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It's a great feeling to know that you have saved a life, but in typical kiwi fashion, we prefer to remain humble about it.
Saving lives creates a special camaraderie that is unique to those that have experienced it. There is no greater send of team purpose that exists, when the end goal is to save a life. It puts many of the other priorities we have into perspective.
Our Volunteers make a significant commitement when they join the environment that surrounds Coastguard. Our people don't ask a cent for the work they do, however they do demand the very best equipment and training that we can give them to do the job. That's where the publics support is so important in regards to our funding. Our volunteers give their time, skill and commitment so that the organisation can achieve it's goal of 'saving lives at sea'.
We have volunteers in the following areas;
- Radio communications
- Rescue vessel crews
- Private rescue vessel fleet
- Air Patrol
- Administration
- Promotions and Events
Coastguard's training regime equips us with valuable skills that enable us to perform at a professional level, whether it's on the water, in the air flying our planes, or within our communications centre. While we are constantly challenged out of our comfort zone, both physically and mentally, we're ready to take on the task with confidence.
Each unit will conduct a familiarisation programme to allow people to fully understand the committment that is required. Volunteers who join units with Rescue Vessels will gain trainee crew status while the other areas (Air Patrol and Communications) will put new volunteers through an intial training phase before they are rostered on as trainees.
A serious commitment to undergo training is expected with regular attendance at training nights required. For those undergoing training for Rescue Vessel crews, there is the option to formally register for the Certificate in Marine Search and Rescue - Crew with the possiblity of this leading onto a Certificate in Search and Rescue - Master.
Each unit operates a roster system for their crews, whether that be Rescue Vessels, Air Patrols or Communications. Your availability will be taken into consideration, however as Coastguard is a 24 / 7 operation the ability to respond day or night, weekday or weekend when you are rostered on is critical to the organisation.
This means that you need to be on very good terms with the “Boss” – there may be times when you are called out during work hours. We find that most employers are very accepting of this, but we do respect the need for weekday call-outs to be of an urgent nature only. Coastguard will provide your employer with relevant information if required
As a team, we make lifelong friends with the people we serve alongside. The regard we have for each other and from the people we rescue is worth more to us than financial rewards.
Does this sound like you?
If you would be interested in becomming a Coastguard Volunteer, please click here to download our Active Volunteer Application Form.
Once you've filled in the Active Volunteer Application form you can either email it to us sar.school@coastguard.org.nz or post it to 'Coastguard Northern Region, Attention: SAR School, PO Box 2195, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140.
Please note that currently the following units are not accepting new volunteers:
- Auckland Coastguard Inc
- Coastguard North Shore
- Coastguard Waiuku
- Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol
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