Coastguard gears up
A planned 5-year replacement programme for Coastguard Northern Region’s rescue vessels is making the region safer for boaties.
TrustLine, March 2009
The coastguard has taken a strategic approach to rescue service needs, moving older boats to new locations and replacing them with new craft ready for regular service.
Over summer Far North Coastguard radio in Mangonui, New Zealand’s northernmost coastguard unit, took control of Hokianga Coastguard’s old boat. Also benefitting from the replacement programme was Whangaroa Coastguard’s Radio, which received Tutukaka Coastguard’s vessel.
Coastguard Northern Region’s Marketing Manager, Don Scandrett, says that until the boats arrived the Far North and Whangaroa volunteers only provided a radio service. In preparation for their new hands-on role, the crews have committed to comprehensive practical and classroom training.
Meanwhile Hokianga and Tutukaka are now equipped with 9.5m AMF boats, which are better suited to the local conditions. The replacement programme will be ongoing, Don says, with new boats being built for Waiuku, Bay of Islands, Kawau, Whangarei and Waiheke Coastguard units.
In the past three years ASB Community Trust has helped, along with other funders, to upgrade the fleet. Funding the Coastguard at a regional level means boats are replaced in a priority order and units are using the right boats for local conditions.
The coastguard continues to attract strong volunteer support, with over 14,000 supporter members and 1,000 volunteers at Coastguard Northern Region’s 24 bases.