Nowra Rotarians were recently given a rare insight to Marine Rescue Shoalhaven (MRS)
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The group is a unit of Marine Rescue NSW and the only recognised volunteer Marine Rescue organisation in NSW.
Their base station is located in The Pilot Station at Crookhaven Heads.
From there, the staff have views over the Crookhaven Bar and Shoalhaven Bight to Gerroa and Black Head.
It was these views, and a comprehensive and enthusiastic talk about the functions of the unit and a tour of the facilities, including their boats, that the Rotarians and their guests from Rotary Nowra were treated to in the visit to the rescue unit.
The area of MRS’ responsibility is north to Kiama (Blowhole Point), south to St Georges Head and 30 nautical miles (55 kilometres) seaward - covering more than 3100 square kilometres.
In 2016, the boat crews attended 42 vessels requesting assistance, involving 470 hours in total.
There were 112 people on board the assisted vessels which had an estimated value totaling more than $540,000.
On top of that, the crew members spent 1679 hours on training, 469 hours on patrol and 734 hours on vessel maintenance.
They monitor marine distress frequencies 24 hours a day. During 2016, the radio operators logged 3661 vessels with nearly 8700 people on board.
They also answered a total of 14,455 calls on marine radio and distress frequencies and the telephone.
The Pilot Station also serves as a marine search and rescue coordination centre (SARCC) during times of distress for vessels at sea.
Volunteers come from all walks of life and there is a job for almost everyone at Marine Rescue Shoalhaven, with a number of new volunteers joining during 2016.
As at February 19, 99 volunteers were listed with Marine Rescue Shoalhaven.
Like all voluntary organisations, Marine Rescue Shoalhaven and Rotary are always after new members.
If you have an interest in either, or both, contact them through their respective websites Marine Rescue Shoalhaven or Rotary Nowra