Who Are We?

VMR Bribie Island Incorporated is a volunteer organisation, whose objects are:

  • Providing a rescue service, a rescue base and such equipment deemed necessary for the operation of the  rescue service and the Association generally.
  • Promoting, fostering and supporting boating safety amongst members and the boating public generally by arranging training and education programs

VMR Bribie comprises 100% volunteers, there are no paid staff at VMR Bribie.

We rely on member and public support to fund the operation of our rescue service.  

If you have a vessel, we encourage you to become a Member, and take out vessel rescue coverage.

If you don't have a boat, but you want to be part of a genuine community focussed organisation, we would love to welcome you as an Associate Member.

What We Do

Our objective is to make boating safe in our community.

We do this principally through a number of channels:

  • We provide a 24/7 "search and rescue" service, with our three rescue vessels and qualified crew available at all times.
  • We provide a radio monitoring and logon/logoff service 365 days a year, from 5am-6pm, and monitor our emergency telephone 24/7
  • We offer community information sessions and seminars on boating safety, and we attend community functions to encourage boating safety.
  • We encourage  interaction among the boating community through social functions

We also work with Police, Ambulance, Fire and other disaster agencies to keep our community safe on the water.  We support community maritime activities, providing safety boats where appropriate. 

Our priority is at all times the safety of lives at sea, including that of our members, the community and our crews.  Recovery of property is secondary however we will always act with common sense and compassion.  We are part of our community.

While towing disabled or stranded vessels is a part of our work, our focus is on the people abroad the vessel.  We are not permitted to undertake salvage work or to tow unseaworthy, uninsured or unregistered vessels, other than where there is life at risk.  

For further information, check out our Emergency Assistance page.

How did We Evolve?

The unit arose from the Bribie Island Boating and Fishing Club, which in 1970 assumed responsibility for assisting mariners in distress.

It became Bribie Island Air Sea Rescue in 1982 and changed its name to VMR Bribie Island Incorporated in March 1997.

Since then we have evolved through the continued efforts of our volunteers and the support of the Bribie community to be one of the premier Marine Rescue services in Queensland.

Structure of VMR Bribie

VMR Bribie Island is a 100% volunteer organisation that works to enhance the safety of the boating community in our region.  We provide a 24/7 marine radio monitoring and rescue vessel service, as well as providing educational and social programs for the boating community on Bribie Island and surrounds.

We are currently one of 25 independent VMR squadrons in Queensland.   We are in the process of transitioning to a new umbrella organisation, known as Marine Rescue Queensland.  None of our services will change, however there will be some changes to our membership processes, described elsewhere on this site.

VMR Bribie Island currently has a reciprocal arrangement with VMR units between Bribie Island and the Queensland Border for vessel assistance.  We also have a reciprocal arrangement with Coastguards at Caloundra and Mooloolaba. Details can be supplied on request.

VMR Bribie 'self activates' at the request of members and the public requiring assistance.

We liaise  with the Water Police for many operations, particularly major Search and Rescue (SAR) activities which are controlled by the Search and Rescue Mission Co-ordinator (SARMC) who is a police officer.   We also work with QAS for medieval work, and QFES for fire support work.  We are a part of the Moreton Bay Region disaster management structure.

Primary emphasis is placed on safety with the safety of crew members and members of the public being the first priority in all we do. The master of each Rescue Vessel has responsibility for his crew and vessel as the primary consideration before carrying out rescue work.

How are we Funded?

VMR Bribie Island is NOT a government funded organisation. We do receive some grants and subsidies from the Queensland Government, Moreton Bay Regional Council, and other government bodies, however the majority of our funding is through memberships, donations and fundraising.