VICSES is the control agency for flood operations and Rescue Boats are used to support water-based operations. Members have the opportunity to take part in on-water rescues, with opportunities for training in many conditions. 

This role relates to VICSES members involved in Rescue Boat operations, including in times of flooding. VICSES is the control agency for flood operations and Rescue Boats are used to support water-based operations.

A qualified Deckhand works in a crew of at least two people and has the required basic knowledge and skills for crewing and helming a rescue boat.  This is an important role in units located on the coast or in areas where there are lakes and inland waterways or locations prone to flooding.

Deckhands possess the required basic knowledge and skills for crewing and helming a Rescue Boat under the direction of a Coxswain.

Key tasks:

• Assisting rescue boat launch and retrieval.

• Performing basic helming activities under the direction of the Coxswain.

• Maintaining lookout during search activities.

• Participating in emergency drills.

• Assisting with the loading/porting of cargo. 

The Rescue Boat Coxswain will have advanced knowledge and skills to confidently lead a boat and crew in marine flood relief, search, and rescue operations.

In conjunction with a Rescue Boat crew, a Rescue Boat Coxswains is responsible for:

• Supervising, leading, and taking charge of Rescue Boat operations;

• Establishing and maintaining a safe work environment for the Rescue Boat crew;

• Supervising equipment and pre-launch checks;

• Developing and delivering crew briefings and debriefings;

• Ensuring compliance with operational doctrine, and

• Liaising with other agencies on scene.

This role relates to VICSES members involved in Rescue Boat operations, including in times of flooding. VICSES is the control agency for flood operations and Rescue Boats are used to support water-based operations.

Rescue Boat Crewpersons assist in marine and flood search and rescue operations and possess the required knowledge and skills for crewing and helming a rescue boat under the direction of a Coxswain.

The Rescue Boat Crewperson works within a crew of at least two people (one must be an endorsed Coxswain), under the direction of a Coxswain.

VICSES is the control agency for flood operations, and Rescue Boats are used to support water-based operations.

A Rescue Boat Crewperson is responsible for:

• Assisting in Rescue Boat operations, as directed;

• Obtaining operational information and confirming commands;

• Participating in the identification of hazards and implementation of risk controls;

• Operating a Rescue Boat under the direction of a Coxswain;

• Participating in emergency drills;

• Participating in Rescue Boat marine search and recovery; and

• Recovering and restoring a rescue vessel.

Advised Fitness Level: 4 out of 5

To be a Rescue Boat Crew Member, every qualified member needs to possess the physical capability to: 

• Lift and carry various items between a vehicle and rescue vessel. 
• Participate in a stretcher carry.
• While on the water, be physically capable of: 
  • Effecting a water rescue from a boat using a basket stretcher or backboard. 
  • Dropping and retrieving the anchor.  
  • Maintaining safety in the water. 
  • Swimming a short distance to make themself safe, wearing full personal protective equipment. 
  • Performing a self-rescue from the water to a point of safety, and, depending on the conditions, back into the boat.

Read more about our Minimum Physical Fitness for Role Program here.

Units requiring this capability

Units that are located on, or close to  areas where there are lakes, inland waterways and known floodplains that are prone to flooding are likely to have this capability. 

For more information about becoming a volunteer and to explore a wide range of training and other opportunities available to you, click on ‘Become a volunteer’ below and complete your details on the ‘Enquire about Volunteering’ section. 

An email will be sent to you with further information and a link to complete an Expression of Interest form. Your selected VICSES unit headquarters that are near to you will then be in contact with you within a few weeks.

Hear what our volunteers say about their experience with VICSES. 

If you are interested in developing new skills, forming new friendships, and contributing positively to the community, take the journey with us now. You will also be provided with nationally accredited competency-based training to ensure you are skilled and capable to perform your role.