For decades, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard (AVCGA) and Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland (VMRAQ) volunteers have kept people safe on Queensland’s oceans and waterways. From 1 July 2024, Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) will start bringing together these trusted organisations into a single, integrated volunteer marine rescue service for Queensland, with the same experienced volunteers at the helm.

While MRQ is a new service, our marine rescue volunteers have a long and proud history of keeping people safe on Queensland’s oceans and waterways for more than 50 years. We will respect their history and We are proud to be continuing the AVCGA and VMRAQ’s legacy.

MRQ’s top priority is the safety of our community and our members. To avoid disruption to marine rescue services to our community, VMRAQ and AVCGA will transition to MRQ in phases throughout 2024 and 2025. Current marine rescue services will be maintained throughout the transition. Find your local marine rescue service.

When transitions are complete, we’ll have around 3,000 Queensland member operating across 46 units and undertaking around 4,000 activations throughout the state each year.

MRQ operates as part of the Queensland Police Service, who are responsible for coordination of our disaster and emergency services response.  

Subscribe to the MRQ newsletter  to learn more.

The launch of MRQ symbolises the Queensland Government's commitment to innovation, efficiency, and enhanced service delivery, ensuring that marine rescue services are equipped to meet future disaster and emergency challenges with expertise.

Operating as a single marine rescue service as part of Queensland’s coordinated disaster and emergency network, ensures that marine rescue services are equipped to meet future disaster and emergency challenges with expertise.

Community:

• One single integrated marine rescue service.
• Current marine rescue services maintained and continued through implementation and transition.

Volunteers:

• Improved support at local and regional levels.
• Improved volunteer protections including access to health and safety programs.
• Improved access to replacement vessels.
• Improved volunteer recognition.

For Queensland:

• One single integrated marine rescue service and safety network.
• Better resourced service, with volunteers able to respond, educate and contribute to their community.