Frequently Asked Questions
Do Active Members of VMR Southport, such as boat crew or radio operators, get paid?
No, all Active Members of VMR Southport are volunteers!
How do you become an Active Member of VMR Southport?
Should you wish to be Active in the VMR Southport Organisation, contact our Rescue Base on Ph. (07) 5591 1300 and register your interest. You will be further contacted by the Recruitment Officer.
Active membership can include becoming a Radio Operator, Rescue vessel Crew Member, or undertaking Administrative Duties.
How do you join as an Associate Member of VMR Southport?
- By joining online through the VMR Southport website.
- By downloading an Application for Associate Membership form from this website, completing and returning by email or post to VMR Southport.
- By telephoning VMR Southport and letting the Radio Operator complete a Membership Application form for you, with a payment transaction by credit card.
- By visiting VMR Southport, and completing a Membership Application form, with a payment transaction by cash or credit card.
Who provides the necessary training for Active Members of VMR Southport?
Training for VMR Southport Active members, both Boat crew and Radio Operators, is provided free of charge by VMR Southport, excluding any Government fees or outsourcing costs. VMR Southport is a Registered Training Organisation and all training is recognised under National systems. Most of the training is provided by qualified VMR Southport members, or in the case of First Aid, by the Qld Ambulance Service. On completion of all training modules an endorsed Certificate of Competency is received.
What are the local frequencies for VHF Marine Radio?
VHF channel 73 – General working frequency
VHF channels 16, 67 – Emergency frequencies
It is compulsory under Federal legislation to be licenced to operate a VHF radio.
Can VMR Southport give the wave height estimates at the Seaway entrance?
No. We cannot provide this information, however, we will gladly direct you to the relevant Government website that gives this information.
When transiting offshore, what radio channel should be used to make initial contact with another Rescue Base?
VHF channel 16 for initial contact
What are the broadcasting times of weather forecasts from the Gold Coast Seaway Tower?
0605 hrs, 1005 hrs, 1405 hrs and 1805 hrs on VHF – 73
Also 0803 hrs and 1733 hrs on VHF – 67
When I pay my VMR Membership, when does my cover begin?
Immediately. When paying online, when a receipt number is produced as proof of payment.
When paying by telephone or in person, with a credit card, on successful completion of the EFTPOS transaction
When paying cash, at that point.
All members receive a membership card which needs to be carried on their vessel, to assist with identification as a member.
Membership can take up to 4 weeks to be fully approved, and a membership card issued, however your personal and vessel details will usually be entered on the VMR Southport database within 7 days.
You will not be refused assistance in this period.
If I am not a member of VMR Southport and I need assistance, how much will it cost?
VMR Southport does not charge a set fee for assisting people or their vessels.
Under legislation we are entitled to seek a ‘reimbursement of costs ‘, which covers the Rescue vessels fuel, oil, servicing, and maintenance costs.
This ‘reimbursement of costs‘ only applies to vessels requiring assistance in routine situations, such as vessels out of fuel, vessels aground, vessels with flat batteries, and vessels with mechanical failure.
In emergency situations such as capsized vessels, sinking vessels, medical incidents and marine search and rescue, there is no charge, as this is the core business of this Organisation.
Donations are generously accepted at any time, and most people are happy to oblige and donate regardless of their need for using VMR Southport.
If you are not a member and you require marine assistance, and you do not contribute towards the ‘reimbursement of costs ‘at the time of your assist, you will receive a tax invoice. We ask that you promptly pay this invoice for VMR Southport to maintain the service it provides to the community.
It is also recommended that you consider Membership at this time as well.
If I am Member and I require assistance outside of the VMR Southport operational area, what do I do?
In instances requiring an emergency response, please call Emergency 000 on your telephone, or MAYDAY / PANPAN on your marine radio.
In non-emergent situations – VMR Southport should be contacted by telephone first on Ph. (07) 5591 1300. We will do the rest to assist you, arranging the best available resource to assist you, usually another VMR Squadron.