PEOPLE power is the force behind Marine Rescue Port Stephens and each and every member not only counts but they save lives.

Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au
Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE

The 250 volunteer members, of which 35% are women are Marine Rescue Port Stephens, a non-government Emergency Service organisation which operates within the NSW emergency management framework as provided for in the State Emergency and Rescue Management (SERM) Act 1989 and the State Rescue Board.

What that means is that these people are the first line of response when a vessel is in trouble and lives are at stake in the Bay and out in our ocean.

The organisation is subject to direction by the NSW Police Marine Area Command and it is one of 45 Units of Marine Rescue NSW spread throughout NSW.

However Marine Rescue Port Stephens is much more than simply an organisation that man’s radios, and rescue boats, it is a community of caring people who make a very real difference.

They are a registered not for profit charity which also manages the “Nelson Head Lighthouse & Rescue Station Reserve Trust” for Marine Rescue NSW as Trustee for Dept of Industry – Lands.

Which means, they manage one of the most stunning viewpoints, and wedding venues, on the coast!

Laurie Nolan spokesperson for Marine Rescue told News Of The Area, “Volunteering with Marine Rescue is a great way to contribute back to the community, providing a worthwhile service saving lives at sea.”

He believes that being a member of Marine Rescue is a great activity for retirement.

“There are a number of different volunteering opportunities at the station, including Marine Radio Operator, working in the gift shop, joining the wedding co-ordination team, fundraising and joining the Nelson Head Trust which manages the museum at Nelson Head,” he said.

While there are many opportunities for volunteers at present Marine Rescue Port Stephens has a limited number of crew for the boats and are actively recruiting for crew members on the vessels as well as other positions.

The vessels are on call for emergencies between Seal Rocks and Stockton Bite, the Myall Lakes and as far west within Port Stephens as Soldiers Point.

Marine Rescue Port Stephens also provides communications services for Rural Fires Services RFS Lower Hunter/Hunter Valley Fire Control From 5pm to 9am this Unit takes on the role of Hunter FireCon, Receiving fire-calls from triple-zero operators, it receives Community First Responder calls from triple-zero operators and ambulance and pages the relevant RFS crews.

By Marian SAMPSON