Coastguard Nelson

About

Saving Lives at Sea

Story

IN THE EVENT OF A MARINE EMERGENCY IN NEW ZEALAND NOTIFY AUTHORITIES BY EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS:
TELEPHONE: DIAL 111 AND ASK FOR THE POLICE
BY VHF RADIO: CALL ON CHANNEL 16

ABOUT

Coastguard Nelson is a non-profit charitable organisation that provides a Maritime Search and Rescue service in the wider Tasman Bay area, from the northern tip of Durville Island, to Farewell Spit.

WHAT DO WE DO??

It's simple really, Coastguard Nelson is dedicated to "Saving lives at sea." 24/7, 365 days of the year, professional well trained volunteers are on call, ready to respond to a situation of distress on the water.
At sea anything can go wrong in a very short period of time and often when weather conditions begin to deteriorate rapidly. The nature of rescues varies greatly - over the past 12 months Coastguard Nelson has been called out for the following types of events
• Flare sightings
• Vessels over-turned & people in the water
• Fire at sea
• Medical emergencies
• Disorientated crew requiring assistance to reach port
• Breakdowns of many different kinds (please do check the state of your engine starting battery and also your starter motor). Mostly, breakdowns' result in a tow back to port.
• Assist the New Zealand Police.

It's good to know that when you need us - We'll be there


EQUIPMENT

Nelson Volunteer Coastguard operates a single 8.5 meter, fast response vessel, "Talley's Rescue". The vessel carries a normal operational crew of 4. GPS technology enables the vessel's location and movements to be monitored at all times by Maritime New Zealand, Police and Coastguard Nelson's operational control room. This capability is a comforting safeguard for the crew and an invaluable tool in the often fast changing situations that the vessel and its crew find themselves in.

Some information about the boat
• Type: Ridged aluminium hull with buoyancy collars
• Power: 2 x Yamaha 200 horsepower outboards engines
• Fuel capacity: 400 litres
• Top speed: around 40 knots
• Service speed: around 25 knots

Apart from search and rescue, the vessel is also equipped for towing, minor medical emergencies, fire-fighting and pumping water out of other vessels. The vessel crew is trained in all of these activities.

OUR PEOPLE
There is no polite way to say this - "a very eclectic bunch" from a wide range of backgrounds and professions, but all with a love and healthy respect for the sea and a passion for keeping fellow boaties safe at sea.

Mission

Saving Lives at Sea.

To be the 'Go to' people for marine safety, education and search and rescue services.