The crew at MRQ Bundaberg have been supporting the more than 26,000 registered vessels within our 5,500 square nautical mile area of operation since 1972.
We maintain surveillance of an area which extends 50 nautical miles offshore – from the Fairfax Islands, in the Capricorn and Bunker Group to the north, down to and offshore from Indian Head on the ocean side of K’gari Island, to Wathumba Creek (Lagoon Anchorage) on the west side of Fraser Island, to the Burrum River in the south.
Our experienced volunteer crews operate a standby roster 24 hours a day to respond to calls for assistance. We operate in cooperation with the Queensland Water Police and other emergency service units to support search and rescue activities and provide support during weather or emergency events.
Our digitised radio room is equipped with 6 VHF radios, monitoring all distress and local working frequencies. Repeater stations are maintained at Mount Watalgan, Sandy Cape and the Hummock. We manage the Maritime Safety Listening Watch from Coast Radio Gladstone between 0600 and 1800 hours daily.
MRQ Bundaberg operates in conjunction with other marine rescue units to provide support to the boating community. If you require support when travelling outside our area, contact MRQ Round Hill, MRQ Hervey Bay, QF21 Sandy Straits or QF 17 Tin Can Bay.
Our dedicated crews work together to maintain our base and rescue vessels and also come together regularly to participate in training and community engagement activities. Active members receive training in a range of marine operations including marine radio, navigation, weather, first aid, firefighting, distress signals, and search and rescue – to name just a few.
We work with the community to raise awareness of the importance of taking all necessary precautions to prevent disasters at sea.
Volunteering with MRQ is a great way to give back to our local community, learn some new skills and enjoy the camaraderie and friendship of a crew of dedicated volunteers. Some people even use volunteering as an opportunity to start a career in the marine industry.
We provide nationally recognised training, uniforms, support and assistance, so no matter your experience or skill level, you’ll find a role that helps to contribute to our operation.
Apply to become a volunteer with MRQ Bundaberg or find out more about volunteering opportunities.
Remember to always follow the marine safety rules and continue to Log On and Log Off via your local unit or VHF radio.
Notice of establishment of MRQ Bundaberg.
Call sign: 'MRQ Bundaberg' or 'Marine Rescue Bundaberg'
Log on/off: VHF Channel 81 | phone (07) 4159 4349 or SMS 0488 334 458
VHF channels monitored: 80,81,22, 16, 67
VHR repeater stations: Channel 81 repeater stations at Mount Watalgan, Sandy Cape and the Hummock
In an emergency: Radio VHF Channel 16 or phone Triple Zero (000)
Radio operating hours: 6am - 6pm daily
General enquiries : Phone (07) 4159 4349