Two Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have been honoured at the 2025 International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Awards.
The IMRF Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership in maritime search and rescue (SAR) across the globe. They recognise individuals and organisations who have demonstrated outstanding skill, advanced technology and equipment, or inspired others through their dedication and example.
IMRF Women in SAR award winner Caron Parfitt ESM from Marine Rescue Bermagui
IMRF Chair, Caroline Jupe, said the awards showcase the diversity, professionalism and evolving capability of the global SAR community.
“From courageous individual rescues to technological breakthroughs and lifetime service, the winners represent the full spectrum of life-saving efforts at sea.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s winners and runners-up. Your dedication, hard work and innovation epitomise the very best of maritime search and rescue. I would also like to thank our judging panel for their careful consideration and commitment, which ensures these awards continue to reflect excellence and integrity within the maritime SAR community,” Jupe said.
Marine Rescue NSW Monaro Regional Director and Bermagui Coxswain, Caron Parfitt ESM, received the IMRF Women in Search and Rescue Award, recognising her exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing the role of women in maritime SAR.
Caron Parfitt ESM on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Bermagui 30
As a Regional Director on the Marine Rescue NSW Board, Parfitt has championed international collaboration and professional development through the IMRF network. Her pivotal role in the IMRF Women in SAR Training Course in Finland in 2024, and her leadership in planning the 2025 Sydney event, have been instrumental in creating practical pathways for women’s growth in operational SAR roles.
Through her strategic insight, operational expertise and mentorship, she has made a lasting impact on the visibility, capability and progression of women across the global maritime SAR community.
“I am humbled to receive this award,” Parfitt said. “I serve in maritime search and rescue not for awards but to save lives on the water, improve operational practices, and mentor and encourage women in the field.”
Parfitt has volunteered at Marine Rescue Bermagui for more than twelve years, completing numerous search and rescue missions. She is also a rated Watch Officer.
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour stalwart, Lance Miller ESM, was named runner-up for the IMRF Lifetime Achievement in the Maritime SAR Sector Award.
Long-serving Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteer Peter Dawes received the top honour, with Miller recognised for his lifelong contribution to maritime safety and rescue.
Having received the Emergency Services Medal in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for outstanding service and commitment to boating safety, Miller’s dedication earned international recognition from the IMRF.
With more than 50 years of continuous service at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and previously the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, Miller has led countless complex rescue operations and continues to serve as an active Marine Rescue NSW Master and mentor to new recruits.
Lifetime Achievement in the Maritime SAR Sector Award runer up Lance Miller ESM from Marine Rescue Middle Harbour
Lance (right) receiving his 30 years long service pin
Commuting from Penrith for decades to volunteer at the Middle Harbour unit, he exemplifies unwavering dedication to community service.
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner, Todd Andrews, praised both Parfitt and Miller for their achievements.
“Caron and Lance’s dedication and commitment to serving boaters is appreciated not only by Marine Rescue NSW but by the wider community,” Acting Commissioner Andrews said.
“They are both highly experienced in maritime search and rescue and generously share their knowledge within the Service and beyond. This honour is a testament to their exceptional contributions to public safety and emergency response,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
