Eight volunteers from Marine Rescue units in Coffs Harbour, the Camden Haven, Trial Bay, Nambucca, Port Macquarie and Crowdy Harrington were put through their paces in a training exercise which consisted of two sessions of theory work followed by two practical sessions.

Marine Rescue Port Macquarie unit commander Greg Davies said the day long training was a necessary part of qualifying to become a member of the boat crew.

“The volunteers went through fire training they learnt all about different types of fires as well as the various options on how to put them out,” Mr Davies said.

“For the crew in Port Macquarie this is especially relevant given in the last two years we have been involved in three separate boat fire call outs.

“After lunch the volunteers then took part in sea survival training at the Port Macquarie pool which consisted of them learning to put on a life jacket in the water as well as getting in and out of a life raft.

“They also had the chance to fire a flare to learn first hand what that feels like.

“The training is all part of the qualifications to become a boat crew member which takes around six months of intensive training.”

Mr Davies said the regional training session was also a chance for volunteers up the coast to get qualified as well.

“Port Macquarie is leading the way in the best training facilities and facilitators,” he said.

“The training to become a boat crew member includes first aid and advanced first aid, sea survival, fire fighting as well as all the training on the boats themselves.

“It is to make certain what when we are sent out to help people on the water we have the best possible chance of getting everyone back safely.

“It is important for our crew members to know what they need to do in the unlikely event they were to fall over board or something was to happen to our boat.

“Saying that our vessels carry the very best navigational systems and are designed to help people at very little notice.”

He said all eight trainees passed with flying colours.

“The group worked very hard and everyone passed the training course. They are now walking away with more knowledge to help save lives on the water.”