Photo: Supplied.
BY HUGH WEBSTER
The Brisbane Coast Guard is preparing for a significant milestone as it officially transitions into Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) in September. This change is part of a statewide initiative to establish a single, integrated marine rescue service dedicated to protecting lives across Queensland’s waterways. While the uniform and insignia will soon change, the core commitment of the local volunteers to safeguard the boating community remains stronger than ever.
Local boaties can be assured that vital support on the water will continue largely unchanged during and after the transition period. The dedicated crew of volunteers will remain stationed at the local base, ready to respond to emergencies and provide assistance at a moment’s notice. The maritime expertise that the community has relied on for decades will carry forward seamlessly under the new MRQ banner.
“The name change from Coast Guard Brisbane to Marine Rescue Manly is the main change boaties will notice,” said QF2 Flotilla Commander Christian Hager. “Our team looks forward to supporting local mariners for many years to come.”
The most notable shift for local mariners will be the cessation of QF2’s Marine Assist program, which will close out as the new state structure takes effect. Despite the conclusion of this specific subscription-based program, essential safety monitoring services remain fully accessible to the public. Skippers can still easily log on and log off for their trips by broadcasting via VHF Channel 73 or by directly calling the station telephone on 3396 5911.
Volunteers will continue to monitor the radio channels, providing the same peace of mind and watch-keeping that Brisbane boaties have always enjoyed.
