VMR 448 Mackay in Mackay, Queensland | Emergency rescue service

VMR 448 Mackay

Locality: Mackay, Queensland

Phone: +61 7 4955 5448

Address: Mulherin Drive 4740 Mackay, QLD, Australia

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

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• Medical and health
• Non-profit organisation
• Community organisation
• Emergency rescue service

25.01.2022 We are underway with day one of our on-water coverage for the Kitefoil Championships off Lamberts Beach just out from the North Wall of the harbour

24.01.2022 Two rescues in 24 hours for Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Rescue 6. Yesterday afternoon a call come in from a 5.8m power boat with mechanical failure at Alarm Reef (fitting place for such a call), which is 55 miles off the Mackay coast. Being an Alloy hull, and calm seas, Rescue 6 was readied by Emanuel (Skipper) and Ross, Gabriel & Mike (Crew). Conditions allowed for faster than average speeds going out, and 20 knots tow speed coming back to Mackay, putting everyone safe in Ma...ckay by 18:30 hrs. The 120nm (220km) rescue was completed in 6 hrs. Then at 11:00hrs this morning, Bob (radio) again called Emanuel, Ross and Mike to assist a 4.5m poly craft that had developed a split in the fuel tank. Again DBCT Rescue 6 was readied and although less than 10 miles from the marina, conditions today were quite rough, making speeds slower and the tow home tough at times. The experienced crew had everyone safely home by 14:00hrs. Neither vessel owners were members. Thank-you and well done to Radio Operators, Skipper and Crew, Two more calls for help taken in your stride. See more

24.01.2022 We would like to take a moment to recognise the ladies who are part of our VMR crews. VMR Mackay has lady Skippers and Crew, who do an awesome job during our activations. In the photos you can see Joline during yesterdays activation, who was commended for excellent skills not only with her official duties during the tow, but also ensuring 4 young children, who were brought onboard Rescue 5 for safety, felt comfortable, safe and enjoyed the trip home. Ensuring children feel safe and are calm during rescues is an important skill, so the Skipper can focus on the vessel, and the crew can focus on towing needs. If you’re a lady who would like to join VMR as a volunteer crew member, please visit our website at www.vmrmackay.org.au for details.

24.01.2022 Another great VMR volunteer was presented with a much deserved award this week. Join us in congratulating and thanking Jill Mayhead, for her Continuous and Dedicated Service to VMR Mackay. Thank you Jill, for all you've done to help keep our boaters safe.

24.01.2022 VMR Membership Gift Certificates make great presents for the holidays. See our Volunteers outside Big W at Canelands tomorrow, Friday and Saturday.

23.01.2022 Are you still wondering about what to buy the boater in your life these holidays? How about a VMR Membership for only $85 per year. We will be selling Membership Gift Certificates directly from our base at the Harbour this Sunday. Just come up to the Radio Room between 12noon and 5pm. Cash or EFPOS, and YES they can be used to renew a current membership.

23.01.2022 A great, big thank-you to CUB Crew Mackay for the $1000 donation, for the 2nd year in a row. We are very grateful. CUB Crew was est. in 2012 in Mackay QLD as a Men's support group, then in 2015 became a Crabbing Club. Great group of men supporting each other, while also enjoying crabbing, fishing and a few stories over a beer. The CUB Crew reps arrived just as Mackay Rescue 5 was returning from an activation, and Don (Skipper) along with Gary, Darrell and Tom (Crew) were able to give them a tour of the vessel. Our thanks to Cub Crew members Jordan, Travis, Stevo, Greg and Mark for taking time out of their weekend to present us this donation.

23.01.2022 Freddie the Fender has been saved...again! Just a few quick pics of crew training from last Saturday. A combination of skippers and crew (Emanuel, Ross, Mike, Noel, Gabriel, Ian and Kerry) "Activated" Rescue 5 around Slade Island to simulate a variety of drills, including MOB (Man over board) or in the case FOB. Well done to all who volunteer their weekends to keep skills finely turned. We're happy to report Freddie is now back at his fulltime job...keeping Rescue 5 a safe distance from the dock.

22.01.2022 Today is the last day of National Boating Safety Week, and the start of a great long weekend on the water. If it's been a while since you've read the boating "rules of the road", this 90 second video is well worth your time. In a channel (in or out of the Marina) keep to the Starboard (right side). Power vessels give way to Starboard (right side). Sailing vessels with sails down and under mechanical propulsion are considered Power vessels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG2C3OAbdLc&feature=youtu.be

21.01.2022 Safe Boating this weekend. If you need us from 8am until 6pm use Channel 21 North of Mackay, Channel 80 South of Mackay, or Phone us on 4955 5448. If you are in an EMERGENCY situation, use Channel 16, which is monitored 24 hours per day. *Remember Trip Logging is for everyone, not just members, so please consider calling in to log your trip.

20.01.2022 Day 1 in the books for the Kitefoil Championship as part of the Rumble on the Reef being hosted in Mackay. VMR 448 Mackay provided water-side coverage for the 5 races held today. Here is a short video of what we did, and will do for the next 2 days. We are proud to help encourage these types of events to continue coming to Mackay. Thanks to Dale (Skipper) and Daryl (Crew) for day 1 coverage.

17.01.2022 We are working with North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation as they begin projects to bring great economic benefits to the Mackay region. We will be posting important safety messages about Mackay Harbour shipping movements for recreational boaters over the coming weeks. This link explains the large investment they are making to help secure more business for Mackay. https://nqbp.com.au//port-of-mackays-$17m-shot-in-the-arm-

16.01.2022 Although not as "exciting" as our rescue work, weekly boat checks are equally as important to our safe and uninterrupted coverage. Thanks to all our volunteer crew, like these pics from yesterday, for going over our vessels and vehicles every week. And thanks to Graham (Skipper) and Mark (Crew) for Day 2 coverage of the Kitefoil races today, and hosting event officials on Rescue 6 as part of the Rumble on the Reef

15.01.2022 Safe boating means knowing the limits of your vessel. Before you go, make sure your boat is seaworthy and appropriate for your chosen activity. Find out more: http://ow.ly/Pms350BANFa #SafeBoatingWeek

15.01.2022 Jet Skis are not only fun, but are becoming popular as fishing vessels. But just like traditional boats, they sometimes break down. So we encourage all Jet Ski owners to become VMR members in case you have issues at sea, like one yesterday off St. Helens Beach. Ross (Skipper) along with Ian & Adam (Crew) towed Mackay Rescue (our in-shore and shallow water RHIB) up to Seaforth using our New Pioneer Motors Rodeo ute, and launched at Victor Creek. The disabled Jet Ski was found just out from St. Helens Beach and towed back to Victor Creek. Ross summed it up with, "Our activations come in all shapes and sizes." We are here for all boaters, and that includes those on Jet Skis and all other ocean going watercraft.

15.01.2022 Please Check Your Safety Gear! Most Mackay boaters heading to sea these school holidays will have heard about the rescue this week. Key comments from the owner: We were travelling out and heard like a bit of a thud. It was a weird noise. Next thing we know, there’s water squirting up", It probably took about 15 minutes for the boat to go under and roll over", "If we didn’t have any of that (safety equipment), we’d still be out there floating on the water. A reminder how un...expectedly, and quickly, life threatening issues happen on the water. Humour is also often used to keep moral high among survivors, and the owners dad had that nailed, but this stuff is only funny when there are survivors, "As the family floated, Nugent’s father commented, we lost all the beer, in a video Nugent took. (*Credit 7 News for the story) https://7news.com.au//queensland-family-with-eight-month-o See more

14.01.2022 VMR Mackay is proud to be providing on-water coverage for the Kitefoil Championships over the long weekend, as part of the Rumble on the Reef. We will be on the water starting at 9am, and through the weekend event. Great to be part of events that continue to bring an economic impact and tourism awareness to our great city, especially during these challenging times.

14.01.2022 Thank you to our Radio Operator trainers Peter (Operations and Inductions), Charles (LROCP Course) and the Senior Operators for mentoring the new operators. They all do a great job ensuring the Radio Room Crew are well prepared to handle all situations. Keeping accurate trip logs for vessels, call-in and walk-in membership payments, familiarisation with local boating areas, islands and reefs, and radio communications for weather requests, breakdown assistance and emergency situations. VMR Mackay Radio Room is staffed from 8am until 6pm every day, by a 100% volunteer crew of trained operators.

14.01.2022 Last week, Mr Heath Kennedy (Vice President, VMR Mackay) was invited to accept a cheque from the Macrossan and Amiet Charitable Foundation as part of their local charity support, Cheques totalling $75,699.40 were presented to local charities by the Trustees of the Macrossan & Amiet Charitable Foundation! Incredible support from a local business.

13.01.2022 Even when the weather is perfect to be on the water, we are still here to help. Big thanks for Geoff (Skipper) and Gary & Wayne (Crew) for towing in a 13.7m (45ft) sailing Ketch with mechanical issues. The vessel become aware of the issue 2 days ago while near Keswick Island, and began communications with our Radio Room (Big thanks to the legends who volunteer in there). Over their two day visit at Keswick they were unable to fix the issue, so they sailed their way close to Slade Island, then required VMR to tow them into the Marina and berth so mechanical repairs can be done. The Skipper of the Ketch was very complimentary about the service, and given the pulling power of Rescue 5, joked "That's the fastest my boat has ever moved". Not everything we do is dramatic, but still just as important in the end.

12.01.2022 Busy start to the holiday season with Mastermyne Rescue 5 towing them in 2-at-a-time yesterday. And is already in the middle of 2 more today (more on them later). Yesterday morning saw the crew activate close to Scawfell Island to help a 6.5m power boat with a broken gearbox. During the activation a 7.5m power boat had engine failure 30 miles away, about 40 miles offshore. So the crew put Boat 1 under tow out to the 2nd, and towed them both back together. Overall 30 miles out, 30 miles between boats, and 40 miles home. Big thanks to Peter (Radio Room), Emanuel (Skipper) and Tracey, Gary & Ian (crew). And both were VMR members and only paid for fuel used.

09.01.2022 Not only is Mackay Marina Village home to our Rescue Vessel 5, but also home to all the things boaters need, including 24 fuel and an awesome deal for overnight docking. YES, this is for recreational boats too! Beat RAMP RAGE by launching and fuelling the afternoon before you head to sea, by taking advantage of the overnight special to dock in the Marina. If you're planning 2 days fishing, get the two night deal and spend the night between days in the safety of the Marina. They also offer all the things you need on the water...Ice, Bait, Oils and Lubricants, and 24 hour Diesel and Unleaded at the new card reader pumps. Launch and fuel in the afternoon, dinner in the Marina, and be first out on the water the next morning.

09.01.2022 Yesterday we hosted Shane Hamilton (Labor Candidate for Mirani) at the VMR base. Shane was given a tour of the building and a brief on our operations by Skipper Charles Linsley. Visits by all local candidates allow us to discuss the future for VMR, and we are encouraged knowing VMR is front-of-mind during those discussions. We are grateful for the time they give to learn more about VMR Mackay and the community service we provide.

09.01.2022 Queensland Fire and Emergency Services - QFES met with VMR Mackay yesterday as part of the pilot "Risk to Resources" program. The program is an outcome from the recent Blue Water Review. Mackay is honoured to be one of just 3 Volunteer Marine Rescue squadrons, along with 3 Australian Volunteer Coast Guard flotillas, who will take part by using risk analysis to find Best Practice across several aspects. One key element is to identify what vessels are required by units during r...escue operations. Criteria including boating population, environment including hazards, area of operation, and duration and types of activations is being used so appropriate vessels are selected, using sound analysis and business planning to make sure vessels are fit for purpose. If the pilot program is successful, the process will be rolled out across all VMR and AVCG. We would like to thank QFES representatives Nigel Hogan and Tom Bennett, and our own Russell McLennan (President), Heath Kennedy (Vice President), Emanuel Darmanin (MC and skipper), Don Bowden (Unit Training Coordinator) and Charles Linsley (Skipper), for giving over 3 hours to ensure detailed discussions could be held. VMR Mackay is excited to be looking to the future that will bring better Marine Rescue services to Mackay area boaters. See more

08.01.2022 Please join us in welcoming onboard (pun intended) Integral Engineering as our newest business partner. The local Mackay Structural Engineering firm is Integral to Safe and Reliable Structures, much like VMR Mackay is Integral to providing Safe and Reliable assistance at sea. Integral Engineering proudly lists many well known companies as their clients, like Glencore, Anglo American, BMA, Mackay Regional Council and our own VMR partner, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal. Integral relies on an approach very similar to our own at VMR Mackay, in being Reliable, Responsive and Resourceful. We are always grateful when local Mackay companies choose to partner with VMR as their way to give back to the local community. Again, please join us in welcoming them as a partner, and we encourage you to visit their website at www.integraleng.com.au

06.01.2022 Radio Channel 16 is for Emergency communication. If you need to contact another vessel or shore station on Ch 16 for non-emergency reasons, please request changing to an alternate channel after initial contact is made. Yesterday afternoon VMR Mackay was communicating with a vessel experiencing issues (everything worked out OK) and the RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter was in the air. However, there were also two vessels using Ch 16 to engage in a 5 min conversation about cooking breakfast and what time the boats should meet. This made communications very challenging.

05.01.2022 It is with a heavy heart we share the news of the passing of Col Bath. Col gave more than 2 decades of service to VMR Mackay and his work in the Radio room was an especially important contribution for the safety of all area boaters. A service for Col will be held at 10am on Tuesday, December 1, at New Haven Funerals. VMR Members who are able to attend are asked to wear full uniform to form a Guard Of Honour, per the families request.

05.01.2022 Sept 26 to Oct 2 is National Safe Boating Week. We'd invite all boaters to take just a few minutes to read over some of the basics of the 7 categories for the week: Know It / Service It / Pack It / Check It / Plan It / Learn It / Wear It. We'd also like to suggest an 8th...JOIN IT. (It being VMR) https://www.amsa.gov.au/national-safe-boating-week

05.01.2022 We are ready, come get a Membership Gift Certificate as a gift for the Boater in your life these holidays. THURSDAY (9am-7pm), FRIDAY (9am - 4.45pm) and SATURDAY 9am - 2pm)

05.01.2022 IMPORTANT SAFETY ADVICE! If you use the Mackay Harbour ramp, or dock in the Mackay Marina Village, please watch this 1min 50 sec video on Dredging Operations that start at 4am tomorrow (Sunday) and go 24 hours a day, for the next 2 weeks. North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation are improving the Port, and the Dredge Ship and support vesels are part of the project. There is also a sign at the front door of VMR 448 Mackay building with more info. *Please share with pages and groups who may also find this info useful. Project details can also be found at this page: https://nqbp.com.au/our-ports/mackay/dredging

04.01.2022 VMR Mackay was busy yesterday afternoon, bringing 2 vessels back to shore before the storms started. At 1115hrs Peter (Radio) took a call from a 6.9m powered, mono-hull which had broken down near the Beverly group (45nm SE of Mackay). Emanuel (Skipper), Joline, Mark, Mike and Ian (Crew) departed Mackay in Rescue 5. The afternoons high-tide allowed them to safely tow the vessel into Sarina Beach boat ramp before arriving back in the Marina at 1800 hrs. During the same time Pet...er took another call for a 48ft power cruiser which had gearbox failure only 4 miles North of Slade Island. Due to the size of the vessel and increasing winds, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Rescue 6 launched with Geoff (Skipper), Adrian and Thomas (Crew) for the tow back into the Marina, and Mackay Rescue launched with Don (Skipper) and Gary and Daryl (Crew) to assist in manoeuvring the large boat into their berth at the Marina. All crews where on their way home by 1900hrs, just as the winds began to reach 20+ knots and the rain started to fall across the Mackay region. Our thanks also goes to both boat owners who were very accommodating in being ready when the our crews arrived, and did a great job in working with our crews requests for a smooth tow home. See more

04.01.2022 A JETSKI ENGINE CAN FLOOD DURING TOWING: This is great information for the Jetski community in our region. We've seen some pretty awesome Jetskis around recently, being used for day-trips, fishing and spearing. But like boats, sometimes they breakdown. We urge all Jetski owners to 1) Read their Owners Manual about towing, 2) Talk to your dealer about fitting a Tow Tap, or buying a Clamp. 3) Know the Maximum Tow Speed for you Jetski. 4) Join VMR Mackay. https://www.projetski.com.au/articles/jetski/towtap

04.01.2022 WOW, just WOW!! We are the Cover Story on the Mackay and Whitsunday Life tomorrow. Thank you for telling our story, and thank you also Mastermyne for the partnership that led to this opportunity. Grab your FREE copy at Mackay area Woolworths, Coles, Service Stations, etc. 15,000 copies locally and growing every week. You will also find another VMR partner inside, Explore Property Mackay with new listings in the area.

04.01.2022 Follow up from previous post below...this morning Bob (radio room) received a call for a 6.8m power boat at Bailey Island, with a broken starter motor, so Roy (Skipper) along with Don, Merv, Noel & Adam (crew) headed out in Mastermyne Rescue 5. With small seas they reached the boat and began towing back to Mackay without issues...until Bob came on the radio again saying there was a 2nd vessel, a 7m power boat needed assistance near Keswick. They dropped the 1st boat at the ha...rbour ramp, pulled down the tow flag (the blue and yellow one you can see in the photo) and got ready to head back to sea. The 2nd boat recently had a new fuel tank installed, and the owner could see plenty of fuel but none was getting to the engine. The crew loaded on 40lts of fuel just in case, and made way to the 2nd boat. After adding the fuel the engine started and they come back into the harbour under their own power, with Mastermyne Rescue 5 following behind. After investigation, it appears the new tank may have the pick up line off to one side rather than the centre, which effects fuel pick-up when the vessel is listing to the side. Again, both boat owners are VMR members and only paid for the fuel used to assist them. See more

03.01.2022 The Epitome of Resilience displayed by this group of Senior Ladies. VMR Mackay was invited to give a short presentation about our operations and accept a donation cheque from the Mackay and District Ladies Past Presidents Bowls Social Club. Not only is this group of ladies very active in their lives, with bowling and other social activities, they are also dedicated and committed to fundraising for their community. In a year where all fundraising efforts have been severely c...hallenged by Covid restrictions and protocols, these ladies have the passion, determination and resilience towards their fundraising efforts, that they presented Don Bowden (Skipper and RTO) with a $1,200 donation for VMR Mackay. Our thanks to Denise (President), Mona (Secretary) and all ladies for the donation, but also for your continued display for community pride and spirit at a time when it is greatly needed. Well done to you all. See more

01.01.2022 Day 1 of National Safe Boating Week is in the books, more on this as the week progresses, and we have been busy. Morning training exercises (pics coming soon), an activation with Rescue 6 currently underway as we type (details on this soon), and one just completed...Peter in our Radio room received an urgent call for help at 14:25hrs, when a 42 foot power vessel damaged it's drive shaft after hitting a reef in shallow water. Peter (Skipper) along with Ian, Noel and Darryl (Cr...ew) headed for the Brampton Island area in Rescue 5. The vessel was able to assess the damage and no hull integrity was detected, and the drive shaft was still able to turn at limited speed. The vessel made it's way to Brampton Island where more assessments will be done. Rescue 5 returned to Mackay at approx. 18:00. Well done to all. (Pic of Rescue 5 Crew as the returned from Sea) See more

01.01.2022 Thank you to all the wonderful people who stopped by to donate, buy a gift certificate or just to say hello, over the past 3 days at Caneland Central Shopping Centre. Thanks to Ian B, Charles, Graham B, Graham C and Daryl for operating the table. And a sneaky hint; You can get gifts wrapped for a gold coin donation at the tables next door to Gloria Jeans Coffee, and all the proceeds benefit our fellow rescuers at RACQ CQ Rescue

01.01.2022 While many people use today to prepare for the next two weeks of school holidays, which for many means time on the water, VMR Mackay was preparing as well. Skipper Ross was put through his 3-yearly recertification, in what proved to be tough conditions. Thanks to Charles (Certified accreditor), and Rory for crewing during the process. For VMR Mackay to be as up to date and efficient as possible, we are constantly improving knowledge across skippers and crews, even when conditions are not ideal. We're here 24/7 if you ever need us!

01.01.2022 Last night we detected a distress beacon registered to an Australian yacht in the Mediterranean Sea about 160km east of Malta. We made contact with the vessel w...hich reported being caught in severe weather and in need of assistance. We contacted the Malta Rescue Coordination Centre, who have responsibility for Search and Rescue in this region, and they assumed coordination of the incident and diverted a nearby merchant vessel to the location. The merchant vessel successfully recovered the two Australian sailors unharmed and is now enroute to Turkey. A huge thank you to our friends in Malta for coming to the aid of these Australians in distress on the other side of the world. See more

01.01.2022 A Trip Log could literally be the difference in being "RESCUED A FEW HOURS LATER...OR RECOVERED A FEW DAYS LATER". Our Trip Log Service is for ALL BOATERS, not just VMR Members. It is so vital if ever we need to search for you, we'd like everyone to log their trip. We encourage everyone to PLEASE watch this 5 min video on why it's important, and how to log your trip. You can log by Radio, Phone or the Paper Sheets if leaving from the Mackay Harbour.