VMR Whitsunday has a Reciprocal Rights Agreement with VMR Midge Point, VMR Bowen and VMR Burdekin (Ayr).
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
If you are a current financial VMR Whitsunday member, you are also covered if you get into difficulties and need to be assisted by these three VMR Squadrons while boating within their operation zone (see below).
(Note that tows are now free within the MRQ Mackay operation zone since integration with Marine Rescue Queensland.)
Current financial members of VMR Midge Point, Bowen and Burdekin are also entitled to be assisted by VMR Whitsunday under the same conditions as if assisted by their home VMR. Be aware that each VMR has its own terms and conditions.
HOW DOES IT WORK IN PRACTICE?
The VMR Whitsunday financial member should launch their boat in the area where they will be boating. Under the conditions of the Reciprocal Rights Agreements, VMR Midge Point, Bowen or Burdekin may assist them, but they will be taken to a safe haven within that zone.
For example, if the member is fishing near the reefs off Bowen, they could be assisted by VMR Bowen who will most likely take the member back to Bowen – not Airlie Beach. Because VMR Bowen does not have access to VMR Whitsunday membership records, there will be a charge and the invoice must be paid.
The member can then forward the invoice and proof of payment to VMR Whitsunday where membership records will be checked to ensure current financial status and whether the annual free tow is still applicable. If all is in order, the fee will be refunded.
OPERATION ZONES
- VMR Whitsunday operates from George Point, near Hydeaway Bay, down to Cape Conway and Shaw Island in the South (see map).
- VMR Bowen operates from Abbott Point in the north to Dingo Beach in the south, and out to the Great Barrier Reef.
- VMR Midge Point operates from Laguna Quays, which is situated between the Whitsunday Islands and Mackay on the western side of Repulse Bay.
- VMR Burdekin operates from Abbott Point to the South, to Cape Cleveland to the North. This area includes the shallow estuaries of the Burdekin River, and the Barratta’s.