Air Sea Rescue Association was first formalised in 1977, and effected it's name change to VOLUNTEER MARINE RESCUE ASSOCIATION QLD. INC. in January of 1990.

Whilst Marine Rescue is not new (Since Man Built Ships), Units were first formalised in 1965 at Point Danger and Mackay, followed shortly by Southport.

This development of Units then continued throughout the State, generally based on perceived needs by local communities. These Volunteer services are provided by people from all walks of life..

The Queensland Government commenced providing limited funding to these Units in 1968, followed by general increases up until 1990.

 The current structure and responsibility of the Association, location of Units and various forms of Volunteer Marine Rescue Services have been developed and refined over the last seven years in response to changing community needs. The Queensland Government conducted a review of Volunteer Marine Rescue Services in 1991 and that review resulted in some of the greatest changes we were to experience. It brought with it the very real areas of Responsibility and Accountability, coupled with a more professional approach by all concerned to Volunteer Marine Rescue Services in this State.

Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Qld. Inc. was formally recognised by the Queensland Government in 1992 as the Administrative Body for all Volunteer Marine Rescue Units in Queensland. The Association was vested with the responsibility for development and implementation of State wide policies which set the standards for Training, Funding, Operations, Accreditation and types and construction / fit out of Rescue Vessels.

The Association, via a Service Agreement with the Department of Emergency Services, is the recognised body for provision of Volunteer Marine Rescue Services in the State of Queensland.

Funding to the Association has been increased to reflect that responsibility and it is incumbent upon the Association and it? Management Council to ensure guidelines are in place to provide equitable funding to all Organisations in the provision of that Volunteer Marine Rescue Service within those Communities