Hi All, Im new to boating and want to sign on / off when we take the boat out. Maybe outside the bar. Ive been searching online for info about what club/org to join. etc. Its rather confusing as there are more than one. If going out, who do you register with? By phone or Radio? Is there a 'Proper' authority or is it the club you call? How does this all work? Is there one thats better than the others etc? The BREEZE advertises the Southport Coast Gaurd, but when I went online, I signed up, expecting a fee, but nothing? No email confirmation. No membership number. No money grab. Nothing. Now Im confused. Any advice welcome.
Cheers

in Australia its run by volunteers and free of charge, if you have a vhf listen to the call channel and you should find out which Marine Rescue operates in your area. Better info if you post in the sailing section

Thanks for that

Can probably make a donation, they must need supplies and equipment.

I simply cannot believe that such an essential service is not supported by government. It's all run by volunteers, and in most places the radio is not monitored because it's hard to find someone who is willing to spend their entire life listening to radio chatter and not be paid for it. I just can't believe that the government can't stump up $100k p/a per radio station, and organise a roster so that the people on the radio can do it for a day a week or something.

Bunbury sea rescue is not monitored at all, for example.

I'm lucky that my local sea rescue station (ACRM, located near Cape Naturaliste) is manned full time, I always log on and off with the lovely lady on there (who is retired and monitors the station every single day of the year). As an indication of how much they need help, they sent out a message this year to say that they didn't want annual fees this year, because they weren't able to keep track of who had paid what, and didn't want to have the hassle of having to send out mail to all the recipients. It's not like they don't need the money, they do. It's just that they are severely understaffed and their computer skills aren't all that great.

I don't know how to suggest to the government that the situation needs to be improved, perhaps write to my local member?