Marine Rescue NSW urges skippers to ‘be prepared’

With the 2026/27 boating season officially beginning on Thursday, October 1, Marine Rescue NSW is reminding boat owners that basic preparation could prevent a day on the water from becoming an emergency.

Following the second busiest winter in Marine Rescue NSW history and a warm start to spring, Commissioner Todd Andrews is expecting volunteers to be in high demand as more boaties return to the water.

He is urging skippers not to let excitement override essential safety checks if vessels haven’t been used during the cooler months.

“The ‘she’ll be right’ attitude doesn’t cut it when you’re stranded 20 nautical miles offshore in deteriorating weather conditions because you used old fuel or didn’t check your battery,” Commissioner Andrews said. “Don’t be that person.

“Whether you’re boating on enclosed or open waters, take the time to properly prepare before you launch. Engine and battery failures and running out of fuel account for almost 60% of our responses across NSW.”

Almost 3400 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across NSW are ready to respond aboard rescue vessels or from radio rooms throughout the boating season, which runs through to ANZAC Day 2027.

Last boating season, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers completed 3147 search-and-rescue missions, including 876 emergency responses, safely returning 7059 people to shore. Volunteer radio operators also kept watch over 170,608 people on board 46,824 logged-on vessels.

Servicing your boat, checking your battery, inspecting your safety equipment, ensuring you have enough fuel, and checking the weather can all help to reduce those statistics.

“Many of the problems we respond to are preventable,” Commissioner Andrews added.

NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said logging on with Marine Rescue NSW was a simple but important step every skipper should take before heading out.

“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready around-the-clock to respond when boaters need help, but everyone who takes to the water has a responsibility to make safety their priority,” Minister Dib said.