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.