For VICSES assistance call 132 500
Emergency Call 1 Emergency Call 2

Volunteers complete major boat rescue training on Maribyrnong River

07/04/2025, 9:19 AM
Approximately 70 VICSES volunteers took to the Maribyrnong River at the weekend for a large-scale training exercise to strengthen their water rescue capacity.

On Sunday 6 April 2025, approximately 70 Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers with 15 rescue boats took to the Maribyrnong River for a large-scale training exercise designed to strengthen the state’s boat rescue capabilities.

This skills maintenance training brought together boat rescue accredited VICSES units from across the state, with volunteers representing 17 units practising their skills operating in inland waterways that have seen significant flooding in recent years.

The exercise served as a critical refresher for experienced crew members while also providing hands-on learning opportunities for newer volunteers.

The training focused on simulating fast-flowing water conditions, allowing crews to operate Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) and Rescue Boats (RBs) in a realistic environment. This helps boat crews gain confidence in navigating variable conditions, with the Maribyrnong River’s tidal depth ranging from one to three metres.

As part of the day’s activities, volunteers also established a forward command post to coordinate operations and practised key capabilities such as radio communications and inter-agency coordination.

The training took place in collaboration with other key emergency services, including Victoria Police’s Water Police squad, and Parks Victoria, reinforcing VICSES's role in joint emergency response operations.

The training event served as an important opportunity to refine and refresh vital rescue skills.

VICSES is the control agency for flood events, while Victoria Police is the lead for water rescues, VICSES volunteers heavily support Victoria Police during these operations and maintains a statewide fleet of boats to respond to:

  • Flood operations and water rescues 
  • Swift water rescues 
  • Marine search and rescue (MSAR) missions/operations.

VICSES volunteers did a tremendous job to complete 31 flood rescues safely and successfully in Maribyrnong on the morning of Friday October 14, 2022.

VICSES volunteers play a vital role in protecting Victorian communities during flood and storm events, and large-scale training days like this one ensure they are always ready to respond. If you see yourself in orange and would like more information on volunteering with VCISES, please visit: www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.

Click here to view Channel 7's coverage of the training event.

Quotes attributable to VICSES Monash Unit Controller and training coordinator, George Haitidis:

“Our mission is to make sure our crews are fully prepared for real-world emergencies, training like this ensures we maintain a high standard of skill, safety, and readiness across our teams, because when flooding strikes, seconds matter.”

“Familiarising ourselves with waterways like the Maribyrnong River - especially those that have seen flooding, is essential. Local knowledge is a powerful tool when it comes to keeping people safe during fast-moving emergencies.”

Quotes attributable to VICSES Assistant Chief Officer, Regional Learning & Development, Natalie Kenely:

“Training like this ensures our crews maintain the high level of skill and situational awareness needed to operate safely and effectively in dynamic water environments. It’s all about being ready to respond the moment our communities need us.”

“Our volunteers continue to show incredible commitment to protecting Victorians. Giving up their weekend to train on the water shows the kind of passion and professionalism we see across VICSES every day.”