MRQ Mackay will soon add eight senior coxswains to their pool of rescue ready volunteers following completion of an intensive coxswain practical course with the MRQ training team. 

The crew members have been working individually on self-paced modules of online theory as part of the course but came together to complete a number of on-water and land-based practical scenarios over a training weekend held in Mackay in March. 

Topics included passage plan navigation, towing and tow assessments in vessels up to 12 metres, environmental practices, operation of inboard and outboard motors, mechanical diagnosis and process to NC1, and completion of the search and rescue module. 

All students successfully completed the modules and once their ratings as senior coxswain are confirmed, they will move into a skipper mentorship program that will give them experience and confidence in operating vessels in different scenarios and situations at their base.

The program builds the size and experience of the coxswain pool at MRQ Mackay, keeping the team’s skills sharp and ensuring they are able to continue to deliver high levels of service to their local boating communities.