In an emergency at sea, contact us via VHF Channel 04 or call 111 (also Channel 04 to place a trip report)
Royal New Zealand Coastguard
" The Charity saving lives at sea "
Coastguard is the charity that provides New Zealand's primary maritime search and rescue service.
The organisation operates from a network of four regions and 71 affiliated units, located around the coastline and major lakes of New Zealand.
Coastguard Whangamata promotes Skipper Responsibility as the core principle to safe boating.
At all times the individual in charge of the boat or craft must take all practical steps to keep their craft and those on board safe.
Coastguard Whangamata currently has 36 active volunteers.
These include 19 CRV crew members of which 3 are skippers, 6 duty officers.
19 radio operators (5 are home based) and a governing committee of 10.
Coastguard Whangamata has a close working relationship with Police, Surf Lifesaving Whangamata and St John Ambulance.
7 day forecasts, actual boating safety ratings, windspeeds, wave heights and tides from Metservice. If you are planning an offshore trip or some blue water fishing you might want to check out Metvuw ocean weather maps and it's extensive pool of weather and climate information
Why Should I Become a Member of Whangamata Coastguard?
It does not matter which Coastguard Membership scheme you choose to join, the services provided to you are the same.
At only $95, Whangamata Coastguard Membership is the least costly option and you will be supporting the work we do as a local volunteer organisation.
You will be covered for free assistance wherever you may be boating nation-wide.
A cost recovery charge applies to non-members requiring on water assistance ($350 per hour).
During the last 10 years Whangamata Coastguard has:
Logged:96,352 volunteer hours
Responded to 448 on water incidents
Returned 1,119 people safely back to their families.
Whangamata Coastguard is now linked in with the Eastern and Northern Regional hub. This seamless link enables 24hr VHF communications in our coverage area.
Along with providing training to all volunteers, Coastguard Whangamata maintain their rescue vessel: The "Gardner Rescue"