ahead of an expected busy spring and the beginning of the boating season in October.

“During the two-week spring holiday break last year, our crews were in extremely high demand, performing 348 search and rescue missions and safely returning 825 people to shore.

“Old fuel, tired batteries and poorly maintained engines are common reasons boaters end up stranded or in trouble on the water.

“A few simple checks before you leave can make the difference between a great day on the water and a call for help.

“If the weather or conditions aren’t favourable, don’t put yourself, your family or other people on the water at risk.

“The best rescue is the one that never has to happen, and that starts with being prepared,” Commissioner Andrews said.

August 2026 by the numbers:

273 search and rescue missions
97 emergency responses
538 people safely returned to shore
19,731 radio calls managed
23,377 people on board Logged On vessels
6,110 Log Ons
55 per cent of responses related to engine, battery and fuel issues
Breakdown of August 2026 search and rescue missions by region

NORTHERN RIVERS: 34 search & rescue missions including 22 emergency responses with 51 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.

Locations of highest demand: Point Danger 14, Ballina 5, Evans Head 4, Cape Byron 4

MID NORTH COAST: 26 search & rescue missions including 18 emergency responses with 54 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.

Locations of highest demand: Coffs Harbour 11, Port Macquarie 9

HUNTER CENTRAL COAST: **REGION RECORD** 78 search & rescue missions including 21 emergency responses with 162 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Hunter Central Coast units – Port Stephens, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Norah Head, Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water & Terrigal.

Locations of highest demand: Lake Macquarie 44, Port Stephens 14, Brisbane Water 9

GREATER SYDNEY: 94 search & rescue missions including 14 emergency responses with 204 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Greater Sydney units – Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney – State Communications Centre, Port Jackson, Middle Harbour & Botany Port Hacking.

Locations of highest demand: Sydney State Communications Centre 24, Botany Port Hacking 22, Middle Harbour 13, Hawkesbury 12

ILLAWARRA: 22 search & rescue missions including 12 emergency responses with 37 people safely returned to shore across all 7 Illawarra units – Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla & Kioloa.

Locations of highest demand: Port Kembla 10, Shellharbour 3, Jervis Bay 3, Ulladulla 3

MONARO: **REGION RECORD** 19 search & rescue missions including 10 emergency responses with 30 people safely returned to shore across all 8 Monaro units – Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula, Eden, Alpine Lakes & Moama.

Locations of highest demand: Eden 5, Batemans Bay 4, Narooma 3, Bermagui 3

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer‑based, not‑for‑profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe across the state.

22/08/2026

BIRD FLU AND YOU

This information is provided from Bermagui and Montague Vets to share: Thank you to our vets for all they do for our pets and wildlife

As a community, we will have to work together through this challenging scenario.

Marine Rescue Narooma will be sending a representative to an upcoming workshop on Bird Flu protocols, but we all can play a part in keeping or fauna and ourselves safe.

H5N1 BIRD FLU update - PLEASE SHARE

We now have confirmed cases in Narooma, Eden, and Merimbula.

Crested Terns seem to be worst affected at the moment. Other birds at high risk include our beautiful Sea Eagles, Black Swans, Pelicans, Penguins and Seagulls.

While we don’t see too many penguins at our base, we do get visits from plenty of other native ( and other) bird species and our boat crew can encounter penguins when training near Baranguba (Montague Island) and of course seals!!

Many people walk their dogs (or sans dog ) past our base and along local beaches.Together, we can play a role to be on the lookout for what is happening to our local bird life and seals

How you can help:

Be an extra set of eyes: Take time to observe birds, (keeping a safe distance and use binoculars or a camera zoom lens ) to check for any signs of unwell or dead birds.

In particular, be on the lookout for these signs:

☢️ SIGNS of Infection in Birds:
* Movement issues: unable to walk, stand, or fly
* Neurological trouble: tremors, lack of coordination, swimming in circles, twisted neck and posture
* Respiratory distress: Coughing, sneezing, trouble breathing
* Appearance: Swelling around head, neck, cloudy eyes
* General sickness: Droopy, puffed-up, ruffled feathers, watery diarrhoea

☢️ DO NOT touch any sick birds.
Please keep your dogs away from birds to not to stress the birds and also not to run the risk of spreading the virus.

☢️ CALL the 24 hr Emergency Hotline Number 1800 675 888
if you see sick birds struggling or dead. The hotline responder will then triage the situation and make a decision on whether to send teams to investigate. (Note: As mortality numbers climb, not every bird will be checked)

☢️ H5N1 is an extremely aggressive and highly pathogenic virus. It causes near 100% mortality in infected poultry and high death rates in wild birds.

The part that is also concerning.. it’s trans species…The virus also infects mammals, *including cats, moves fast, attacks blood vessel linings, causing swelling and internal bleeding. Death can happen within 24 hours.

There is no reliable veterinary treatment at present

☢️ Should you find infected birds on your property please call the Hotline number to receive advice on how to safely dispose of the carcasses.

Let’s all play our part to keep our wildlife, pets and each other safe 🙏

Team work makes the dream work

19/08/2026

Our unit held its Annual General Meeting last night at Narooma Golf Club.

This is our time to reflect on all we’ve achieved over the past year and acknowledge and celebrate important milestones

The past year has been a roller coaster for our unit , with the loss of a member to cancer and serious health challenges for a few others.

Despite this, we’ve kept going and in particular, our training team have punched above their weight with a record number of operational assessments as was evident with the presentation of some of the epaulettes and certificates of proficiency that were gained over the past year.

Our unit paid tribute and thanked some key supporters namely Narooma Golf Club, Whale Coast Realty and Mystery Bay Cottages and certificates of appreciation were presented to Narooma Golf Club Captain Peter Kearney AFSM who accepted certificates on behalf of the Golf Club and Whale Coast Realty.

Our Guest of Honour, Zone Manager Mike Hammond, addressed our unit on key organisational updates before handing out several awards and acknowledging some of the recipients who were unable to attend:

25 year Service Clasp Ross Constable ESM (who was an apology)

20 year Service Clasp to Ian Noormets (who was an apology)

15 year Service Clasp to Illya Naumoski

Five year service pin to Steve Moody

Five year service pin to Geoff Rayner ( and his dog Hank who also stood by on all of his human dads watches )

Five year service pin to Bob Struthers

Ratings:

MR Crew Rating to Louise Foster

MR Crew Rating to Cathy Moffitt

MR Crew Rating to Jason Cockayne (who was an apology)

MR Crew Rating to Rob Scott (who was an apology )

MR Coxswain Restricted to Sue Hall

MR Coxswain Restricted to Bob Struthers who is now duel rated as he is also a Watch Officer

MR Radio Operator to Linda Ridley

Mike also made special mention of our units Volunteering NSW Volunteer Group of the year nominees: Members of our Training team consisting of Craig Petterd, Mike Amos, Paul Gaston, Mike Eburn, Steve Moody and Ross Constable, whose efforts are evident with the number of ratings not only from tonight but throughout the past year.

(Our unit and individual members have previously been nominated for this and the individual category in 2019 and 2023 respectively)

UC Scott Bowden gave heartfelt thanks to everyone for their efforts and support .

He made special mention to DUC James Halliday who stepped into the UC role when necessary.

He also paid tribute to IT Officer Bob Struthers, Welfare Officer Jan Ryan and recently appointed Base Operations Manager David White who stepped up after the passing of former BOM Tony Fahey. These members really stepped up in Base matters over the past few months.

We look forward to the next year and the challenges we will rise to meet as we always do

Well done Team Blue. 2026-27 … Bring it!

11/07/2026

Marine Rescue Narooma is delighted to welcome Jason Cockayne to the team of qualified Boat Crew. Jason demonstrated exceptional skill in his Operational Assessment today. His commitment to saving lives at sea has paid off after months of hard work. Congratulations Jason. Marine Rescue Narooma