Female first capability boost for Marine Rescue Eden

For the first time in its history, Marine Rescue Eden has a female coxswain-restricted rated volunteer, with long-serving member Fay Cousin successfully achieving the qualification.

Marine Rescue Eden Unit Commander Roger Barson said Cousin’s accomplishment significantly strengthens the unit’s operational capability.

“Marine Rescue NSW vessels must be operated by a coxswain or similar-qualified member during search and rescue missions,” Unit Commander Barson said.

Fay Cousin joined Marine Rescue NSW in 2016

“A coxswain-restricted rating is the penultimate step towards becoming a fully rated vessel coxswain. A Marine Rescue NSW coxswain-restricted is qualified to operate vessels on enclosed waters, while a coxswain can operate on any waters.

“Fay’s commitment to earning this rating is a remarkable personal milestone and a great asset to our unit and the local boating community.

Fay during a search and rescue mission earlier this year

“She undertook targeted training for the rating and successfully completed both her practical and theory assessments.

“Fay can now deploy and lead a crew on board either of the unit’s vessels for search and rescue operations on Twofold Bay. Our response capability has been further enhanced with fellow Eden volunteer Dave Pruckner also recently attaining his coxswain-restricted rating.”

Fay on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel X30

Women currently make up just under 38% of Marine Rescue Eden’s volunteer membership. Unit Commander Barson hopes Fay’s success will encourage more women to get involved with Marine Rescue NSW.

“Our female members in Eden range from 18-years-old to women with decades of Marine Rescue NSW experience.

Marine Rescue Eden’s two rescue vessels X21 and X30

“Every day, the women of Marine Rescue NSW prove that excellence knows no gender. Their strength, professionalism, and dedication inspire us all. Their courage and skill are vital to our mission of saving lives on the water,” 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.