Marine Rescue NSW has kicked off its annual summer safety operation on Sydney Harbour, with volunteers from Middle Harbour and Port Jackson set to patrol the waterways for 62 consecutive days from 1st December to 31st January.
Last summer, the two not-for-profit units undertook 149 search and rescue operations, bringing 420 people safely back to shore.
This year, Middle Harbour volunteers are also launching the Club 500 Programme to help fund the unit’s search and rescue capability, vessel maintenance, and crew training.
The initiative, developed by volunteer crew member and Community Partnership Manager Tony Collins, invites boaters and supporters to become Club 500 Members through an annual $500 contribution, giving them benefits from a growing network of local marine businesses and national industry partners.
“The programme raises essential funds to ensure safe and effective operations, while also fostering stronger engagement with the wider boating community,” Collins said.
“Club 500 is structured so that participating partners also gain commercial value through increased customer engagement.”
Many boat owners can effectively recover the cost of their membership through partner discounts, which currently include:
- Fuel savings at d’Albora Marinas
- Antifouling discounts from BoatYard and Short Marine
- Mooring services from Treharne Moorings
- Mechanical servicing by Onboard Marine Services
- Equipment savings at Boat Warehouse
- Dive service discounts via Underwater Dive Services
- Membership discounts at Manly Skiff Club
- Survey and inspection services from Boatbuy
- Training courses from Maritime Training School, Boatwise, and Flying Fish Sailing
Crew member Peter Henry, the first official Club 500 member, said: “It costs approximately $350 an hour to have a vessel out on the water.
“If we could raise 100 to 200 people joining that club, that would enable us to do some major upgrades to some of the equipment we have coming up.”
“As somebody that looked at the program and looked at what it offered me, it actually gave me a very strong financial return for an investment to an organization that I care greatly about. So, it was an absolute win win.”
“I can estimate that my $500 investment over the next 12 months is probably going to save me about $2500. It is a substantial saving,” he said.
More than 200 volunteers across the two units are equipped to patrol the Harbour and respond to incidents up to 30 nautical miles offshore.
Their work is supported by the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre, which maintains 24/7 radio coverage and is often the first point of contact for boaters in distress.
Middle Harbour Media Officer Joseph Allbeury said: “We came up with the 62 days of Summer campaign just to really highlight the tremendous commitment of our volunteers.”
Across a normal year, the unit fields a patrol vessel on the water for around 180 days, covering every weekend, public holiday and a scheduled Wednesday shift.
“By having a boat on the water, at least one boat on Sydney Harbour every single day until the end of January, it just really significantly reduces our time to respond. It is all about how long it will take us to get to you if you are in trouble,” he said.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Dan Duemmer said the strengthened presence would dramatically improve response times on the state’s busiest waterway.
“From Sydney Heads to the Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers, our volunteers and vessels will be on the water every day,” Duemmer said.
“This visibility means we can get to boaters faster when things go wrong.”
Duemmer urged boaters to thoroughly check their vessels before heading out, paying particular attention to fuel quality and carrying a sufficient reserve.
“On such a busy waterway, a breakdown can escalate quickly,” he said.
“Every safe trip starts before you hit the water.
“Carry the right safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket, and monitor conditions at all times. If in doubt, don’t go out. Conditions can change quickly, and capsizing or running aground can have life-threatening consequences.”
He also renewed calls to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW via the free app or marine radio VHF Channel 16 before heading out.
“There is definite room for improvement from the Greater Sydney boating community,” Duemmer said.
“Logging On provides us with your trip details, so if you don’t return as planned, we can start searching straightaway. It only takes a minute and could save your life.”
“Logging On provides us with your trip details, so if you don’t return as planned, we can start searching straightaway. It only takes a minute and could save your life.”
“We want everyone heading out on Sydney Harbour to enjoy a safe day on the water. If assistance is needed, our crews from Middle Harbour and Port Jackson are ready to respond without delay.”
So far this year, volunteers at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour have performed 188 search and rescue missions, including 24 emergency responses, helping 460 people return safely to shore.
For those who want to support the volunteers who keep our waterways safe, more information is available on the Marine Rescue Middle Harbour website.
