Queensland's marine search and rescue services are run by two volunteer organisations, with 21 Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and 26 Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland locations across the state.

The Blue Water Review, led by retired navy commodore Campbell Darby, has revealed complaints from volunteers that both organisations suffered from poor internal communication, dated constitutions and a lack of transparency.

The report said there was significant disillusionment in the sector about "internal governance, limited government funding and the lack of profile for volunteers in the sector".

"The long-term viability of a many units is questionable," the report said.

At the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, members alleged there was a lack of financial visibility and the association was "quick to remove members or office holders who openly question decisions and seek full transparency".

"While undoubtedly there will always be differing views the number of similar instances suggests this is the manner in which dissension is stifled," the report alleged.

At Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland, some squadrons complained about a perceived lack of a statewide strategic direction.

Across the board, many units were having difficulty attracting and retaining volunteers, with people unhappy about the cost of uniforms and fees, the length of training, little time spent on the water and a belief the public and government did not value their services.

Government funding was "minimal" compared with the money required for operations, with some units spending 80 per cent of their volunteering time fundraising, leading to major frustration.

The report said volunteers were highly-motivated and well-intentioned but the sector was beset with poor governance and internal communication, negligible commonality of systems and major resource challenges.

In Moreton Bay and the Broadwater area, there were several units providing varying levels of radio watch service leading to over-servicing and confusion for the boating public.

A submission from Marine Radio Moreton Bay warned a lack of transparency and coordination regarding vessel movement had significant safety implications, particularly during emergency situations.

The report argued long-term reform, including a shake-up of funding, was needed.

Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland president Graham Kingston said the organisation was happy to work with the government.

However, Mr Kingston said the report, which focused on consultation with rank and file members, required clarification, particularly in relation to criticism about governance, financial transparency, coordination and systems.

"We really do need to have a round of consultation with the reviewer and the department to clarify and correct some of the misconceptions that are in that report," he said.

Mr Kingston said he would like the two organisations to be merged, which would allow greater opportunities to attract major sponsors, and said the sector needed more funding.

"Our volunteers signed up to save lives, not to sell sausages," he said.

Several volunteers also expressed frustration with fundraising, saying: "You can't buy a $600,000 boat just from selling sausages at Bunnings."

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services acting commissioner Mark Roche said the organisation was committed to ensuring volunteer marine rescue had a sustainable and robust future.

Mr Roche said QFES would form a working group, including rank and file members of both services, to consider the report.

"Marine rescue volunteers are a tremendous asset and their commitment, motivation and passion for providing a safety net for the boating public cannot be underestimated," he said.

Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford announced the review in July 2018 after "visiting marine rescue bases up and down the coast where volunteers raised some complex issues affecting service delivery in these locations".

"I'd encourage anyone involved in marine rescue to read [the] report and participate in future consultation that is happening," he said.

QFES provides the Coast Guard with $1.5 million annually and Volunteer Marine Rescue with $1.7 million, with service level agreements due to expire on June 30.

Australian Volunteer Coast Guard national commodore Ray Campbell did not return calls.