With more than 100 volunteers from all walks of life, aged from 17 to more than 70, the service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help keep our coastline safe.

Marine Rescue Ulladulla commander Doug Musker accepted the award of behalf of the volunteers and told the Times it was “most important to acknowledge all the members who contribute in whatever way they can”.

“It’s good to receive this award because many people see us around town, at the markets and at the shop, but it good for them to know we do go out and save people,” he said.

Previously the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, the 40 to 50 radio operators must be licensed and pass federal exams, while the 25 crew members have completed competency based training to national standards.

Other volunteers work in administration and in the takeaway food kiosk at the harbour.

Marine rescue has assisted hundreds of local and visiting recreational boaters in trouble and has been involved in many emergencies at sea including overturned vessel and people in the water, medical emergencies at sea and searching for missing vessels.

Lone yachtsmen have been assisted and disabled boats have been towed safely into the harbour.

Marine rescue Ulladulla operates and maintains two vessels, the Dunn Lewis and the more powerful Encounter.

Apart from sponsorship by the Milton Bendigo bank, the main source of funding comes from the community and local events.

Doug said the community’s ongoing support has allowed the unit to recently purchase a $3,300 defibrillator and oxygen kit to be operated by members trained in senior first aid.

The Encounter was moored off Mollymook Beach during