The Australian Search and Rescue Award has been presented since 1996 by the National Search and Rescue Council, which is made up of representatives from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Australian Defence Force and state and territory police services.
This year’s award winner will be announced in October.
Last year's winners were Sergeant David Cooper, Officer in Charge at the Lorne Police Station, and Nicholas Costello. Both men assisted in the rescue and recovery of a 12-year-old boy who was swept out to sea at St George River, near Lorne, on 9 March, 2013.
Three crew members of the Victorian Police helicopter were also commended at last year's awards for their role in rescuing a Russian solo sailor in rough seas approximately 110 nautical miles south east of Mallacoota in April 2013.
The award is open to individuals or organisations and may relate to a particular event or a sustained contribution to search and rescue over a period of time.
Any person or organisation can nominate candidates for the award. The National Search and Rescue Council encourages nominations for all types of search and rescue incidents and members of the public are encouraged to submit nominations for anyone from their community that fits the award criteria.
Nomination forms are available on the National Search and Rescue Council website.
Nominations close on Thursday 31 July 2014.
More information on the Australian Search and Rescue Award is also available on the website.