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Our volunteers

Marine Rescue NSW – Batemans Bay Unit is proudly based at Hanging Rock Boat Ramp, near the mouth of the Clyde River.  From this stunning location, our dedicated volunteers serve the community seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our team is made up of passionate individuals who fulfil a wide range of operational, non-operational, and community support roles.  Whether they’re crewing rescue vessels, coordinating communications in the Radio Room, managing fundraising events, or maintaining vital equipment and systems, every volunteer plays a crucial part in our mission to save lives on the water.

These are people who give their time, energy, and expertise to protect others and serve our community, often behind the scenes, always with professionalism and care.  Their commitment ensures that Marine Rescue Batemans Bay remains ready to respond, educate, and engage with the community we proudly serve.

Fundraising & Community Events

All our volunteers play a vital role in supporting our fundraising efforts, which help cover essential costs like training, fuel, vessel maintenance and critical rescue equipment.

At Batemans Bay, we host regular BBQs at Bunnings and the Unit during summer school holidays.  We have a great reputation for the quality of our sausage in bread, bacon and egg rolls, and other refreshments provided at our stand.  These events require many hands, from setting up and cooking to customer service, packing down and clearing up at the end of the session, which would not be possible without our volunteer members’ support.

We also run weekly bingo sessions every Saturday at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, which are open to everyone.  These events are not only fun and social, but they are also a critical part of our fundraising calendar.  Remember, only 60% of our operating costs are covered by the Government; the Unit itself raises the rest.

Operational Crew Roles

Rescue Vessel Crews are the operational backbone of Marine Rescue NSW.  These highly trained volunteers respond to emergencies, assist vessels in distress, and conduct search and rescue operations across our coastal and inland waterways.  Whether navigating challenging conditions or coordinating with other emergency services, our crews demonstrate skill, composure, and unwavering commitment to saving lives on the water in all weather conditions at all times of the year.

Each crew member plays a critical role, from Competent Crew assisting with vessel handling and casualty care, to Coxswains Restricted and Coxswains who command our rescue vessels and manage complex operations.  Their work demands physical capability, technical knowledge, and strong teamwork.  Training is rigorous and ongoing, combining on-water drills, theory sessions, and nationally recognised qualifications.  But more than anything, our crews bring heart, volunteering their time to protect others, often in high-pressure situations where every decision counts.

The Crew stream consists of members at the following levels:

  • Trainee Crew
  • Qualified Crew  
  • Senior Crew (Endorsement – not a rating)
  • Coxswain Restricted
  • Coxswain
  • Master

We have five sea-going assets, these are:

  • Batemans 30 – 11.5m Steber twin diesel inboard
  • Batemans 20 – 7.5m Cylinder twin outboard
  • Batemans 21 – 7.5m Niad twin outboard
  • Batemans 10 – Seadoo
  • Batemans 11 –  Seadoo

Each of our vessels has its own set of roles and uses across a wide range of operational scenarios, which are created by having a river, bay and open sea to cover.

Operational Radio Operator Roles

Radio Operators are the heartbeat of Marine Rescue NSW’s communication network.  They serve as the first point of contact for boaters logging on, requesting assistance, or reporting incidents.  From monitoring vessel movements to coordinating emergency responses, Radio Operators maintain constant vigilance, ensuring that every transmission is heard, logged, and acted upon with precision.  Their calm, professional presence provides reassurance to the boating community and enables swift, coordinated action when lives are at risk.

Beyond emergency response, Radio Operators play a vital role in public safety and education.  They provide weather updates, navigational advice, and support to recreational and commercial vessels alike.  Their work is often unseen but never unnoticed, forming the backbone of Marine Rescue’s operational readiness.  Whether guiding a lone operator safely back to shore or relaying critical information to rescue crews, Radio Operators exemplify the values of service, reliability, and community care that define Marine Rescue NSW.

Batemans Bay Marine Rescue provides regional radio support and may provide radio services for bases between Illawarra and Eden. 

The Radio Operator stream is made up of members at the following levels:

  • Radio Operator – Trainee
  • Radio Operator – Qualified  
  • Watch Officers – Qualified
  • Search and Rescue Coordinator – Qualified

Non-Operational & Specialist Roles

Not all roles require an Operational Crew or Radio Operator Rating.  

While our rescue vessels and radio operators are the visible face of Marine Rescue NSW, none of it would be possible without the tireless efforts of our fundraising volunteers.  These team members work behind the scenes to generate the vital funds that keep our unit operational, covering costs like fuel, training, equipment, and maintenance.  Their work may not involve lifejackets or radios, but it’s every bit as critical to saving lives on the water.

From running BBQs at Bunnings, hosting bingo afternoons and community events, our fundraising volunteers bring energy, creativity, and heart to everything they do.  They set up marquees, serve food, greet guests, and manage logistics, all while representing the values of Marine Rescue with warmth and professionalism.  Their efforts not only raise money but also build relationships with the community we serve.  Every dollar raised is a step toward safer waterways, and every volunteer hour is a testament to the power of service.

We are always on the lookout for these types of volunteers; you can never have enough of our fundraisers.  Some of the areas that are open to these volunteers include Administration, Fundraising Coordination, Social Media & Marketing, Treasurer, Membership Officer, Property Management, Media Liaison and other roles that keep the Unit clean, tidy and presentable to the public at all times.

Every role contributes to our mission of saving lives on the water and supporting our community.

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