EVERY Wednesday morning, before most people have had their second coffee, a group of volunteers is already elbow-deep in checklists, toolkits, and the unmistakable scent of salt and diesel.
They’re not responding to an emergency – they’re making sure Marine Rescue Port Stephens can when needed.
At the d’Albora Marina boat shed, a dozen or so volunteers quietly get to work on PS31 and PS30 – the two vessels responsible for most of the emergency responses in Port Stephens waters.
Known as the Wednesday maintenance crew, they’re the ones who make sure nothing fails when lives are on the line.
“We’re not in the photos,” said long-time volunteer Mark, “but if something breaks out there, it’s on us. “So we take a lot of pride in doing it right.”
The boats get a workout.
Between weekly training exercises, public safety patrols, and emergency callouts in all conditions, there’s always something needing attention – a frayed tow line, a misbehaving bilge pump, or a searchlight that’s decided it no longer wants to rotate.
“Rescue boats don’t have easy lives,” said Ken, who’s been part of the crew for over a year.
“They get banged up, used hard, and every week we uncover something new.”
The team goes through a long and detailed checklist: lifejackets, radios, stretcher mounts, EPIRBs, anchor chains, navigation lights – all checked, tested, cleaned, and serviced.
The work is methodical, quiet, and vital.
Even the Maintenance Log reads like a story in itself, scrawled with notes from boat crew after jobs:
● “Fender missing.”
● “Tow line has been shortened (don’t ask).
● “Hatch handle snapped clean off.”
“That’s just boats,” Ken shrugs.
“You don’t fight it – you listen to them.”
The volunteers come from all walks of life: retired tradies, ex-boat crew, an IT tech, and even a former vending machine repairman.
“I may not be jumping onto boats at 3am anymore,” said Ian, who’s been volunteering for nearly a decade, “but I still feel like I’m part of every rescue.
“When they leave the dock, I know I helped make that happen.”
The crew say the work is rewarding – not just for the purpose it provides, but for the mateship.
There’s a steady rhythm of banter, laughter, and cups of tea shared between jobs.
“If you like solving problems and don’t mind smelling like WD-40 before 9am,” said Bob with a grin, “you’ll fit in just fine.”
Marine Rescue Port Stephens is calling for more helping hands.
No boating experience is required – just a willingness to pitch in, learn, and contribute to the safety of the local boating community.
To find out more about joining the Wednesday maintenance crew, visit marinerescueportstephens.com.au or message the team on Facebook.
By Matt COLEBORNE
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