Brenda completed her final shift as radio base operator on Tuesday and said she would sure miss the stunning view from the Marine Rescue Narooma headquarters.

The husband-and-wife team are looking forward to a break but will stay in touch with the many friends they made at the service.

“It’s been a long time and we wanted to step aside to let some new people with fresh ideas take over,” Mrs Cavey said.

“It's been great over the years and we have made many friends."

She would miss the changing weather and all the wildlife visible from the Narooma headland and her great working friendships.

Both volunteers are qualified radio operators and watch officers and have faced challenging and even tragic circumstances over the years.

In 2003, there were two fatal accidents on the treacherous Narooma bar crossing within  a month, and Mrs Cavey was on duty for the first.

She would never forget the experience. The aftermath included police interviews and a coronial inquest.

“This all happened just before it became compulsory to wear life jackets across the bar and fortunately we have not had a death on the bar since,” Mrs Cavey said.

Unit commander Eric Hibbett thanked the Cavey’s for their years of service.

Mr Hibbett will soon also step down as commander, after four years of being either commander or deputy commander, but will continue as a radio operator, base meteorological officer and his various other administrative duties.

The new Narooma unit commander and deputy commander would be announced in July after the annual general meeting, he said.

Volunteers were always being sought and the unit commander can be contacted at 0409 421 295 or narooma@marinerescuensw.com.au