COASTGUARD NEW ZEALAND 

Coastguard New Zealand provides New Zealand's primary maritime Search and Rescue service. Coastguard operates from a network of 4 regions and 65 affiliated units, strategically located around the coastline and major lakes of New Zealand.

Coastguard is a volunteer organization with charitable status. It is self funded and operates on contributions from sponsorship, fundraising and the network of community and gaming trusts around New Zealand. Coastguard's membership comprises of more than 2500 dedicated active volunteers and 12000 supporter members. There are currently 75 dedicated rescue vessels in Coastguard's fleet and we have access to aeroclub aircraft at 9 locations from Kerikeri to Invercargill. In addition to these, Coastguard still uses a number of privately owned rescue vessels in some parts of the country.

Every year, Coastguard's network of radio operators answer hundreds of thousands of calls for help or assistance and on average, over 5000 people are assisted.

In addition to Search and Rescue, Coastguard also provides a Boating Education Service which delivers a variety of boating safety courses to the New Zealand public. It is only through better education, that people will learn to respect the water and know what to do if an emergency occurs. A number of non emergency services are also provided, such as the presence of safety boats at marine events and a national radio network. This network provides marine weather information and local marine communications services.

The first permanent rescue service was established at Sumner in 1898 and the Sumner Lifeboat Institute still exists today as a member of Coastguard New Zealand. Coastguard New Zealand was established in 1976, when a group of local sea rescue organizations formed a National body to give them a voice at a National level and assist with the ever present funding issues. The Federation has grown to 66 affiliated units, including 4 independent Coastguard Air Patrols, stationed around New Zealand. In 1990 Royal Patronage was granted to the New Zealand Coastguard Federation and Prince Charles willingly accepted the role of Patron. In 2004, the organization changed it name to 'Coastguard New Zeraland'.

The majority of Coastguard's fleet of vessels are Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RIB's). These RIBs are mainly Naiad and Rayglass Protector hulls, with Naiad representing approximately 60% of the fleet. The aluminum hull is considered more 'forgiving' in a work boat environment and can handle taking the ground with minimal damage to the hull. Many units operate more than one vessel, to respond to the variety of incidents that occur in their local area. The lengths of the vessels vary around the country with the average size being 6.8 meters. The engine set up also varies, though Yamaha is the preferred engine supplier.

Air Patrol

Coastguard Search and Rescue resources are split into three major areas, the rescue vessels on the water, the radio operators on the marine VHF channels and the air patrol units who provide vital air search services. Coastguard Air Patrols are based in 9 strategic locations around New Zealand. Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol owns their own aircraft, a Cessna 182 and the remainder are provided by the aero clubs that the Air Patrols operate out of. Coastguard Air Patrol crews are volunteers. The majority of the Air Patrols are "on call" 24/7 and have regular training sessions every month. Auckland Air Patrol maintains a weekend crew duty roster. Each crew is made up of 4 people, including a pilot, a tactical co-ordinator and 2 observers. Over the weekend there are 4 crews rostered on during the hours of daylight, with each crew doing a 6 hour shift.