Community
18 December, 2024
Marine rescue all at sea
VOLUNTEER Marine Rescue (VMR) Port Douglas has become the seventh marine rescue unit to transition to Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) – the first one in Far North Queensland.
As a result of the change, the organisation takes with it more than 30 active Douglas Shire volunteers, marking a new era for Far North Queensland’s on-water community.
VMR Port Douglas has operated in the Far North for more than 40 years and it is expected that the community will continue to receive the same dedicated service as before.
MRQ is Queensland’s first state-wide, state government-funded volunteer marine rescue service dedicated to saving lives at sea and supporting those on or near the water.
The organisation is part of Queensland Police Service and is responsible for coordinating the state’s disaster and emergency services response. MRQ is, however, a separate service with its own identity, structure, governance and uniforms.
Volunteer Marine Rescue Port Douglas volunteer members have also worked with Mossman State High School year 11 students to help them secure a coxswain certificate II. Students spend one day a week during the school term with several members of the unit to learn the ropes. It is planned that this training will continue as before.
MRQ chief officer Tony Wulff said VMR Port Douglas’ move to MRQ was an exciting step for marine rescue in Far North Queensland. “This is a milestone for MRQ Port Douglas and the Far North’s on-water community,” he said.
“We know the community has relied on the Port Douglas volunteers for more than four decades and they will continue to do so and the same, friendly faces will still be there.
“The government’s commitment to marine rescue and the on-water community to keep everyone as safe as possible is testament to the thousands of marine rescue volunteers across our great state.”
MRQ Port Douglas unit commander Ross Wood said although the unit had a small volunteer base, they were a dedicated bunch.
“We are a very enthusiastic and supportive group who continue to look after our community members when they take to the water, no matter what the weather conditions,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing this as we are MRQ Port Douglas and proudly wear the bright blue and yellow MRQ uniforms.”
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