VMR Raby bay was formed in 1985 by concerned members of the local boating community. A caravan was initially setup at the Raby Bay boat ramp which served as the new VMR Raby Bay base of operations. Soon after an ex-ambulance was acquired to move the caravan at weekends and launch the first rescue boat.

All of the first rescues were undertaken in private vessels.

The first vessel purchased was a 6 meter "Barjumper Supercat" Powered by a single Mariner and later Mercury outboard motor. She was named "SEQH" after major sponsor South East QLD Haulers. With a Caravan, Ambulance and one 6 meter vessel, the Raby Bay Sea Rescue Service was now well and truly established.

In 1986, with formalized government accreditation of Marine Rescue facilities, The Raby Bay Sea Rescue Service joined with the QLD Air Sea Rescue Service and became "Air Sea Rescue Raby Bay"

Meanwhile a huge fundraising effort had started, which resulted in the commencement of a permanent building in 1989. On the 5th May 1990, the Air Sea Rescue Base at Raby Bay was formally opened.

Two years later, a second rescue vessel was constructed from new. This time a 7 meter Hydrofield Tri-Hull vessel powered by a single Iveco 6 Cylinder Turbo Diesel was put into service with a top speed of 26 Knots.

RB II as she was named, featured an enclosed cabin and remained in service until sold in 1999.

1995 saw the purchase of a new vessel to replace the beloved but now aging Barjumper. A 7.5 Meter Tradewind vessel powered by 2 x 175 HP Mercury Outboard Motors was put into service in April 1995. She had a top speed of 36 knots. RB IV as she was named remained in service until sold in 2002.

A year later in 1996 along with most other units in the state, the name of the association was changed to Volunteer Marine Rescue Raby Bay as it remains to this day.

1996 also saw the introduction of the first Competency Based Training Package for Marine Rescue Volunteers.

1997 to 2009