FAQ's

What does the Coastguard do?

It's simple really. Coastguard is dedicated to saving lives at sea. Our professional volunteers are on call throughout New Zealand. 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, they're ready to respond to a distress call.

On the water, anything can go wrong in a very short period of time. The types of search and rescue incidents vary widely. From assisting people whose boat won't start, to man over board, to hitting a submerged object or attending to a medical emergency.

Who is the Coastguard?

The Royal New Zealand Coastguard Inc (Coastguard NZ) is a not-for-profit organisation. We are the charity that saves lives at sea and we are the primary provider of search and rescue services to New Zealand boaties.

Our 69 operational units are strategically placed along New Zealand's coastline and major lakes. They are manned by highly trained professional volunteers who dedicate their time to saving lives. Coastguard Units consist of vessel crew, air patrols and communications volunteers.

In order to continue saving lives at sea, we are heavily reliant on volunteers, community contributions and corporate sponsorship for funding.

How do I become a Coastguard volunteer?

As a Coastguard professional volunteer, you'll be trained to handle the wide variety of search and rescue incidents that can occur out on the water. From seamanship to marine search and rescue techniques, you'll earn valuable maritime qualifications along the way.

Coastguard's training regime will equip you with valuable skills that will enable you to perform at a professional level, whether it's on the water, in the air or within a communicattions centre/role. There are a variety of pathways to consider.

As a Coastguard professional volunteer, you'll find yourself stretched physically and mentally. You'll also find powerful new meaning to your life, as an active contributor in your local community.

Become a Coastguard volunteer

How do I become a Coastguard supporter member?

Becoming a Coastguard supporter member indicates you are a responsible Skipper. One who takes the safety of family and crew seriously, and supports the efforts of Coastguard to continue to save lives at sea and promote safety at sea.

As a Coastguard supporter member, you will have peace of mind on the water. Knowing that if something goes wrong, professional help is close at hand.

Become a Coastguard supporter member: Auckland Northland and Waikato areas

Become a Coastguard supporter member: elsewhere in New Zealand