“Rex Pymble gave 12,500 days service to the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol (RVCP) and Marine Rescue NSW,” Ulladulla Marine Rescue operations officer Keven Marshall said.

Mr Pymble joined the Ulladulla RVCP on January 4, 1982, going on to tally 34 years and 3 months serving marine safety in the region. 

“For most of this time Rex was the unit's treasurer, a position that could be quite onerous at times,” Mr Marshall said.

“His capability in this area was recognised by the RVCP and Rex was called upon to lend his expertise to other units.” 

Mr Pymble’s commitment to the services were recognised with a life membership awarded with to the RVCP, which was carried over to Marine Rescue NSW. He remains Ulladulla's only recipient of life membership. 

“Rex had an early affinity with the water,” Mr Marshall said.

“He was an active member of Burning Palms Life Saving Club for some 35 years, filling a number of executive positions during this time. He was also a member of Rotary.

“Prior to the destruction of our former unit building by fire in 2013, Rex's skills as a sign writer were evident in many areas. Unfortunately, this part of our history has all been lost, however Rex's skill as a model builder can still be seen.”

When Mr Pymble passed away, his family donated a large model of HMS Belfast to the Ulladulla Marine Rescue unit.

“Rex took on the job of restoring damaged sections of the model vessel which is now on display in the new unit,” Mr Marshall said.

“In recognition of his lengthy and diligent service, Rex was awarded the Marine Rescue NSW long service medal with two clasps and the national medal, just falling short of receiving a clasp to this medal.

“Members of Marine Rescue Ulladulla have many fond memories of their friend and colleague.”

The official commissioning and naming ceremony of will be held at Ulladulla Harbour on Sunday, October 15 at 10am.

Light refreshments will be served in the Ulladulla Marine Rescue training room at the conclusion of the ceremony.