Foyle and Lagan Search and Recue are among 67 charities to benefit from the Department of Transport scheme.
The grants were awarded from a funding pot of £5m being delivered across the UK over a five year period.
Phillip Batt, a founding member of Lagan Search and Rescue, said the money was vital to the group's survival.
The Belfast based organisation is to receive a total of £31,590.
"It's a tremendous boost to organisation, this is our sixth year in operation and we now have three lifeboats and 40 plus volunteers," said Mr Batt.
"We'll be using this vital money mainly for volunteer equipment, such as new life jackets and helmets.
"This highlights the commitment of volunteers, we launch our lifeboat between four and seven minutes and that really is on a par with the RNLI."
The organisation not only deal with local emergencies, they can also be called in to help national search efforts here and further afield.
Some volunteers recently returned from the Aegean Sea where they were involved in rescuing migrants and refugees in trouble at sea.
Their counterparts in Londonderry, Foyle Search and Rescue, have been handed £42,000 - the highest of any of the charities across the UK.
The group have been operating in the Foyle area since 1993 and the bulk of their work involves call-outs for missing or vulnerable persons.
UK Maritime Minister John Hayes said: "Every day countless volunteers in water rescue charities across our island nation carry out vital work during emergencies, not only around our coasts but also keeping our rivers, lakes and inshore waters safe.
"It is imperative that we value and support their tireless efforts. I am delighted to be able to announce the latest round of funding, ensuring they have the equipment and resources they need to provide their round-the-clock lifesaving services," he added.

The 19-year-old striker has appeared three times for Newcastle's first team.
"It was my first time away from home. My mum's not there to do everything for me, so I've got to be a big man for myself," he told BBC Radio Northampton.
"The football's obviously a bit different tempo-wise but I've managed to adapt to it and I'm enjoying it."
He continued: "A little bit (of homesickness), missing my family a lot but other than that it's alright."
Toney came through the Cobblers' youth ranks and scored 13 goals in 60 senior games, and is also the youngest player to represent Northampton.
He was named the Under-21 Premier League's player of the month for September after two goals in three appearances for Newcastle legend Peter Beardsley's side.
He also appeared in the Premier League as a substitute in September's 2-2 draw with Chelsea, and says that he is working on physical strength to compete in the top flight.
"If you're not sharp, you're not involved," he said. "I wouldn't try to disrespect the League Two standard, but they are sharper (mentally) and know what they are doing a lot more.
"You're trying to get stronger every day, especially at that level you need to be strong and fit, and that's the main thing I'm working on."
Two water rescue charities in Northern Ireland have received £70,000 in funding between them.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
Ivan Toney has admitted he struggled with homesickness following his summer move from home-town club Northampton Town to Newcastle United.