By ANNA USHER

Mosman’s boating community is set to score serious savings on fuel, servicing, antifouling, training and more, thanks to a brand-new membership program launched by Marine Rescue Middle Harbour.

The Club 500 Programme – unveiled this week – gives residents access to an impressive suite of discounts and benefits from major marine businesses, with members able to recover their entire $500 annual fee through partner perks alone.

And while the savings are substantial, the impact goes far beyond hip pockets: every membership directly supports our incredible volunteers who rescue hundreds of people on Sydney Harbour each year.

Developed by volunteer crew member and Community Partnership Manager Tony Collins, Club 500 bridges the gap between the boating community and the volunteers who keep them safe.

Members receive exclusive benefits from leading marine businesses, including:

• Fuel discounts – d’Albora Marinas
• Antifouling discounts – BoatYard and Short Marine
• Mooring services – Treharne Moorings
• Mechanical servicing – Onboard Marine Services
• Equipment discounts – Boat Warehouse
• Dive service savings – Underwater Dive Services
• Membership discounts – Manly Skiff Club
• Survey/inspection services – Boatbuy
• Training courses – Maritime Training School, Boatwise & Flying Fish Sailing

Whether you’re topping up at The Spit, booking a service, or prepping for summer, the savings stack up quickly – but the bigger picture is supporting a vital local service.

In 2025, volunteers at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour have carried out 188 search and rescue missions, including 24 emergency responses, safely returning 460 people back to shore.

Marine Rescue NSW is a not-for-profit organisation that receives some government funding but relies heavily on community support to stay operational.

Collins says Club 500 is designed to bolster both engagement and the unit’s rescue capability.

“The programme raises essential funds to ensure safe and effective operations, while also fostering stronger engagement with the wider boating community,” he said,

“Club 500 is structured so that participating partners also gain commercial value through increased customer engagement.”

Funds raised through Club 500 directly support:

• Search and rescue operations
• Vessel maintenance
• Emergency response readiness
• Ongoing crew training

In short: joining Club 500 helps keep highly trained volunteers on the water – ready to respond when things go wrong.

How to Join

More information and membership details are available on the WEBSITE