Marine Rescue Whitfords in Ocean Reef, Western Australia, Australia | Public & government service

Marine Rescue Whitfords

Locality: Ocean Reef, Western Australia, Australia

Phone: +61 8 9401 3757

Address: Whitfords Volunteer Sea Rescue HQ 6027 Ocean Reef, WA, Australia

Website: http://www.whitfordssearescue.org.au

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• Sport & recreation
• Non-profit organisation
• Public & government service

25.01.2022 We are changing to VHF Channel 77 to Log on and Log Off. Marine Rescue Whitfords (VJ6LQ) will be changing it’s Log on / Log off service to VHF channel 77 with effect from Saturday 24th October 2020. Over the past 12 months we, together with other metropolitan based Marine Rescue Groups have seen a significant increase in marine radio traffic on VHF channel 73 to the extent that it has become somewhat congested during busy weekends.... As from Saturday 24th October 2020 you will be able to Log on / Log off with Marine Rescue Whitfords via: VHF 77 or VHF 81 Rottnest Repeater VHF 16 Emergency Channel 27Mhz 90 or 88 for emergencies Phone -9401 3757 The 27mghz Channel remains the same, as does VHF 16 for Emergencies We will continue to monitor VHF 73 for the next few months during the changeover and will continue to provide our 24/7 Service We believe this change will allow for clearer communications between the boating public and Marine Rescue Whitfords.

25.01.2022 We wish you all a great Easter Long Weekend!! Stay safe and remember to Log on with us, we are here all weekend ... VJ6LQ

25.01.2022 Must be crayfishing season ?

25.01.2022 We are at the WA Fire and Emergency Services Conference. Lots of people loving our Naiad...

24.01.2022 Great to see all these kids learning a lifelong skill at HBH this morning! Well done Recfishwest!! See you on the water kids !

24.01.2022 Last night a group from Marine Rescue Whitfords were kindly shown round the Police Air wing. It was great to share perspectives as we work a lot with several helos including polair for winch training. We each learned about each others capabilities which will only enhance cooperation and understanding by allowing us to work to each's strengths. Thanks polair guys for a hugely informative and interesting evening.

23.01.2022 Hang in there, the weekend is almost here Western Australia Police Force

23.01.2022 Thanks to Graham and the crew from Marine Rescue Rockingham for letting us come check out their new vessel "Orion". If you're down that way, be on the lookout for it, you can't really miss it... It's a work of art!

23.01.2022 Happy New Year one and all! We hope you have a great long weekend and stay safe. Remember we are here 24 x 7 if you need us!! VJ6LQ!!

23.01.2022 Vale Ron Upton It is with a heavy heart, that we announce the passing of the group’s first Commander, Ron Upton. Ron retired from active duties in the mid 1990’s, however regularly attended group meetings as a Life Member of the group.... After a double fatality off Pinnaroo Point in the early 1970’s, a number of concerned boaties, who included Ron Upton, Ken Blackie and Lance Gutteridge, formed an informal group to be available and lookout’ for other Boaties using the waters off the Whitfords beach area. They operated off the beach at Pinnaroo Point. In the early days the boats were between 4 to 5.5 meters in length, launching their boats over the sand and often high weed banks, with the help of an old tractor and lots of muscle power! After a number of years of operation the volunteer group decided that the time was right to formalize their operation. Ron Upton got together with his mate Lance Gutteridge and the two of them prepared a proposal to set up the Sea Search and Rescue Group, with the aim of assembling a group of people who could be ready at short notice to go to the aid of people in difficulty at sea. They arranged a public meeting at the old Sorrento Beach Hall to present their proposal. The WA Police, SAS, the local Surf Life Saving group, the Shire and members of the public, attended the meeting. The proposal was unanimously accepted and passed by the people at the meeting that evening, and so the Whitfords Volunteer Sea Rescue Group was formed. Ron was soon the proud Commander of a flotilla of 5 boats. Under Ron’s command the new members trained and prepared their boats to be in an ever-ready state to respond to a call for help. Ron’s name and memory will always be with us, in that our hall and training centre has been named after him, and our former vessel (call Sign Green 3) was also named in his honour : RV Upton

22.01.2022 Just a reminder that we now use Channel 77 to log on and off for VHF radio users. Please tell someone where you are going and when you are due to return. Have a great weekend...... VJ6LQ. See more

21.01.2022 Calling those who love being associated with the water but are unable to go out in a boat? Perhaps you are retired and think Hey, radio calls with boatee’s would be an interesting and worthwhile experience in my spare hours If this sounds interesting, how about joining our team at Whitfords VMR in our radio coms tower.... Radio is a critical part of our operations. You don’t need to hold a special qualification. We can help with training and assist in you gaining a recognised qualification. We would love to hear from you Of course, you don’t have to be limited to just radio duties, we also offer a combination of radio and boat duty on our three rescue boats. If this is you, why not put an expression of interest in https://www.whitfordssearescue.org.au/our-services/ Go for it!

20.01.2022 Need a Radio License? If you have a VHF or an HF radio on board, you are required by law to have a license to operate it. This even applies if you have a VHF hand-held radio. We are running a radio course for both the SROCP, (Short Range Operators’ Certificate of Proficiency) and the LROCP, (Long Range Operators’ Certificate of Proficiency) qualifications.... These courses teach you how to operate a marine VHF radio confidently and competently. You will become familiar with the typical situations you may encounter on the radio and you will learn about the rules and etiquette of marine radio. The Long-Range Operators Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) course runs over 3 evenings from 7.00 to 9.30 pm, and the SROCP runs over two nights. Short Range (VHF radio) Operators Course 1st & 2nd Feb. Long Range (MF/HF radio) Operators Course 1st, 2nd & 3rd Feb. Please note: Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are limiting the number of students in courses to maintain recommended distancing. Numbers strictly limited so book early. Head to our web page to enrol https://www.whitfordssearescue.org.au/boating-educ/courses/

20.01.2022 Come on ! You know you want to!

20.01.2022 Western Australia Police Force shared their playlist for 2020 with the world lots there from "The Police". This got us thinking - what would be some relevant music for Marine Rescue / Fire / DFES / SES playlists - We thought of a few - add your own to the comments (Polite please!) ..... MARINE RESCUE ... 1. "Rescue Me" by Fontella Bass - 1960s - (We should make this our Rescue Vessel's siren! If phones get to choose a ring tone why not emergency vessels ;-) ) - https://youtu.be/sFI7eQt3ghI 2. "Home From the Sea" - Liam Clancy - This song was written by a songwriter for UK & Ireland Sea rescue the RNLI when the writer's brother a professional fisherman was saved by them - its now the Unofficial RNLI anthem - great song good video too - https://youtu.be/vGwW2N51kK8 4. "The Lifeboat Mona" - Luke Kelly - About a lifeboat (Sea Rescue Vessel) crew that was lost with all hands in Scotland in 1959 - https://youtu.be/elNHzSf-QZI. 5. "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" - Gordon Lightfoot - About a giant ore carrier sunk in the HUGE lake Superior in Canada - many poignant sea rescue lyrics in it but the one that sticks is "Does anyone know where the love of god goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours" - https://youtu.be/9vST6hVRj2A 6. "La Mer" - Charles Trenet - https://youtu.be/ka--QM_tJ-s 7. "beyond the sea" - Bobby Darin (Finding Nemo theme) - https://youtu.be/m8OlDPqYBLw 8. So that others may live - Jason Price - Covers Sea Rescue and our DFES Chopper colleagues - https://youtu.be/Oc7DrFHvr0I 9. "The Irish Rover" - Pogues and the Dubliners - https://youtu.be/gfpmuuzt3q0 FIREFIGHTERS 1. "C'mon C'mon" - Von Bondies - Theme tune to hit TV fire show "Rescue Me" - https://youtu.be/KIUMLWyB9U8 "2. Shine your light" - Theme tune to film Ladder 49 - https://youtu.be/Y0hhRrlAfOU 3. "Fire" - Arthur Brown - 1968 ("I am the god of hellfire....." classic rock) - https://youtu.be/YzHtePuz13U 4. "Fire" - Gavin Degraw - More modern - https://youtu.be/sbbYPqgSe-M 5. "We didn't start the fire" by Billy Joel - SES is a bit harder 1. "Rescue Me" by Fontella Bass - 1960s - - https://youtu.be/sFI7eQt3ghI 2.. "Rescue Me" by One Republic - Recent - 3. "Duck and Cover" song - 1950s - since SES came out of Civil - https://youtu.be/IKqXu-5jw60Defence originally then became so much more. Any better ideas ? SES covers land search and rescue, aircrew spotters, high angle rescue, crash rescue, horse search, dog search and soo much. Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA

19.01.2022 At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.

19.01.2022 Our crews did a bit of training at Mindarie today. Towing, rafting and general boat handling in preparation for the busy summer season...

19.01.2022 Earlier today G2 was tasked to assist a vessel west of Hillarys, with a reported fire on board. Thankfully the fire was extinguished and all persons safe. G3 was also on scene as backup.

19.01.2022 The crew of rescue vessel "ken blackie" callsign "green3" rescued a silver gull caught in line. Western Australian Seabird Rescue were called and AQWA The Aquarium of Western Australia kindly agreed to look after the bird until they arrived.

18.01.2022 While many of our personnel have been fighting fires since Christmas, it has also been a busy nautical new year for our Marine Rescue volunteers. Over 3,000 ...hours have been volunteered on recoveries, tows, distress calls, overdue vessels, pan pans and training by our 37 Marine Rescue Groups Stay safe this summer, and if you’re out on the water: Check the weather conditions Wear your life jacket Log on with your local Marine Rescue Group

18.01.2022 Saturday was an extremely busy days for all the crews. Our resourceful crew aboard Green 1 had to think outside the box to get two vessels back to safe harbour at Hillarys. Thankfully the weather was good enough for a double tow, all home safe and sound! VJ6LQ

17.01.2022 Out and about.....

17.01.2022 Green1 was heli training with WAPOL Tuesday (see breathtaking video of them dropping swimmers) and again today (Wed) G1 was training with RAAF Pearce's contracted rescue "chopper 62" off little island where one of our guys took some shots.

16.01.2022 This morning the crew of rescue vessel "Ken Blackie" callsign "Green3" spotted a silver gull caught by fishing nylon. 2 crew had some experience and training working with wildlife and captured the bird quietly. Cut it loose and as they needed to be back on call arranged with friends at AQWA The Aquarium of Western Australia to care for it until WA SEABIRD RESCUE VOLUNTEERS could pick it up. https://wasr.org.au/ Our crew washed hands thoroughly afterwards as seagulls can carry salmonella.

16.01.2022 Fuelled and ready for the weekend !

16.01.2022 Green 3 assisting this vessel home from Rottnest, with the assistance of Fremantle Sea Rescue. Rover 2 towed the boat to Fairway Bouy where G3 took over the tow back to Hillarys.

15.01.2022 And that’s a wrap for another weekend. Thanks to all that logged on and off with us, and to all our volunteers who worked across a busy weekend.. VJ6LQ

15.01.2022 With Day One of the Abalone Season kicking off this morning, we worked alongside Surf Life Saving WA to ensure a safe morning for all. What a great day to be out on the water!

14.01.2022 Early morning job for our crew on Green 3, assisting a broken down vessel straight out from Ocean Reef. Everyone back safe and sound

14.01.2022 Can you see yourself throwing that line? Or even being on the helm while the line is being thrown. (after some practice first of course.) If so, why not become a volunteer and join our group. We can show you how to do this and train you in all aspects of operating a rescue vessel. And yes, you do get to drive the vessel. For further information on becoming a volunteer, just put in an expression of interest at: https://www.whitfordssearescue.org.au/

14.01.2022 Good news for all our Radio Subscribers. Our webpage is getting a major overhaul, including easier access to paying your subscription online, as well as a few other shiny bits. Keep an eye out for further developments... VJ6LQ!

13.01.2022 Weather coming in now at Hillarys as boats go away after a good training day in readiness for callout. Big wind and rain due tonight. As we packed up there were whitecaps INSIDE the marina, squad 20 had some fun practising rough weather handling in Green2.

12.01.2022 Training Time !Always great to be out working with Western Australia Police Force. Thanks to one of our Skippers who grabbed these pics.

11.01.2022 A timelapse of putting Green2 on the air berth lifting her out of the water.

11.01.2022 Please check your flares !!

11.01.2022 We assisted a vessel last night that struggled with a jammed starter motor. With the surrounding reefs and night sky, it required a technical recovery and tow back to safe harbour. The result was another safe, successful job completed.

10.01.2022 Search pattern training today. Hopefully we won’t need to use it all that often...

10.01.2022 Why become a Radio Subscriber with Marine Rescue Whitfords? For an annual fee of $50 you can join our radio network and receive your own unique Marine Rescue Whitfords Call Sign, your personal details recorded including all you boat details, emergency contacts, trailer rego or pen location etc.... For less than a coffee a week you can rest easy knowing we have all your details should you need us. Head to https://www.whitfordssearescue.org.au//become-a-subscriber/ now to sign up. VJ6LQ

09.01.2022 Great news if you launch from Hillarys with the jetties getting a bit of a makeover.. The new deck is supported by "plastic" frames bolted onto the original steel girders sunk in the ground, the uprights (fendering) is recycled plastic/glass and the mesh deck is one piece and very grippy. They look fantastic!!!

09.01.2022 Another busy day at Hillarys this morning.

08.01.2022 Armistice day 2020 11/11 1100 Lest we forget. 102 yrs ago World War 1 ended. Today we remember those who died on all sides and in the conflicts that followed.

07.01.2022 Some video from todays heliex with RAAF

06.01.2022 Green 1 assisting a broken down vessel 5nm of Centuar... all home safe and sound.

05.01.2022 Some of our Volunteers attending a Sea Survival Course today, with flare training part of the course...

04.01.2022 On Saturday our crew aboard Green 2 were alerted to a Pan Pan call from the Water Police for a vessel sinking approx 17nm west of Two Rocks. Green 2 proceeded at speed to the location alongside vessels from Fisheries WA Marine Safety WA and Marine Rescue Two Rocks. Thankfully, the Skipper of the sunken vessel was able to make a Mayday call and broadcast their exact GPS location and managed to don lifejackets. They were not able to set of an EPIRB as that went down with the ...vessel. A nearby commercial vessel (Falcon) operated by Hsa Marine where able to locate the fisherman and bring them aboard. Green 2 then transferred them back to Two Rocks Marina. The young lads were in the water for about 45 minutes until help arrived, and thankfully didn’t require any medical attention. The next day the Skipper of Green 2 received a phone call from one of the boy’s father who was extremely thankful for the assistance provided. A successful outcome, and a great job by all involved. Video here https://www.msn.com//young-fishermen-rescued-a/vp-BB1gMLHh Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA Volunteer Marine Rescue Western Australia

04.01.2022 Great result from our mates at Fremantle Sea Rescue and shows the importance of a functioning EPIRB. Well done FSR

03.01.2022 Early morning on Abalone Patrol with Surf Life Saving WA.

02.01.2022 DONT FORGET we are changing to VHF Channel 77 to Log on and Log Off from Saturday 24th October 2020. Log on / Log off with Marine Rescue Whitfords via: VHF 77 or VHF 81 Rottnest Repeater... VHF 16 Emergency Channel 27Mhz 90 or 88 for emergencies Phone -9401 3757 We will continue to monitor VHF 73 for the next few months during the changeover and will continue to provide our 24/7 Service Cheers VJ6LQ

01.01.2022 Last night Green 2 and Green 3 crewed by 7 people practiced towing, rafting and bringing boats alongside the jetty at night in a strong seabreeze. Boat squad leader ran the training and made everyone sweat with some excellent and challenging training. The key challenge was towing a boat to the slip witb a strong breeze blowing the tow boat onto the slip and into the back of the lead boat. The key was controlling the momentum given to the towed boat as there is no way for it ...to brake. Slow, gentle and precise was key and coordination between skipper and crew to slip the towline at times to allow the lead boat to maeuvre without the trailing boat being tugged and speeding up. Doing this excercise about a dozen times in total between both crews and breaking down the training to the critical activity was a great approach. For safety the trailing boat kept its engines running so we could make mistakes safely with no damage. Marine Rescue crews are constantly training!