Marine Rescue Port Stephens

Marine Rescue Port Stephens 24/7 volunteer rescue for Port Stephens. Community-powered. Summer updates, safety alerts, and the people behind the blue uniform.
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Log On / Log Off (VHF 16 / app). This page provides information on the activities of this and other Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) units, and content relating to recreational boating. Content may be shared from other, non-Marine Rescue pages. Content posted on this page does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Marine Rescue NSW. For more information contact [email protected].

Last day of Winter! You know what that means? - The boating season draws near - Persephone rises from the underworld - V...
30/08/2026

Last day of Winter! You know what that means?
- The boating season draws near
- Persephone rises from the underworld
- Volunteer Info Night is on tonight at the Base 6pm 31 August
- Time to check those lifejackets, batteries, and other safety gear and boat maintenance essentials for staying safe on the water!

Join the Marine Rescue Port Stephens Radio Club for an easy log on: https://marinerescueportstephens.au/radio-club/

Every dollar raised helps keep fuel in our boats to save lives on the water.

We are recruiting for volunteer radio operators and boat crew.Our next Volunteer Info Night is 6pm 31 August. We’d love ...
26/08/2026

We are recruiting for volunteer radio operators and boat crew.

Our next Volunteer Info Night is 6pm 31 August. We’d love to meet you: https://marinerescueportstephens.au/home/join-us/

If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact our Membership Officer either by email: [email protected] or phone: 0472566450

25/08/2026

Sunday afternoon at 2pm Port Stephens 31 was called to assist a vessel with its port engine overheating and its starboard engine having lost its mounting. The incident happened one nautical mile outside Tomaree Heads. Our crew was on scene by 3pm and towed the disabled vessel back to Soldiers Point Boat Ramp.

Another safe and professional task completed by our incredible volunteers! Thanks for coming out on the weekend to help the community!

Footage taken 23 August.

Overnight our volunteer crew on Port Stephens 31 rescued two men and a very cute dog from near Little Island. They were ...
23/08/2026

Overnight our volunteer crew on Port Stephens 31 rescued two men and a very cute dog from near Little Island. They were called out just after midnight due to the vessel having engine problems. It was calm conditions but raining and pitch black. The moon only came out for about five minutes.

Everyone returned safe by 4am.

"Our wedding dreams truly came to life because of your wonderful volunteers and the passion you all bring to what you do...
22/08/2026

"Our wedding dreams truly came to life because of your wonderful volunteers and the passion you all bring to what you do. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and thanks to you, we were able to enjoy a perfect, stress-free ceremony.
We will always be so incredibly grateful for everything you did and for how special you made our day.
We would highly recommend anyone looking for a beautiful venue in Port Stephens to choose Marine Rescue — you won’t be disappointed."

- Ann and Brendan, 9 April 2026

(photos from various recent weddings)

https://marinerescueportstephens.au/weddings/

Visitors to Marine Rescue Port Stephens may have noticed some recent improvements around the Base, with the installation...
20/08/2026

Visitors to Marine Rescue Port Stephens may have noticed some recent improvements around the Base, with the installation of new garden edging around the heritage garden beds.

The project was completed by our dedicated Maintenance Team, whose members continue to play an important role in keeping the facilities looking their best.

The new garden edging provides a clear definition around the heritage garden beds, helping to protect these important areas while enhancing the overall appearance of the site. It also assists with ongoing maintenance by clearly identifying the garden boundaries and helping to keep lawns and garden beds neat and tidy.

Every Monday morning, and often at other times throughout the week, the Maintenance Team can be seen hard at work moving bins, tending gardens, carrying out repairs and ensuring our facilities remain welcoming and presentable for members and visitors alike. Their efforts are a valuable contribution to the Unit and are greatly appreciated by everyone at Marine Rescue Port Stephens.

If you enjoy working outdoors, have practical skills, or simply want to contribute to the upkeep of our facilities, the Maintenance Team is always keen to welcome new volunteers. Anyone interested in joining the team is encouraged to visit https://marinerescueportstephens.au/home/join-us/ for more information.

A sincere thank you to Alan, Steve, John, Peter, and Graeme for their continued commitment and for the excellent work completed on the heritage garden beds. The team generously volunteer their time and skills to maintain the grounds and facilities.

Recent footage of crew on-water training. Who are they pulling out of the water? Ruth!The Ruth Lee dummy has realistic w...
18/08/2026

Recent footage of crew on-water training. Who are they pulling out of the water? Ruth!

The Ruth Lee dummy has realistic weight distribution designed to feel like an unconscious, limp human body rather than a static deadweight. She is a heavy-duty, anatomically correct rescue training manikin that Marine Rescue Port Stephens volunteers use to simulate water-based rescues. The other photos show her helping us with training in 2018 and 2024.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers completed their second busiest July on record, responding to 253 search and rescue missions...
14/08/2026

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers completed their second busiest July on record, responding to 253 search and rescue missions across the state's waterways as favourable winter boating conditions encouraged more people onto the water last month.

The 253 missions were 12 shy of the record set in July 2023. Volunteers safely returned 512 people to shore, with 90 of the month's responses classified as emergencies.

Marine Rescue NSW radio operators were extremely busy in July, managing 18,921 radio calls, including four MAYDAYs and four PAN PANs, while maintaining a safety watch over 23,645 people onboard 5,831 Logged On vessels.

Mechanical issues continued to account for the majority of rescues, with engine, battery and fuel-related problems responsible for 57 per cent of all responses during July.

With daylight saving still almost two months away, Commissioner Andrews also reminded boaters to plan around reduced daylight hours.

"Shorter winter days increase the risk of being caught on the water after dark," he said.

"Plan your trip carefully, allow plenty of time to return before nightfall and avoid navigating in darkness unless it is absolutely necessary."

The next Info Night is 6pm 31st August at Nelson Head base.We need people interested in local history who enjoy engaging...
13/08/2026

The next Info Night is 6pm 31st August at Nelson Head base.

We need people interested in local history who enjoy engaging with the public to volunteer for short shifts in our Heritage Lighthouse and Lighthouse Keepers Cottage.

If you’ve got a passion for helping others and want to be part of something meaningful, we’d love to meet you.

Help welcome visitors to Nelson Head:
https://marinerescueportstephens.au/home/join-us/

Night ops to rescue two people and a dog on a sailing vessel north of Cabbage Tree Island. The catamaran lost engine at ...
12/08/2026

Night ops to rescue two people and a dog on a sailing vessel north of Cabbage Tree Island. The catamaran lost engine at about 8:30pm and Port Stephens 31 was sent out in the dark to tow them back to the Water Police mooring in Nelson Bay.

Our rescue vessel departed the Port at 10pm and the vessel was dropped off by midnight. Thank you to the volunteer crew for taking on the late night assignment and to our Watch Officer for keeping our radios monitored and answering this call for help.

Marine Rescue Port Stephens is a 24/7 Base and works in cooperation with our local Water Police to ensure our boating community stays safe.

Photos taken 11 August. The white light is the towed catamaran.

Address

5A Lighthouse Road
Nelson Bay, NSW
2315

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