Marine Search and Rescue

About Marine Search and Rescue

Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) units across the state play an extremely important role in the safety of boaters around Victoria's coastline, out at sea, and in many of our inland waterways.

MSAR rescue crews are made up entirely of dedicated volunteers, who are trained to national rescue standards. They are called upon to locate and provide emergency assistance to sinking vessels, vessels with flat batteries and other mechanical problems, or vessels that have run aground. When emergencies arise, MSAR units may be called upon to perform medical evacuation responses.

MSAR is made up of over 900 volunteers comprising:

• 17 Australia Volunteer Coast Guard flotillas
• 7 Independent MSAR units
• 2 Life Saving Victoria clubs
• 1 State Emergency Service unit
• 48 marine response vessels from small runabouts to large offshore vessels
• 27 marine response locations
• Responding to 900 marine incidents annually

MSAR unit locations

 

Becoming a Marine Search and Rescue Volunteer

If you are over the age of 16 and interested in becoming a Marine Search and Rescue Volunteer, contact MSAR.Office@emv.vic.gov.au with your name, location and phone number. 

Annual reports

MSAR annual report 2020-21

The MSAR Working Group

The MSAR Working Group is made up of representatives from all of the MSAR providers, supporting agencies, relevant government departments and the volunteer advisors. It is responsible for developing and executing a MSAR Reform Implementation Plan which sets out the big picture vision for the sector and the long-term goals needed to get there. The Working Group advises and reports to the Reform Implementation Board.

Find out more about MSAR Working Group

Marine Search and Rescue eNews

The MSAR eNews is published periodically. To add any stories or photos to the newsletter, email MSAR.Office@emv.vic.gov.au (External link).

subscribe to the MSAR eNews (External link)