Eleven Marine Rescue Port Macquarie volunteers were crowned for their outstanding team contribution in the Maritime Search and Rescue Operation category of the awards in London on September 10.

The crew were honoured for their efforts in rescuing three critically injured men off the 10 metre cruiser, Aussie Joy, on April 14.

The men had suffered broken bones, severe lacerations, punctured lungs, broken eye sockets, a broken jaw and a broken back after their boat struck rocks around 1am.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said the rescue was extraordinary.

"It's good that we get this type of recognition and it doesn't come very often," he said.

"It was a remarkable rescue, it really was and by remarkable people.

"The International Maritime Rescue Federation has some 48 member countries that are a part of that group and we are competing against some very large organisations.

"To be short listed is a really good thing, to win it is extraordinary."

Mr Tannos praised the crews quick thinking and bravery in providing medical treatment and boarding the sinking vessel to save the injured men.

"We get 700 calls a year attending maydays for life threatening situations," he said.

"On this occasion I think the three people on the boat are extremely fortunate we got there when we did.

"It's extremely difficult circumstances to decide to stay on the boat, let it sink and float the crew out to avoid added complications."

Volunteers honoured include Garry White, Graham Gibbs, Reg McGlashan, Yolanda Bosschieter, Tony Hallett, Chris Condon, Bill Richardson, Rob Breskal, Owen Coulls, Randall Gawne and Greg Davies.

The team also collected a Professional Commendation Award for the same rescue at this year's 43rd Australian Search and Rescue Awards on the same night in Adelaide.

"The NATSAR award shows that national and international recognition is consistently the same," he said.

"What they did was remarkable and that is recognised at all levels in local, national and international forums.

"I'd like to congratulate our members and remind everyone going out to sea to log in with Marine Rescue."

Commendations for Courage and Commissioner's Citation have also been awarded to the crew and unit by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos.

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