A paramedic who died off the New South Wales coast trying to save his girlfriend after she fell from their stateroom balcony on Carnival Spirit cruise ship will be awarded a posthumous bravery award in Australian.

Paul Rossington, 30, and his 26-year-old girlfriend Kristen Schroder plummeted into the water off Carnival Spirit in May 2013. Their bodies were never found.

'This award places our son forever among a special group of heroes who made a deliberate choice to step from safety into danger to provide help to someone. Said Mrs Rossington.

Dominic Morgan, NSW Ambulance commissioner said Rossington was a respected paramedic dedicated to helping to all in need.

'His bravery in his final moments is testament to his courage, care and dedication; traits which NSW Ambulance paramedics exemplify every day in their line of work.' 

'We congratulate Paul and his family on receiving this highly decorated and prestigious honor.'