Gordon Gray has spent 20 years with the organisation while Steve Barnard was recognised for his decade of service.

Unit commander Ken Rutledge praised both volunteers for their work ethic.

"Gordon is a great trainer and keeps everyone up to date in relation to the vessel," he said.

"As a retired commercial seaman, Gordon has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the water. He does a great job.

"Steve is the duty skipper and also doubles as a radio operator.

"He is heavily involved in the organisation and is also looking to maintain his skill levels.

"Both guys do a great job for the unit."

Mr Gray says he got involved in the unit after bumping into marine rescue members selling raffle tickets.

"It was a fatal mistake," he said. "I was pretty quickly accepted into the fold.

"I've really enjoyed being part of the marine rescue unit. Everyone is very friendly."

But it's a far cry from Mr Gray's life on the seas.

He first ventured onto the water as a 16 year old on cargo ships. He travelled all over the world before settling in Australia.

He soon took up a job on a coastal trader serving Australian and Tasmanian markets.

"I then joined the Maritime Services Board and landed the job as the harbour master pilot at Yamba in 1971.

"I remained there until I retired in 1998. 

"When we were looking around for our retirement home, we ended up in Bonny Hills. We've been there ever since.

"I really enjoy being part of the marine rescue unit but I really do draw on my experiences at sea, particularly on the navigational aspects of what we do.

"The members are all good to be around. The only criteria is that you have to enjoy yourself and just get on with the job you get trained to do."

Mr Rutledge said many of the unit members are vastly experienced with a wealth of knowledge.

"We are quite a settled group but we are always on the look out for more volunteers to come along and assist us in the smooth running of the unit," he added.