Volunteer of more than 45 years awarded NSW Maritime Medal for Safety

The Safety Medal is awarded every two years to a person or group demonstrating outstanding and sustained effort that promotes safety for the boating and/or maritime community of NSW.

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Safety Environment and Regulation Tara McCarthy congratulated Mr Baker for his outstanding and sustained contribution to the boating and maritime community.

“The selection panel agreed that Mr Baker, who has volunteered for more than 45 years in maritime safety, was the stand-out nominee for the Safety medal,” Ms McCarthy said.

“He joined the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association in 1975 – one of three services which later merged to form Marine Rescue NSW – and has been dedicated to saving lives on NSW waters ever since.

“As an operational Search and Rescue Support Officer and Coxswain, Mr Baker has participated in more than 400 rescues – which is an amazing achievement.

“He has served in every unit role and earned the respect of everyone he has volunteered with, including members he mentors.

“His passion for boating safety is evident in his running of boat licence and radio courses for the public, as well as courses for Marine Rescue NSW members, plus his devotion of entire weekends to conducting training or rostered boat duty as a skipper.

“TfNSW thanks Mr Baker for his professionalism, dedication and extensive maritime safety expertise.

“These valuable attributes inspire other volunteers to maintain and extend their skills and knowledge in maritime safety for the benefit of the wider community.”

Learn more about the NSW Maritime Medal.