Cleeve Robertson, former CEO of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in South Africa, was awarded the Vladimir Maksimov Award for Lifetime Achievement 2024 for his lifelong work in the search and rescue (SAR) industry.

“It was a great surprise as I wasn’t aware that I’d been nominated; I have dedicated my entire life to public service as a doctor, the head of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and later as the head of the NSRI. However, this award recognises the contributions of thousands of maritime SAR personnel and volunteers. Receiving recognition for my efforts is appreciated and gratifying after a fulfilling career”, Cleeve said.

He also won the People’s Choice Award, adding, “Being honoured for this is deeply meaningful.  There’s no greater incentive than being recognised by colleagues and clients for the work you do. It makes the journey all the more rewarding”.

His nickname, Dr. Bob, reflects his deep commitment to the ocean rather than his name or formal qualifications. He actively engages in activities such as swimming, diving, paddling, sailing, and boating, demonstrating his passion for the sea. Throughout his career, he has skilfully merged his professional pursuits with his love for the ocean.

He is grateful to the NSRI for more than just their collaboration with dedicated volunteers and search-and-rescue personnel; he experienced their remarkable efforts firsthand in 1986 during the long-haul race of the Rothmans Regatta. The NSRI rescued him after his vessel ran aground on Robben Island. From 1996 onward, he served as the NSRI's Honorary Medical Advisor. Therefore, when he was offered the position of NSRI CEO in 2012, accepting the role was an easy decision for him.

During his career, he has achieved some significant milestones. His focus has always been on creating systems that impact hundreds of lives. As such, he was part of creating the Emergency Medical Services System in the Western Cape Province in South Africa and did the same with the NSRI, with a team that still provides excellent services, free to the public and almost entirely staffed by volunteers.

Throughout his career at the NSRI, he has overseen numerous innovations, including the building of the Class 1, 15m offshore vessels, the NSRI training team and system, the JetRIB, and the Pink Rescue Buoy program.

Challenges are part of life, and Cleeve is no stranger to them and believes that challenges can be overcome. Leadership poses a significant challenge, but having a clear purpose, genuine passion, and a willingness to accept responsibility can make a considerable difference. People tend to recognise passion and sincerity, leading them to connect with a trustworthy leader.

One of the significant challenges in running a non-profit organisation is financing. The key is diversifying the revenue model, leveraging funding from multiple sources, and adapting to market changes. Donors, corporations, and the economy constantly evolve, so seeking new ideas is essential.

“Volunteers have been remarkably easy to manage, but we understand that passion can overcome many obstacles. I've been fortunate to have a wonderful volunteer community,” he stated. “Running a non-profit is akin to managing a small to medium-sized business. I've received tremendous support from my board chairman regarding governance, which has made my responsibilities much easier.”

The maritime SAR industry has evolved throughout his career, and technological advancements have changed everything.

“Cellphones, location-based services, helicopters, and StarLink have revolutionised rescue. I’ve been fortunate to straddle the evolution, and it’s been great to watch. Many more lives are saved because distress messages can be made and the right agencies dispatched. There is still much work to be done globally, but platforms like StarLink will create massive step change.”

He firmly believes that SAR is about people – the individuals you save, the families you return them to, colleagues, friends, and the communities you serve.

Success is attainable if you have perseverance, courage, and good communication skills, which have been cornerstones for his success. Change takes time, often up to a decade, and requires standing firm for the people and services you represent. Building trust and ensuring buy-in from teams has been essential.

Stress and emotional and physical tolls affect SAR personnel worldwide.

“As a doctor, I have faced significant trauma from gunshot wounds, stabbings, and drownings. To process these experiences, I wrote a book titled ‘Blood on the Streets, Water in My Veins’. Also, a strong support system of friends and family and engaging in hobbies is crucial for coping. SCUBA diving has provided a peaceful escape and helped me forge meaningful friendships, easing the burden of my experiences.”

Now that he is retired, he looks forward to a well-deserved break. However, he is not about to sit still. He will surely be busy in the coming years with hobbies such as climbing mountains, diving, paddling, and underwater photography. His extensive experience and passion for service indicate that he will continue to make significant contributions. "I'm sure I will do some work soon," he added.

His message to the SAR community is this: “We stand on the shoulders of ordinary people who do extraordinary things. I want to express my gratitude and encourage the SAR community to keep up the great work. Keep trying because, at the end of the rainbow, there is a human life worth saving.”