Volunteers recognised for contribution to boating safety - again

The Port Hedland Volunteer Marine Rescue Group has been recognised, for a second time, for its outstanding contribution to marine safety in WA.

Visiting Port Hedland today, Department of Transport (DoT) Director General Richard Sellers personally presented the 2018 DoT Award for Excellence in Marine Safety to members of the group.

The award was originally presented at the official Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) 2018 Volunteer Marine Rescue Service Awards in Perth in September. However, there was a need for urgent repairs to the perpetual trophy.

Mr Sellers said the Port Hedland VMR had been awarded for its significant efforts in actively promoting a positive marine safety culture in the region.

"Members have demonstrated a strong commitment to gaining qualifications that enhance the operation of the group with improved maritime knowledge and advanced skills," Mr Sellers said.

"While the group continues to provide invaluable search and rescue services and attends to call outs for mechanical breakdowns and insufficient fuel, it constantly goes above and beyond to the benefit of the community.

"The group is known to have assisted scientists from the University of WA and the Department for Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) with their studies of birds on remote Pilbara islands assisting with equipment transport and providing a 24-hour response service for medical and other unplanned incidents."

Mr Sellers also commended the group for its important work with DoT's safety education team in the promotion of events to encourage skippers to be responsible on the water. For more information about boating safety visit the Marine section.

Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au