What is the Marine Rescue NSW contribution?
It is a contribution from boaters to fund Marine Rescue NSW.
Following a review of the 3 existing rescue groups, Marine Rescue NSW was created on 1 July 2009.
What consultation was there with boaters?
In May 2010, a Discussion Paper was published that proposed an annual contribution to be applied to both boat licences and vessel registrations (except for PWC registrations).
A total of 2150 responses were received about the proposal and 79% (1702) supported the proposal.
Why introduce a contribution?
The current level of funding only provides for modest capital replacement, mainly of vessels, and cannot sustain a modern fleet of rescue vessels.
The proposed level of funding will fund the purchase of 60 new, and the refit of 25 existing, vessels over the next 6 years; an upgrade to the vessel radio monitoring network to provide border to border coverage and would provide a professional support team.
Extra funding is required to:
- Maintain overall service levels and capability;
- Maintain incident response times in the face of increased vessel usage on the state’s waterways and
- Volunteers do not have to dedicate as much time to fund raising as they have in the past.
When will the contribution be introduced?
The contribution will commence from 1 September 2010.
How much is the contribution?
- Every adult general and PWC boat licence holder will contribute $7.50 per annum increased to $7.70 from 1 October 2011.
- Boat licence holders with a valid concession will pay a contribution of $3 per annum increased to $3.08 from 1 October 2011, as opposed to $7.70.
- A Young Adult licence holder will pay a contribution of $3.00 per annum increased to $3.08 from 1 October 2011 and $1.50 for less than 6 months increased to $1.54 from 1 October 2011.
- The $7.70 contribution also applies to all vessel registrations except PWC and Class 3 fishing vessels. Registrations with a valid concession will pay 50% of the new registration fee. Concessions do not apply to commercial vessels.
What is the amount if I pay for a 3 year boat licence?
The contribution is an annual fee that will be applied to each year of a 3 year licence. i.e. an additional $23.10 or $9.24 for concession holders.
If I have a boat licence and a vessel registration, will I have to pay both contributions?
Yes, unless your vessel is a PWC.
If I own a PWC do I pay the contribution?
If you own a PWC you don’t pay the contribution on your PWC registration but you do pay the contribution on your PWC licence.
If I’m a member of Marine Rescue NSW do I pay the contribution?
Yes. Members of Marine Rescue NSW are subject to the contribution.
If I go boating on inland waterways will I have to pay the contribution?
Yes, all holders of a boat licence and registered vessel owners (except PWC registrations) will have to pay the contribution.
85% of boats are registered along the coast and up to half of the remaining boats are used to enjoy coastal waterways at some stage. That means the users of more than 92% of registered boats will benefit from the security, safety and peace of mind that a properly funded marine rescue service will provide.
As well there is a plan to expand marine rescue services to inland waterways. Marine Rescue NSW will be working closely with the SES to support inland boating groups and provide the latest training and education material. If local communities are keen to establish inland rescue units, then Marine Rescue NSW will provide the support necessary.
In the future Marine Rescue NSW will also offer safety support and advice for organised inland boating events such as the Southern 80 ski race on the Murray River and the Snowy Mountains Trout Festival.
What if I do not want to pay the contribution?
The contribution is part of the licence fee and the registration fee so, if you do not pay the fee, you cannot be issued with the licence and/or registration.
Is Marine Rescue owned by the NSW State Government?
Marine Rescue NSW is a non-government volunteer –based organisation. 100% of the contributions collected by Maritime for Marine Rescue NSW are paid to Emergency Management NSW which then distribute the funds, in full, to Marine Rescue NSW.
