Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Port Douglas is now part of Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), marking a new era for Far North Queensland’s on-water community.
The 30-strong volunteer unit, which formed more than four decades ago, is the seventh Volunteer Marine Rescue unit in Queensland to transition to MRQ since 1 July 2024.
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.
MRQ is part of Queensland Police Service, which is responsible for coordinating the state’s disaster and emergency services response – but MRQ is a separate service with its own identity, structure, governance and uniforms.
VMR Port Douglas volunteer members work 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.
Activations range from tow-ins and training exercises run by VMR Port Douglas.
MRQ Port Douglas follows the transition of MRQ Jacobs Well on 9 December 2024, MRQ Hervey Bay on 3 December 2024, MRQ Victoria Point on 19 November 2024, MRQ Currumbin on 14 November 2024 and MRQ Gladstone and Mackay units in July 2024.
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.”
