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Insurance at sea
From a simple jump start to something more serious, non-urgent assistance is free for Coastguard members. Membership starts from just $130, but if you’re not a member, a callout will cost at least $280 an hour. By signing up, you have a peace of mind of knowing that help is just a call away and you are supporting a valuable local volunteer service. To join, go to: https://membership.boatiesbestmate.nz/join/details
Lifejacket promotion
The Coastguards Old4New Lifejacket Campaign is back. If your lifejackets need upgrading, head down to the Snells Beach boat ramp, Sunset Boulevard, on Monday, December 19, between 2pm and 5pm. Find out more about the best lifejackets at Boatie’s Best Mate https://www.boatiesbestmate.nz/lifejackets
Nobody heads out for a day’s fishing, kayaking or sailing thinking that something could go wrong. But if it does, the Kawau Volunteer Coastguard has your back.
The service operates out of Sandspit and covers from Bream Tail to the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, including all the way out to the 12-mile limit, Great Barrier and the Mokohinau Islands.
It is currently operating with 24 volunteers who work in three teams. Their primary role is saving lives at sea and they aim to provide rescue cover around the clock, seven days a week.
And, in case you missed it, this is a service run by volunteers – retirees, homemakers, fencers, civil engineers and so on. Just ordinary people who share a love of the sea and are prepared to put their lives on the line to help others if necessary.
A duty crew trains every Sunday in rotation, subject to callouts, where the practice search and rescue techniques, medical and mechanical training, towing and callout procedures.
Kawau president Paul Steinkamp says the local Coastguard is averaging two callouts a week.
“We’re expecting a busy summer so it’s good to make people aware of some of the issues and to educate them about the dangers at sea,” he says.
Number one on the safety list is make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket.
“We fished five fishermen out of the water in February after their boat capsized and they only survived because they were wearing lifejackets.
“Secondly, try to take two forms of communication. Cell phones are only person to person, whereas a marine radio tells everyone in the area if you have an issue. Use Channel 16 or Channel 60 if you have a mayday. For an issue that needs Coastguard, then channel 60 works fine in this area.”
Here are some more top tips:
• Weather changes, so take spare clothing/waterproofs and be aware of changing conditions.
• Take extra food and water in case you are delayed, maybe after a breakdown
• Check the batteries in torches, handheld VHFs and GPS units. Check the terminals on your engine batteries, as dirty ones may mean the batteries don’t charge as well. Electricity often lets you down at sea.
• If you have a portable battery jump pack, then take it. You might use it, or you may help someone else.
• Check your fuel is okay and topped up. We often go to boats with no fuel, two stroke oil or hydraulic fluid.
• If you get into trouble, call Coastguard before you get into a more dangerous situation.
“Take extra care if you are coming back late. We went to a boat at the end of April that turned the wrong way and ended up on the rocks at the mouth of the Mahurangi River.”
Finally, Steinkamp says don’t underestimate the value of doing some boating education.
“Coastguard runs several very good courses starting with a basic day skipper course through to more detailed boatmaster courses, as well as courses on GPS, radar and engine maintenance. See: www.boatingeducation.org.nz”
