This is VMR Shoalhaven . . .

What we do

Exercises off Jervis BayThe Shoalhaven Marine Rescue Association (S.M.R.A.) is a volunteer organisation operating a 24-hour Weather Conditions Service and Search And Rescue Coordination Centre (S.A.R.C.C.).

The S.M.R.A. base-station (VMR Shoalhaven) is located in The Pilot Station on the southern headland of Crookhaven Heads from where staff have commanding views over the Crookhaven Bar, Shoalhaven Bight, Gerroa and Black Head to the north and Tilbury Cove, Currarong and Beecroft Head to the south.

Between sunrise and sunset, the Pilot Station staff log vessels on and off as they put to and return from the sea. They monitor Marine Distress frequencies 24 hours a day and co-ordinate Marine Search and Rescue operations.

The Pilot Station is manned 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Members wishing to talk to the Base Manager or the Radio Operator on Duty can do so on 02 4447 4466 between 6.00am and 4.00pm.

Weather Reports

SMRA provides weather updates and forecasts to fishermen, both professional and amateur, as well as to local media and other marine operators. The Pilot Station provides 24-hour Weather Conditions and Illawarra Coastal Forecasts via a recorded weather service (call 02 4447 4144).

Search and Rescue Coordination Centre

An SARCC is a specially designated facility, equipped and accredited to monitor maritime radio distress frequencies for the purpose of receiving distress calls and coordinating maritime search and rescue operations. Such a coordination centre must:-

  • satisfy the requirements for and hold a Marine Rescue (Limited Coast) Station and/or a Limited Coast Station radio licence;
  • be staffed by qualified Search and Rescue Coordinators and Radio Operators; and
  • be operational, at a minimum, between the hours of sunrise and sunset daily, and at other times of the day, monitor those frequencies at a place equipped for that purpose.