Marine Rescue Bunbury

Marine Rescue Bunbury Marine Rescue Bunbury is a DFES-approved volunteer marine rescue organisation providing marine rescue to the community in Greater Bunbury.

IN AN EMERGENCY CALL: 0418 926 442
WHAT WE DO
Members of the volunteer group Marine Rescue Bunbury play a vital role in ensuring the Bunbury marine environment is a safe place to live, work and play. We operate three rescue/training vessels and a truck tow vehicle. The pride of our fleet is 'Spirit of Bunbury', an 11-metre Elite Marine aluminium cat fitted with twin Volvo-Penta diesel engines (740

hp) and the latest comms and navigation equipment, including radar and Flir night vision camera. Our second vessel is 'Dingo Marley', a 7.5 metre Air Rider. She is fitted with the latest technology, such as infrared camera, satellite phone, tracking systems, radar and communications gear. The group works closely with WA Police to coordinate and perform search and rescue operations offshore and in confined waterways for the community. Although supported by DFES (via the Emergency Services Levy), Marine Rescue Bunbury is totally volunteer run and any funding shortfall is covered by donations and the money raised by our members. While saving lives is our principle aim, vessels may be towed and property saved at the discretion of the rescue boat skipper and/or the coordination centre. We educate the public in the principles of safe boating and survival at sea and can supply literature and offer advice from our base at Casuarina Harbour. We train our volunteers as skippers, crews, radio operators and all other persons concerned in search and rescue operations. We work with, aid or affiliate with any institution or association having objectives similar to ours. Volunteers assume various roles according to their abilities and interests and what they are comfortable with. Volunteers can undertake extra training, including St John first aid, respond to emergency situations and may also involve themselves in marine educational activities designed to improve safety for the boating public.

03/05/2026

Beloved Bunbury dingo confirmed 99% dingo. 🐕 A DNA test on blood samples of Bunbury's own red dog has found Marley was 99% dingo.

The beloved dingo died last year.

Work is underway on a memorial for Marley down by the waterfront and marine rescue member Di Procopio said she wanted the memorial to clearly state that Marley was a dingo.

"I heard somebody say you can't refer to Marley as a dingo when he wasn't a dingo," she said.

"We don't have dingoes locally around the South West and people in WA are used to seeing the desert dingoes, which are more the orange colour, whereas Marley was an alpine dingo from over on the east coast."

"Marley was definitely a dingo and the DNA study also found that Marley came from a background of captive breeding program."

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Marine Rescue Bunbury Life Member Kerry Trantham for making and donating this wonderfu...
03/05/2026

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Marine Rescue Bunbury Life Member Kerry Trantham for making and donating this wonderful display case in memory of Marley. The items in the case (except photos) were provided by Lawnswood Pet Cremation and include Marley's ashes. Thanks also goes to Mark Hutchinson Carpentry and Joinery in Brunswick for allowing Kerry to use his workshop to make this beautiful display case.

This will hang in pride of place at Marine Rescue Bunbury where all Members will forever remember Marley with great fondness.

When Marley passed away, we got the vet to draw blood samples which were sent off to Dr Kylie Cairns at the University o...
27/04/2026

When Marley passed away, we got the vet to draw blood samples which were sent off to Dr Kylie Cairns at the University of NSW. Dr Cairns does DNA testing of dingos across Australia and is the leading expert in her field.

Marley's DNA came back as 99% dingo. You can't get a higher percentage than that. This is proof that Marley was a pure dingo. The DNA study also proved that his ancestry is from a captive breeding program. A captive breeding program indicates his ancestors were bred in zoo or wildlife park type setting. This goes some way to explaining why an Alpine dingo was found our Pilbra region.

Stay tuned for upcoming news on the Marley Memorial statue.

21/04/2026

Check before you buy with our new Lifejacket Checker! 🦺

We’ve created a new online tool to help you make the right choice when buying a lifejacket. ✅

A lifejacket that is the correct type, size and fit for the activity and location can save your life in an emergency, so don’t risk it. 🚨

It only takes a minute to check before you buy: www.transport.wa.gov.au/lifejackets

15/04/2026

Get a personalised boating forecast in your DECKEE app.
Ever stared at the forecast and wondered what it really means for your boat? Or found yourself out on open water when the weather turned dangerous faster than expected?

Working this out shouldn’t be guesswork. That’s why we created the Boating Forecast. It blends key weather data with your boat’s length to give you a clear risk rating, so deciding whether to head out is simpler and safer.

Just set your boat length (switch between metres and feet in a tap), and DECKEE will generate a personalised forecast for any open water location.
https://deckee.com/download

13/04/2026

When was the last time you checked your lifejacket?
Drop by and see us at one of our clinics at either Ridley Place boat ramp, Australind, or the Multi-purpose room Jetty Road, Casuarina Boat Harbour, Bunbury to;
• Learn how to maintain your lifejacket and wear it correctly (all parts supplied for free).
• Discuss what safety equipment you need.
• We’ll also collect your old flares and EPIRBs.
See our website for further details;
https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/marine/recreational-boating/rules-safety-guides/boating-behaviours-initiatives/make-difference-lifejacket-program

03/04/2026

Address

Land Back Wharf Casuarina Drive
Bunbury, WA
6230

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