For over 70 years generations of dedicated personnel have been working behind the scenes to keep on “Saving lives at Sea”.  The organisation, like almost all volunteer, not for profit agencies, has seen its share of trials, tears and tribulations.  But each time the commitment and focus of the current executive, and the support of the people of Auckland, have recognised the critical role that Auckland Volunteer Coastguard plays in both the commercial and recreational boating of the region.  Each time the people of Auckland have rallied support and moved the organisation forward.

Key events:

1935 Captain John Eastmure formed the maritime section of “A Squadron”, Legion of Frontiersmen to teach its members the skills of seamanship and navigation.

1937 The Marine section evolved into the New Zealand Coastguard Service, now known as the Auckland Volunteer Coastguard Service.  The Auckland Harbour Board provided premises in the port area near Viaduct Basin.

1938 Mr R Daverne and Mr K Hall were also responsible for forming the “Auckland Division” of the New Zealand Coastguards.  This group appeared to have been made up from members of the Sea Scouts movement.

1939 Launch of the first Coastguard cutter, a 26ft wooden launch deigned by T.C. Windsor

1950 The RNZN, which had provided an ML cutter on loan, recalled the boat.  This left Coastguard with no money and no boat, therefore no ‘on-water’ capability.  The Auxillary boats were a very important element of the continuation of the Coastguard service during this period.

1954 Tom Skinner, later to become Sir Tom Skinner becomes first Life member

1955 Coastguard was able to move into its first building in Mechanics Bay, when TEAL relocated its base.

1956 The first all night watch and availability of expert crew to take part in harbour and ocean rescues, following the tragic drowning of 3 young boys at Howick, after their dinghy capsized

1957 Through the 1950’s and early 1960’s Coastguard only just managed to stay afloat financially

1965 The new look Coastguard was born.  Based on the philosophy of “collective security” provided by the many Auxillary Coastguard boats around the Harbour & Gulf.

1966 The first ‘resident radio operator’ was employed by the service.

1966 Around this time the concept of “AA of the Sea” was born, with membership subscriptions providing a free tow to members.

1969 New Okahu Bay premises opened by Sir Arthur Porritt

1972 Coastguard enrols its 2000th member

1976 Introduction of VHF radio which phased out DSB. SSB radio would replace DSB for blue water passages

1977 The New Zealand Coastguard was renamed the Auckland Volunteer Coastguard Service following the recognised need to federate the other services from around the country, and the subsequent establishment of the New Zealand Coastguard Federation.

1980 The introduction of the first Safe Boating Courses

1983 The first continuous weather transmission on VHF Channel 21

1986 A new operations room was opened by Dame Catherine Tizard, at the Okahu Bay premises

1987 Auckland Harbour Board donated the site at Mechanics Bay to Auckland Volunteer Coastguard and Auckland Surf Life Saving Association for a new purpose built premises.

1988 The first VHF radio repeater was installed on the Moehau ranges, Coromandel Peninsula

1989 Mainzeal begin work on the new Marine Rescue Centre premises

1990 Membership reached 4000 members

1991 The move to the new Marine Rescue Centre building at Mechanics Bay

1991 Auckland Volunteer Coastguard provided its inaugural Air Patrol with a leased Cessna 172, to provide an aerial search platform. This was brought about through a sponsorship by ASB Bank .

1992 Commencement of the Nowcasting scheme, which provides real time wind speed and direction data

1993 Purchase of a Cessna 172 aircraft

1992 Development of the Coastguard Youth scheme, training youth in the skills of seamanship

1993-1994 An Auckland by-law requiring all boats on the Auckland and Manukau Harbour to have sufficient life-jackets for all people on board. Auckland Volunteer Coastguard purchased 50 lifejackets to set up a life-jacket hire service

1994 Police Commissioner Richard McDonald presented the Commissioners Commendation (the highest award possible) to RNZCF

1997 Launch of the dedicated rescue vessel Auckland Rescue One (since renamed Trillian Rescue Alpha), an 8.5 metre rigid hull inflatable.

2000 Opening of the newly upgraded communications room, recognised as one of the best equipped in the country, and which is now utilised by the Police, Fire Service and St Johns Ambulance as the centre for all marine SAR and emergency operations.

2002 Commencement of the construction of the new Heavy dedicated rescue vessel – a 14 metre rigid hull inflatable.

2003 The launch of Lion Foundation Rescue - a 14.6 m purpose built Naiad designed launch capable of handling heavy weather and of undertaking "mother-ship" duties during extended or off-shore search and rescue missions.

 2004 Auckland Volunteer Coastguard Service Inc evolves into Coastguard Northern Region, with responsibility for the administration and funding of the operational activities undertaken by each of the 20 Coastguard units in the northern region of NZ

2004 Auckland Coastguard Incorporated was established simultaneously with the evolution of Auckland Volunteer Coastguard to Coastguard Northern Region. Auckland Coastguard takes on the responsibility for the dedicated rescue vessels, and the private rescue vessel fleet, including purchase, maintenance, equipment, and crewing.