JOIN

Costs are beginning to change!

Due to the state-wide integration under Marine Rescue Queensland (more info HERE), pro-rata charges have been put in place for those joining or renewing,  beginning with partial fees and gradually dwindling to zero when VMRW is officially under MRQ…sometime during 2025.  Here is a table of the reducing membership fees.

(Note that there is an initial $20.00 new member joining fee to cover administration costs.)

What is the current cost of a tow if I’m NOT a member?

If you need our assistance and are not a member, you would be charged our hourly rate of $323 (+ $23.52 fuel levy). This is from the time we leave the dock until we return, so for example, if this adds up to a 4 hour activation you would receive an invoice for $1,386.08.

• Members are entitled to one FREE assist tow a year (limited to 4 hours)
• Subsequent assist tows are then charged at half price.

Priceless though, is your peace of mind knowing you have VMR as insurance and security should assistance at sea ever be required.
You also get to support a worthwhile local volunteer and charity organisation. All membership fees stay in the Whitsundays.

YES – Full membership takes effect 24 hours from midnight of the day fees are paid. For example, if you join at 7:00pm on a Friday evening, the 24 hours will begin at midnight meaning you will be fully covered for your boating trip early Sunday morning. This also applies if rejoining after a previous membership has expired.
This is explained in our Terms and Conditions.

You are able to register up to THREE boats under your membership.

Yes.  A specific boat can be registered by more than one person.  This is relatively common when a number of different people may take out a single boat eg a father and son, a couple or a group of friends etc.  Each person would require their own membership, however they can register the same boat under their name.

YES we can tow your jetski, but we have additional Terms and Conditions which you must be aware of.

Yes, but your membership is only valid if you are using your vessel for private, recreational use at the time you require our assistance. If the vessel is engaged in Commercial operations, the free or subsidised tow does not apply.

Yes.  The VMR mission is to ‘Save Lives at Sea’ which means a VMR membership will cover all watercraft.  This includes jet skis, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, windsurfers, sailboards, inflatable boats etc.

If a non-member takes your nominated boat out without you, any assistance is not covered by your membership. This includes family members.

As up to 3 boats can be under a membership, it is suggested that family members or friends who are financial members of VMR and who take your boat out on occasion,  also include your boat under their membership.

No.  Your membership is for yourself ONLY and your nominated boat ONLY.  If you are a member and are on another boat, your membership does not cover you as you are not on your nominated boat.

Membership is for one year from the date of your Application for Membership. Unfortunately we are unable to offer membership for a shorter period.

If you have a current membership with VMR squadrons at either Midge Point, Bowen or Burdekin (Ayr), there are Reciprocal Rights Agreements in place.

VMR Whitsunday has a Reciprocal Rights Agreement with VMR Midge Point, VMR Bowen and VMR Burdekin (Ayr).

Providing she is always on the boat when it goes out (as the member), then she will be available to sign the papers should you require a tow.  If you go out alone, you are not covered.