John is a Coast Guard rescue skipper and trainer for VMR base Kingscliff, where his responsibilities include co-ordinating and carrying out Search and Rescue operations. John has a background in research expeditions, and has sailed on many types of vessels from ocean-crossing yachts, up to 3000 tonne ice-breakers.

His sailing experience has taken him to countries including Tahiti, Costa Rica, Panama, Scotland, The Netherlands, and New Zealand. John was part of the first yacht expedition to navigate up the remote Fly river in western Papua New Guinea.

When not training, John can sometimes be found around the fishing spots of the Gold Coast and Northern NSW.

Captain John Murphy's qualifications are:

• Coxswain Certificate
• Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment
• First Aid Certificate
• Marine Radio Operator Certificate
• Blue Card (working with children)