Marine Rescue Raby Bay

What do you do whilst waiting for the lunchtime dessert to settle? No, they are not scrolling Facebook for the latest marine posts. What they are actually doing is their initial online training for MRQ compliance. The first set of modules covers WH&S, obligations when driving Government vehicles, and SAR lite. Ok, not the most exciting topics (except for SAR which is always interesting), especially since these people have already been through WHS and SAR as VMR, but it's a required step. Whilst the administrative modules are a little dry, MRQ is a Registered Training Organisation and will train volunteers through their Certificate in Marine Operations which, when coupled with sea time, can lead to an AMSA commercial Certificate of Competency.

Over the weekend we enjoyed a visit from our colleagues at Marine Rescue Queensland - Victoria Point. The purpose of the visit was to view some of our respective equipment. Raby Bay demonstrated their intercom headsets with VHF radio integration (excellent to keep the back deck searchers across the radio traffic whilst on SAR, or to hear the radios when the engines are at full throttle). The Victoria Point crew were able to demonstrate their boat drone which can take a tow line to a vessel in shallow water, or assist a person in the water, amongst other uses.

One Coast, One Crew. One MRQ.

So who's an early bird? At about 0330 this morning MRQ Raby Bay was activated to assist a vessel taking in water that was offshore from Stradbroke Island. The low winds and decent tide made for a straight forward pre-dawn bar crossing. Guided to the target by accurate coordinates and Rescue 500 hovering above, the crew were able to retrieve the mariners who had moved into the tender in anticipation of the inevitable.

Just after this Marine Rescue Redland Bay and Marine Rescue North Stradbroke arrived and were able to check and secure the vessel whilst Raby Bay returned the mariners to shore.

Through the combined efforts of MRQ Redland Bay, North Stradbroke and a returning Raby Bay, crews were able to oversee the additional salvage pumps throughout the day and kept the vessel afloat until a salvage crew arrived. An excellent example of multiple MRQ crews working together for preservation of life and keeping our waterways safe. One Coast. One Crew. One MRQ.

If you are in the vicinity of the Cleveland Caravan, Camping, Boating & 4x4 Expo this weekend, then pop down and say hello to the volunteers at the Marine Rescue Queensland display or the interactive fishing show with Robbie and Mossy.

I thought it was supposed to be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But maybe it's really a Rescue Boat.

Not every crew day is packed with adventure, but sometimes it seems that way. As MRQ we can now have members as young as 16 and our newest recruit (the daughter of one of our members) has been waiting until we became MRQ in order to join. So today was her first day and we were able to combine some crew drills and local knowledge with a visit to the Moreton Bay Fishing Classic at Manly Harbour Boat Club. There the crew got to meet Scott from Creek to Coast and those attending the Marine Rescue Queensland booth.

After returning to base another crew was dispatched to assist a Mayday call where an engine fire disabled a large recreational vessel. Fortunately the situation was quickly contained and the occupants were transported to safety where firies from Qld Fire service checked the vessel and gave it the all clear.

Sometimes the day doesn't quite go to plan. Remember to check the bilge pumps work! Marine Rescue Raby Bay received a call from a vessel that was taking on water. When arriving on scene, the vessel was already underwater. Fortunately everyone is ok and now safely back on shore. It's a reminder that when things go wrong on the water it can happen quickly.

It's not all breakdowns, searches and medevacs. Being a volunteer can also get you some pretty good seats to the airshow it seems. Over the weekend volunteers from Marine Rescue Raby Bay along with other MRQ and Coast Guard vessels supported Queensland Police and Queensland Ambulance as a standby unit on the water. Whilst it does mean bobbing around for 8 hours at a time, the photos one of our crew sent though seem pretty impressive.

Last night MRQ Raby Bay was activated by Water Police to assist in the search for a missing person and their vessel.

Multiple search and rescue units from different bases searched until the early hours of the morning.

We are thankful for those volunteers who donate their time to help people in distress at all hours of the day or night whenever they are asked.

Edit: as has been noted in the media, Mr Tillema has been located. Our condolences to his family and friends.

⚓️ Marine Rescue Community ⚓️

On behalf of all members at Volunteer Marine Rescue Raby Bay, we are deeply saddened by the tragic events involving our brothers and sisters at Marine Rescue Ballina.

This is incredibly hard to process. Our crews are more than just volunteers; we are family. When something like this happens, it is felt by every one of us across the entire marine rescue community.

It does not matter what colour uniform we wear or which state we serve in, we are all volunteers united by the same purpose: saving lives at sea ❤️

We understand that the situation is still unfolding, and that privacy for the squadron and the families involved is paramount. During this time, we stand back with respect but we stand firmly beside you.

No one should ever lose a brother at sea.

To those grieving, please know this: we are so deeply sorry for your loss, and we stand ready to support you in any way we can: today, tomorrow, and in the days ahead.

Volunteer Marine Rescue Raby Bay - standing by ⚓️