Once you express interest in becoming a volunteer, your inquiry is acknowledged and your details put on file. Volunteer recruitment is based on our personnel requirements and timed around operational factors, therefore the exact time frames of intakes are not fixed well in advance. We often recruit twice each year.

Please note that there is a minimum age requirement of 18 years. 

Once an intake is scheduled the following process takes place:

1. When a date is set for an intake we will notify all applicants and request your attendance at an Information session. This session will outline in more detail what it means to become a Marine Rescue volunteer, and the road ahead should you be selected.
2. Formal applications are completed at the Information Evening and are assessed over the following few weeks. We take into account your availability and likely ability to commit to the minimum shift and training requirements.
3. You may be asked to attend an interview where we meet with all viable applicants individually. These interviews aim to assess a variety of factors, including availability, prior experience, physical ability and/or limitations, enthusiasm, attitude and personality (to name a few).
4. A final selection is made based on the outcome of the applicant’s interview. Unfortunately, the number of applicants is usually far more than the maximum number of volunteers we can take on in any single induction, so some applicants may miss out.
5. All selected applicants are required to complete a police background check as part of DFES volunteer policy.
6. Successful applicants are then able to begin their induction and training.