VMR Gladstone Base: 07 4972 3333 Duty Controller: 0417 681 921

Volunteer Marine Rescue Gladstone

Volunteers providing safety of life at sea

Base: 07 4972 3333

Call sign: VMR Gladstone on VHF channel 82

Duty Controller: 0417 681 921

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About us

Volunteer Marine Rescue Gladstone (VMRG) was originally formed in 1971 as the Port Curtis Air Sea Rescue Association. In 1983, it was renamed, after affiliating with the representative state body, Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland Inc. (VMRAQ).

VMRAQ has 25 affiliated Squadrons located throughout the State of Queensland, Australia and these Squadrons provide marine search and rescue services to the boating public on a volunteer basis. Operating in tropical and sub-tropical waters, our Squadrons extend from the southern Queensland border, to the remote Gulf of Carpentaria, Thursday Island and Torres Strait region, over 2700 kilometres to the north.

VMRG’s area of responsibility is generally from Cape Capricorn in the north to Bustard Head in the south, and 50 nautical miles seaward to reef islands. In cooperation with Gladstone Harbour Control, a 24 hour watch is effectively maintained on VHF Channels 16 and 82.

The Association and its Squadrons in conjunction with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), provides boating and sea safety education programs to the community.

All activities by squadron members are performed on a voluntary basis. Each squadron receives partial State Government funding for vessel replacement costs, but relies primarily on membership fees and its own fund raising efforts to cover operating expenses.

Annually, Volunteer Marine Rescue Gladstone is called to undertake around 70 incidents covering search and rescue, breakdowns, groundings, and medical evacuations.

Additionally, assistance is provided for the Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race, Boyne Tannum Hookup, and some Port Curtis Sailing Club races.

The objects for which the Association is established are:

1. Maintain a volunteer marine rescue squadron to:

a. Provide the recreational boating public with a professional standard of marine rescue service, primarily for emergency search and rescue, and life threatening situations.

b. Retrieve disabled vessels (where possible) to a place of safety, within the capacity of our rescue resources.

c. Liaise with Police and Ambulance to assist with the evacuation of medical cases in remote marine areas.

d. Provide advice and guidance to mariners in the navigation of our area of responsibility

 

2. To educate boat owners in safety at sea

 

3. To concern itself in such matters as:

a. Navigation

b. Boat safety

c. Search and rescue organisation and control

d. Radio operator training

e. Seamanship

f. First Aid Training

g. Mechanical training

h. Meteorology