Marine Rescue Camden Haven unit commander Ken Rutledge credited the advancement of technology as making their job easier. 

He said it’s important for members to constantly update their skills so they can work on the systems they have. 

Members of the unit say there are a lot more water crafts around including jet skis and kayaks.

Deputy unit commander Alan Malcolm said a lot of people are choosing not to travel as much overseas anymore due to security threats and therefore there are more people on the water during the holidays. 

Mr Rutledge joined the group in 2007. 

“I used to be a fisherman in amateur fishing competitions up and down the coast and I always respected the people in these organisations,” he said. 

“As soon as I retired I came down here (to the base), knocked on the door and I’ve been here ever since.” 

Mr Rutledge said volunteers have to be qualified in radio communications and how to manage the vessel. 

Until early 1975 all major rescues were performed by local professional fishermen with their own trawlers.

This group of men freely gave their time to carry out rescues.

This changed when group of about 18 men, including six boat owners, formed the Camden Haven Coastal Patrol with the objective to save lives on the waterways, estuaries and open waters within a boundary from Port Macquarie to Crowdy Head.

In 1975 the group first operated under the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol and in the first year performed 40 rescues.

Donations were urgently needed to purchase a rescue boat and base.

This was partly achieved in August 1977 when the group, renamed as the Camden Haven Coast Guard took delivery of a jet boat fitted with a 186 Holden motor purchased from a surf club in the Ballina district for $4000.

At this time the group was the only one of its kind between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour.

The second rescue boat was launched in December 1981. In recognition of the work done by Jan and Bruce Porter the vessel was named J&B Porter. 

The couple lived in Ocean Drive North Haven and owned the service station opposite now the Matilda Service Station.

They handled all radio calls during the day and at night from their home.

Bruce also used to tow the older vessels to local boat ramps for rescues until the group obtained their own Land Rover in 1984.

After several sites were discussed the current base was eventually built on the riverbank at the end of Tunis St.

The building was officially opened by Ken Reid MLC on January 31, 1987 and $10,000 was provided towards its construction by the Hastings Municipal Council with the remainder by contributions from the community.

By 1989 the renamed group Camden Haven Sea Rescue Squad was a well-established organisation recognized as one of the most progressive in the area for those at sea.

In January 2010 Camden Haven Sea Rescue Squad joined Marine Rescue NSW and is now known as Marine Rescue Camden Haven. 

Mr Rutledge and Mr Malcolm say they get a lot of satisfaction out of helping people who need help out on the water. 

“We’re here 24-7 to be ready to help those who need us,” Mr Malcolm said. 

Many boaters owe their lives to the members of the unit who ask for nothing more than a thank you for their effort, together with the continued support of our community.

Over the years of operation the unit has attended hundreds of incidents, representing many thousands of man hours of operation. 

There have been countless hours raising the funds necessary to keep the unit operational.

For more information or to volunteer people can call the unit on 6559 7356.