Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join Coast Guard?
Any Australian resident of good character, male and female, 18 years of age or over.
What is Coast Guard?
The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA) is a national marine search and rescue organisation made up entirely of volunteers – it has no paid members. The AVCGA is the largest single volunteer marine search and rescue organisation in Australia and in fact the Southern Hemisphere.
Is it the same as the United States Coast Guard?
No. The US Coast Guard is a fully funded marine organisation made up of paid employees, much the same as the United States and Australian navies.
By contrast, Coast Guard receives minimal Government funding, the majority of funds being raised by its volunteer members.
Where does Coast Guard Swansea fit in?
Coast Guard Swansea is the NSW State Rescue Boards (SRB) accredited Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (SARCC) and designated Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) base for the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie (Lake & offshore) and Newcastle areas – adjacent SARCC’s/VMR’s are at Sydney and Port Stephens.
What does it do?
Coast Guard Swansea mans its Radio Base on Swansea Heads, 24 hours per day, every day of the year, including Christmas Day.
It mans its rescue boats every weekend, every Public Holiday (including Christmas Day) and on other occasions as required – it is on call out by the Water Police 24/7.
It conducts education courses for its members and the public.
What is expected of me?
Volunteer one day each month (in full or in parts and more if you wish) manning the Radio Base and/or its rescue vessels and/or taking part in training, education, administration and fund raising – your choice, but we prefer everyone does some radio duty.
Radio Base shifts are generally of 6 hours (you choose the ones you want) while boat duty is generally from about 8:00 am through to about 5:00pm.
What training can I do?
You can obtain a radio licence and train to become a Radio Operator then a Radio Officer and then a Duty Officer manning the Radio Base.
You can gain Competent Crew then Advanced Crew then Coxswain ratings manning Coast Guard’s rescue boats.
You can obtain a Senior First Aid certificate.
Training is ongoing and continuous – a number of training courses need to be re-done (and you re-accredited) every 3 to 5 years.
Coast Guard is a nationally registered, Registered Training Organisation – all its courses are nationally accredited and recognised.
I have a medical condition. Can I still join?
Yes. We have many members with varying medical conditions manning our Radio Base and performing other functions. We also have members with medical conditions manning our rescue boats. It all depends on your medical condition.
Where is Coast Guard Swansea?
Coast Guard Swansea has a Radio Base on Swansea Heads overlooking the notorious Swansea Bar. Access is along the unsealed road from the corner of Waratah and Wallsend Sts, Swansea Heads. Visitors are welcome between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm.
It has a boat shed adjacent to the first car park at the end of Lambton Parade, Swansea Heads containing its two smaller rescue boats.
Its primary rescue vessel is in a pen at Lake Macquarie Yacht Club.
How much does it cost me?
There is an annual membership fee of $44 pa (less if joining more than half way through the financial year) plus a once off joining fee of $5.50. There is also the cost of a uniform which can be obtained progressively.
All training is free for Coast Guard members. However you will need to obtain a Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency (through Coast Guard) - currently $48.20, once off, lifetime licence (fee charged by the Office of Marine Communications at the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania) and a maritime boat licence (NSW Maritime waives the annual fee if you only need it for Coast Guard).
How do I find out more about Coast Guard?
Go to www.coastguard.com.au or ring the Radio Base on 4971 3498.
How do I enquire about joining?
Fill out the membership enquiry form at www.coastguardswansea.com.au or ring the Radio Base on 4971 3498 or send an email to fao.nf9@coastguard.com.au. Someone will contact you.
