Over 39 Years of Volunteer Service

Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport-Surfers Paradise (VMR Southport) was originally formed as Southport-Surfers Paradise Air Sea Rescue.

The initial aim for this enthusiastic group was to assist boaties and fishermen in crossing the notorious Southport Bar. We have developed to provide services throughout the Gold Coast.

Based on The Spit, overlooking the Southport Broadwater and with the Gold Cost Seaway just around the corner, VMR Southport's Base is conveniently located to allow a rapid response to any emergency in the marine environment.

The safety of life and the preservation of property are the main goals of this highly trained, volunteer community service organisation.  With modern 21st century skills, facilities and state of the art equipment, VMR Southport - VMR400 is proud to be a leader in providing exceptional marine rescue services.

We rely on the community's generosity to provide an on going professional service to the users of the Gold Coast waterways.  If you would like to become an associate member or volunteer as an active member, or make a donation, please download the application from the Membership VMR  web page or contact VMR directly.

Radio Operators

Ever thought of who are those people that you talk to on the radios or telephones when you call VMR Southport or VMR 400? Well, they are ordinary people like you with extraordinary dedication who volunteer their time and expertise to assist the boating public. To provide a bit more info on them, here is a short description from our Radio Operator Coordinator.

VMR Southport Boat Crew and Radio Operators play an essential role in marine search and rescue for the Gold Coast. They provide the communications vital to effective assistance on the water. Radio operators are conversant with, and proficient in, all emergency and operational procedures required to work in the maritime safety environment.

All VMR Southport Active Members undergo training courses to qualify them to hold the Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP). Comprehensive ‘on-the-job’ training is then mandatory for all Radio operators, whether a crew member, or a radio member. Radio operators are then required to pass written and practical assessments before approval is given to operate the VMR Southport Base radios and the Seaway Tower Radios.