MRQ Bowen has a long history in the region, beginning in 1969 as Bowen Air Sea Rescue, then coming under the banner of the Volunteer Marine Rescue in 1997, before transitioning to Marine Rescue Queensland in 2025.
Our area of operation covers approximately 8,500 square kilometres, from Cape Upstart in the northwest, to Dingo Beach in the south and out to the Great Barrier Reef. We’re proud to provide a safety net for the Bowen boating community – in fair weather and foul.
The base is manned on weekends and public holidays, monitoring VHF Channels 16, 21 and 73. MRQ Bowen maintains a VHF channel 21 repeater on Holbourne Island.
We work closely with other emergency services in the region, including the Qld Water Police from Townsville and Whitsunday, as well as the Qld Fire and Rescue, Qld Ambulance Service and SES.
MRQ Bowen operates in conjunction with local MRQ, VMR and AVCGA units to provide support to the boating community in the south-east corner. If you require support when travelling outside our area, contact VMR Burdekin, VMR Whitsunday, or VMR Midge Point.
Remember to always follow the marine safety rules and continue to Log On and Log Off via your local unit or VHF radio.
We’re always ready to welcome new volunteer crew at MRQ Bowen.
Volunteering for just a few hours can make a big difference to our ability to deliver our services to the on-water public and it’s a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and give back to your local community. There are lots of ways you can get involved – from working behind the scenes to out on the water – and we provide uniforms, training and support along the way. Apply to become a volunteer with MRQ Bowen or find out more about volunteering opportunities.