Coast Guard Portland VF17

01/08/2026

The day starts with monthly checks 0830 to 1100 then training on the App Offshore SMS through to 1430 with a BBQ lunch, then the pager goes off with a vessel needing help. All finished safe and well by 1600.

23/07/2026

Farewell Valentine. VF17 Portland bids farewell to a much valued member. Moving closer to family is Portland's loss and Geelong's gain.

27/06/2026

Very foggy morning in Portland. We could just make out a ship of 177 meters length from a distance of 200 meters. Great experience for our crew who were vigilantly on watch. There are a lot of trailers at the boat ramp. I cant imaging how hard it would be to spot a tinny or a 6 meter white boat.

26/06/2026

A Sad day Coast Guard Portland has lost a passed member. Our condolences to Joan and family

Fair weather, calm seas Les

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=2067500824131899&set=a.980867662795226

As per LES' wishes, he will be PRIVATELY cremated.

Portland Funeral Services invites you to leave a message of condolences below.

22/06/2026

Coast Guard not only help people.
CG member Charlie, while cutting the grass set up a barrier around a Plover that is nesting beside CG17 car park.

09/06/2026

Congratulations to Marcus a long time supporter of Coast Guard Portland

Congratulations well deserved honour

Mr Marcus GRINBLAT

Medal of the Order of Australia
VIC
Post-nominals
ESM OAM
Awarded on
8th of June 2026
Award event
The King's Birthday
Citation
For service to the community through emergency response organisations.
Media notes
Victorian Squadron, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association
Vice-Captain, early 2020s.
Former Vice-Captain, Communications.
Former Vice-Captain, Search and Rescue (SAR).
Former Coast Guard, Melbourne Centre.

Frankston Coast Guard Flotilla, Australian Volunteer Coastguard Association
Former Commander.
Former Procurement Officer.
Former Section Officer, Flotilla Training Assessor.
Former Search and Rescue Coordinator.
Radio Operator.
Former Data Entry Officer.
Coxswain.
Former Boating Officer.
Life Member, since 2008.
Volunteer Member, since 1971.

Professional
Business Owner, Communications and Navionics Industry.
Consultant, Communications and Navionics.

Awards and Recognition include:
National Emergency Medal - Victoria Bushfires 2009.
National Medal, 2001; 1st Clasp, 2001; 2nd clasp, 2014; 3rd clasp, 2018.
Emergency Services Medal, 2002.
Australia Day Achievement Medallion, 2002.
Commodores Gold Certificate and Award, 1976.
Long Service, 50 years, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association.
Operational Service, 300 Activations, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association.
Meritorious Service in Association, Operations and Training, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association.
Search and Rescue Operations Award, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association.

05/05/2026

It's with a heavy heart that we in form you, that two members of Marine Rescue NSW Ballina lost their lives last night while assisting a yacht in trouble in heavy seas. Three lives were lost in the incident. Our hearts and thoughts go out the family's and friends

29/03/2026

Our volunteers had a long sunday on the water for an assist taking nearly 7 hours for CG17 with 4 crew and a radio operator ashore. A 25 mile steam to collect a 5.8 meter vessel with 3 POB, then a 4 hour tow home. Big rolling 2-3 meter swell. It was lovely on the the water though with the dolphins, the albatross and our spectacular coastline. We even saw a whale blow.

25/02/2026

You never know if something may go wrong as it did with this vessel, Alarms with low oil pressure and the engine knocking.
Sounds like an expensive fix. On the bright side they had some fish and it was a calm day on the water

21/02/2026

Job done!! Our Portland VF17 volunteers had a busy morning spreading and packing crusher dust in front of the shed apron. The car, the boat and the promo trailer are now housed in their shed, protected, safe and out of the weather. Yay!!