HISTORY OF VMRWA

1973-74

Approximately four volunteer sea rescue groups were established or forming at various locations in WA.

1975

A state representative body, Volunteer Sea Search and Rescue Association (WA) - (VSS&RA) was formed.

1987-88

By this time there were 25 VSRGs in WA. All the groups were established as individual organisations to meet local needs. The groups were set up under their own constitutions as incorporated associations.

The activities and functions varied according to location and strength.

All the groups were members of VSS&RA of WA, which was made up of entirely individual group members.

Groups were encouraged to have a 'Group representative' in attendance at VSS&RA executive council meetings held approximately 4 times a year.

1988

The WA State Emergency Service proposed that VSRGs affiliate with SES and placed a proposal before VSS&RA. This was rejected by a majority 15/5/8

A Marine Search and Rescue Working Party established by government working under direction of State Counter Disaster Advisory Committee.

A VSS&RA representative was included on the working party and assisted in developing the 'Marine Emergency Management Scheme' - (M.E.M.S.)

1989

M.E.M.S. established. This scheme detailed the management arrangements for marine SAR within the scope of State responsibility under Commonwealth/State arrangements.

Under the scheme (MEMS) responsibility for development, maintenance and implementation of M.E.M.S. was allocated to WA Marine Search and Rescue Co-ordinating Committee on which VSS&RA has representatives.

The M.E.M.S. has considerable impact on VSRGs in WA.

August 1989

VSS&RA August Executive council meeting was very poorly attended by Group representatives. At this time VSS&RA still without a permanent secretary. At this time there was considerable concern regarding the future organisation and its member groups.

There was a lack of group plans, standards and programmes that, although being written, there difficulty in getting such governance approved.

1990

The situation remained similar to 1989, the divisions between groups, particularly metropolitan and country were beginning to develop.

1995

The adoption of the VMR block of radio call signs by 23 groups caused dissention among the membership and five metropolitan groups formed the new West Cost Marine Search and Rescue Association.

1997

The Minister for Police and Emergency Services transferred coordination of marine rescue from the West Australian Police services to the shortly to be formed Fire and Emergency Services Authority. This accorded with the wishes of VMRWA which had made representations in this section. The Police remained the Hazard Management Authority

1998

A meeting called in March by the WA Police Service because they believed that action to manage the Marine Rescue Service by FESA had been too slow. The outcome was that the representative of the Minister for Police and Emergency Service was directed to the Minister that Marine Rescue Service was severely under funded and. if nothing were done to remedy the situation, the service would collapse.   

In June 1998, the Minister held a function at Parliament House for Police and Emergency Services to formally recognise the Marine rescue Service

In the same month the first of a series of workshops was held to work towards increasing funding, work out the legislation and lay down the guidelines for the Service, as we know it today. 

1999

In March 1999, the funding for the Marine Rescue Service was increased from $300,000 to $1,000,000.

2002

Formal recognition of the Marine Rescue Service as an Emergency Service was incorporated into the Fire and Emergency Service Act. This provided VMR groups with protection from actions taken and certain powers to effect marine rescue.

2003

The VMR services were invited to nominate a member to the FESA board and representatives to a new VMR Consultative Committee.

At the AGM the members adopted a strategic plan to invigorate the association and to ensure the effective representation of groups and the furtherance of the mission of VMRWA.

The meeting adopted the following:

Vision
That volunteer Marine Rescue WA be the organisation of choice for support, advocacy, advice, values, professional standards and communications amongst marine rescue services.

Mission
To provide leadership in marine rescue servcies through supporting, the enhancement, improvement, organisation, structure, training and resources on which the service delivery depends.

Values
The values of VMRWA are:

• Integrity
• Justice
• Professionalism
• respect for persons
• Service to Others

2004

The funding of VMR services increased to $1.3 million with additional funds for training requested at an additional cost of $106,000.

the amalgamation of the two associations was a major project of the Association and all WCSARA members were invited to join VMRWA in July.

The assistance of Tom Reed OAM is acknowledged in the preparation of these notes.