Fewer Rescues, Smarter Boaters: Marine Rescue NSW Sees Drop in March Missions

Fewer Rescues, Smarter Boaters: Marine Rescue NSW Sees Drop in March Missions

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state experienced their quietest March since 2022, completing 348 search and rescue missions, including 108 emergency responses last month.

“Whilst missions were down this March and we would like to see that trend continue, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state still returned 799 people to shore,” said Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell.

“Engine and battery failure accounted for just over 50% of responses in March. Boaters can help reduce these incidents by ensuring their vessels undergo regular maintenance,” he said.

March missions by year

  • 2025: 348
  • 2024: 515
  • 2023: 427
  • 2022: 270

Commissioner Alex Barrell praised boaters for not going out on the water during several days of dangerous conditions in March, when Tropical Cyclone Alfred caused hazardous weather along a large stretch of the NSW coast early in the month.

“Boaters heeded the warnings and did not put their lives or others at risk by venturing out. We thank them for monitoring the weather and making smart choices.

“During that time, almost 30 Marine Rescue NSW flood rescue and support volunteers were deployed across the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers to assist communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred,” Commissioner Barrell said.

Marine Rescue NSW radio operators kept watch over more than 19,500 people on board 5,842 logged on vessels and managed 18,797 radio calls last month including eight MAYDAYs and three PAN PANs.

Marine Rescue NSW vessel Jervis Bay 41 responded to a MAYDAY call off Bowen Island on March 5
Marine Rescue NSW vessel Jervis Bay 41 responded to a MAYDAY call off Bowen Island on March 5

“It was wonderful to see almost 6,000 vessels use our free Log On, Log Off service in March,” Commissioner Barrell said.

“It takes a boater just one minute to Log On via the Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16, it ensures our volunteers keep watch for their safe return,” he said.

Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie was the busiest unit in the state with volunteers completing 52 search and rescue missions while the Tuggerah Lakes (12 missions), Cottage Point (15 missions) and Ulladulla (8 missions) units all experienced a busy March.

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.