Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR)

For emergencies requiring a response call SA Police on 131 444 or 000 for life-threatening emergencies.

There are six independently incorporated Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Associations in South Australia. We also have marine units strategically located throughout the State.

The SA Police coordinates marine search and rescue operations in South Australia. The VMR Associations provide a 24 hour response to marine emergencies and assist police with search and rescue operations.

VMR Associations and the SASES operate a number of limited coastal listening stations around the State. These stations provide a listening watch over marine radio frequencies, particularly the VHF (Very High Frequency) network.

Volunteering with VMR

Volunteering with a VMR organisation is not all about being at sea. We have volunteer roles in radio operations, logistics as well as search and rescue activities out on the water.

Organisations like South Australian Sea Rescue Squadron offer a range of volunteer activities for all ages and gender.

For information on marine voyage reporting visit our marine radio page. For general boating, marine safety and licensing information visit the SA Gov boating and marine page. For general water safety information and to contact South Australian water safety organisations visit the South Australian Water Safety Committee page.  

To register your interest in volunteering with one of the VMR organisations', contact the organisation directly via the details listed on our VMR Association locations page.

For information on what SASES marine rescue volunteers do visit our marine roles page.

To register your interest in becoming a SASES marine rescue volunteer or any other SASES volunteer role, fill in our volunteer registration form.

For further information about SASES VMR operations please contact:
Darryl Wright, Manager Marine Operations
GPO Box 2706 Adelaide SA 5001
Phone: 08 8115 3885
Email: darryl.wright@eso.sa.gov.au