In a year's time the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, Royal Volunteer Coast Guard and Volunteer Rescue Association - Marine will become Marine Rescue NSW.

For Noel Parkinson, Commander of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard's Port Hacking flotilla, it's a time of mixed emotion.

"There's a certain amount of sadness. I joined the AVCG, which has a certain amount of history,'' he said.

"Having said that, we're looking at a new start ... it's exciting.''

Soon the united services will wear a common uniform, and eventually their boats will all be painted in a red-on-white livery similar to that used by the US Coast Guard.

But because of the astronomical cost of painting every rescue vessel from the Victorian border to Tweed Heads, only brand new boats will receive the new colours.

Familiar colours will be a source of comfort in a world of new leadership and there will be new uniforms for Port Hacking volunteers George Bearzot, Lewis Stockbridge and Steve Stranks.

Mr Parkinson recently acknowledged the trio for their respective 10, 20 and 30 years of service to the Coast Guard by presenting them with long service ribbons. He said that although a chapter of maritime history was being closed, it was refreshing to see previously competing services working towards one goal.

"The question that's being asked by all volunteers is 'why did you join?''' he said. ``The answer has been, almost always, 'to help the marine community'. Does a name change make any difference?''