Our mission.. the preservation of Life, Property and Environment

Cockburn Volunteer Sea Search and Rescue Group operate in the waters of Cockburn Sound and well beyond to provide assistance to the boating public of Perth. We offer a 24 hour radio watch for sea going vessels and a rescue service for those who get into trouble.

About us

Cockburn Sea Rescue relies on volunteers committed to the safety of the boating public. As such, we are always looking for the right people to join our team. Cockburn Sea Rescue offers a service that is invaluable to the boating community, but also provides an opportunity to meet and work with other like-minded people.

We pride ourselves on our ability to respond professionally, whether at the request of the general public or on behalf of the Water Police as Western Australia's Hazard Management Authority.

Cockburn Sea Rescue is affiliated with the Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) and is one of 37 sea rescue groups operating in Western Australia. Members who join us also join DFES and will be issued with a unique ID number and access to a  range of resouces.

Operational membership

We have a three month probation period for new members at which point our Committee either endorses operational membership, denies membership or suggests an extension to the probation period.

Training

Our crew need to be ready to deal with any situation that might present itself. The majority of our work is assisting vessels that require towing back to shore. However, we are also first responders to distress and medical situations and training is vital for us to complete these tasks successfully and professionally.

Cockburn Sea Rescue members work their way through a comprehensive training manual to ensure they are ready. Most training is completed during a typical weekend shift whilst on the water. We also hold a training session on the first Tuesday evening of every month starting at 1830hrs. It is expected that members attend these practical sessions which are always fun and informative.

In addition to our in-house training, volunteers must also complete training endorsed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Our boats are designated as commercial vessels and as such skippers and crew need to meet minimum acceptable standards for commercial operations. To achieve this, the Department of Fire & Emergency Services have developed training pathways for volunteers to meet these requirements.

All members will complete their First Aid and Long Range Operators Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) which is a requirement for operating VHF marine radios. Course costs are covered by the group.

Rosters

We currenly use an online roster system where members select their own shifts in advance. The roster is a live document so changes are visible immediately. Our roster page also holds other important information for members such as training records and member contacts etc. 

Members are encouraged to nominate for shifts as early as possible. The rosters are typically available two months in advance. Our roster coordinator will send out an email notification to members to let them know the roster has become available. It is then the members responsibility to select their own shifts on the live roster to suit their own availability, whilst ensuring they are committing to our requirements as listed above.

This system allows each member ample opportunity to select their own shifts and ensures that our group remains operationally ready for anything.

Additionally, it is highly recommended that members don't plan events on the evening of shift days. The nature of providing an emergency service is that we cannot guarantee crew will be home at any given time.

Uniforms

Members are issued with DFES uniforms after six months and they are required to be worn when on shift. Interim shirts are issued for members that have completed at least three shifts and not yet eligible for full uniform. These shirts remain the property of the group. 

Non-marking and non-slip shoes are required at all times when on shift.

It's not all work!

We do get the opportunity occasionally to mix socially as a team. Our members come from a range of age brackets, backgrounds and ocean-going experience - and that diversity is what makes us such a great team!

Sounds good.....what now?

1.  Join us at one of our Information Evenings where we explain all about our operation and have committee members available to answer any questions you may have. If we have a strong interest in new recruits we may bring forward the Information Evening date to speed up your sea rescue journey.

2.  After our get-together, we'll place you on the boat roster to join our crew and get your hands dirty, learn heaps and mingle with our sea rescue family. You will be given the appropriate forms to complete so that you can be registered with DFES and obtain a unique ID number that links you to our group.

3.  That's it - you're underway! You'll get a very good idea of exactly what's involved after only a few shifts and will start training right away.

Please feel free to send any questions you might have to: rosters@cockburnsearescue.org.au