Mike Pierpoint has acted as Port Stephens Aquaman, of sorts, for the past 16 years. The Corlette resident was awarded for his efforts on Wednesday.
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Mr Pierpoint says his only superpower is that hes one of those people who dont get sea sick.
A former chief engineer and master skipper of Port Stephens Marine Rescue team, Mr Pierpoint, however, has managed to get many a seafarer out of a pickle.
We monitor from Seal Rocks down to the Stockton bite and any poor devil in trouble in those areas, as well as about 25 odd nautical miles out to sea, we respond to, he said.
They usually get in to trouble when there is no sun and its windy and raining and the poor devil has become violently ill.
Its those sorts of situations we find ourselves with.The training and camaraderie is what makes it all work.
Mr Pierpoint said many people are not aware of the work of Marine Rescue volunteers due to the fact incidents occur at sea, usually in the dead of night.
But Marine Rescue volunteers also work around the clock on land.
First and foremost we man the radios that monitor vessels going out and vessels going home, Mr Pierpoint said.
On occasion boats travelling up the coast come into difficulty and they request assistance, he said.
All of this has to go through the police and then, if they choose to, they send us out to help and off we go.
During his time as a volunteer, Mr Pierpoint has used his skills as a former electrical engineer on cruise ships.
Harold Gibson, the Welfare and Protocol Officer at Port Stephens Marine Rescue, recalled the teams excitement 16 years ago when they found out about Mr Pierpoints former career.
I am sure that you all know from here on what plans we may have for our new found member, Mr Gibson said.
The new recruit was eventually made responsible for the upkeep of two seagoing vessels and an an engine room full of other demanding machinery.
He always complained about very tight engine room conditions nothing like his P&O ships.
In recent months Mr Pierpoint has had to step away from his duties due to illness.
Federal MP Meryl Swanson awarded him with a National Medal for his service on Wednesday.
The Hunter Water Hunter Hero nominee said he was not certain he was quite done with the rescue service yet, despite warnings from his doctor.
Ill make a few more efforts to see what I can do to help. Itll keep me off the streets and out of mischief, he said.
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