Marine Rescue Port Macquarie members were presented the awards at an official ceremony in the Westport Club on Friday, August 23.

Volunteers Chris Condon and William Richardson were recognised with Commendations for Courage. They played a vital role in the rescue of three injured men from a sinking 10m cruiser, Aussie Joy on April 14.

"After searching north from Port Macquarie, the crew eventually located the damaged cruiser with the assistance of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter just south of Crescent Head," said Commissioner Tannos.

"When PM 30 (lead vessel) arrived on scene, Mr Richardson and Mr Condon bravely boarded the holed vessel to provide emergency first aid to the three people on board."

Volunteers were originally called to the six-hour rescue mission after the cruiser struck a submerged object.

The three fishermen aboard had suffered broken bones, severe lacerations, punctured lungs, broken eye sockets, a broken jaw and a spinal injury.

"As the cruiser began sinking, without regard for their own safety, the pair ensured all three injured men escaped, painstakingly extricating the patient with the spinal injury from below deck where he had been trapped among debris," said Commissioner Tannos.

"All five men were rapidly retrieved from the open ocean and transferred to shore, rendezvousing en route with Port Macquarie 20 which had NSW Ambulance paramedics on board.

"Our volunteers do not join our service for glory and awards but it is always pleasing to acknowledge their skill and capability.

"They devote a great deal of time and effort to their operational duties and training to ensure they can operate at the most professional of standards.

"They deserve our thanks and praise."

Commissioner's Citations were also awarded to Reg McGlashan, Yolanda Bosschieter, Tony Hallett, Robert Breskal, Owen Coulls, Graham Gibbs, Gary White and unit commander Greg Davies.

Commendations for Courage and Commissioner's Citations are not given out lightly, said Mr Davies.

"We're just a small unit on a small budget of $11,000 but our training is at such a high standard," he said.

"It wasn't just that they saved lives, there was a high level of first aid there to stablise those they rescued.

"We don't just learn the first aid and advanced aid courses, we practice it weekly because we literally have to keep people alive sometimes."

Members were praised for their efforts by ceremony guests Patrick Conaghan MP, Leslie Williams MP, mayor Peta Pinson and Board Marine Rescue NSW chairman Jim Glissan.

The team is also nominated as one of two finalists for an Outstanding Team Contribution in the Maritime Search and Rescue Operation category of the 2019 International Maritime Rescue Federation Awards.

The winner of those awards will be announced in London on September 10.

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