Coastguard Hawke’s Bay is one of 63 Coastguard Units around Aotearoa New Zealand. Coastguard is the charity saving lives at sea and we're on a mission to help Kiwis get the best out of their time on the water, safely and with confidence. All our wet and radio crew are volunteers, an amazing group of people from all communities and walks of life who dedicate a huge amount of their time to keeping Kiwis safe on the water.
Our search and rescue area is one of the largest covered by a Coastguard unit in New Zealand. It spans from Waikahawai Point in the North; South to Turnagain Point and up to twelve miles offshore. Where necessary we do travel further offshore, we have taken CK 40 miles offshore, after receiving dispensation from Maritime New Zealand.
Our current resources include:
- An 11.7 metre AMF rigid hull inflatable with twin Cummins 480 horsepower driving two Hamilton Jet units, which can push the vessel and crew of 6 along in reasonable conditions at 33 knots (from the breakwater to Cape Kidnappers in about 25 minutes)
- Certified Rescue Vessel skippers
- Rescue vessel crew members
- Base crew members
- An incident management team
- A radio watch service with trained radio operators
- We have a management committee providing governance and management to the Coastguard Hawke’s Bay
During an average year Coastguard Hawke’s Bay attend:
- 10 Police 111 emergency call outs.
- 20 callouts to help vessels which had broken down or needed assistance.
Coastguard is a charity totally dependent upon community support to fund our operations. This revenue comes from membership subscriptions, donations, grants, sponsorships and other fund-raising activities.
If you would like more information about becoming a member or would like to know how to financially support Coastguard Hawke's Bay visit our Contact Us page for more information.
Education
Boating Education Courses available through Coastguard Boating Education Services.
Facilities For Hire
If you're looking for a unique venue for your next meeting, conference or training session, look no further than the Coastguard Hawke's Bay Operation Centre.
Situated in Meeanee Quay overlooking the inner harbour, our training room is on the second floor of our operation centre. This easily seats 30 people in a classroom layout and up to 50 people for a theatre layout meeting or training session.
History
The history of maritime rescue in Hawke's Bay goes back into the 1940's. When a local community rescue group was set up of members of the Napier Sailing Club using a rescue vessel designed by Maurice Davies called "Watchman".
Watchman was skippered by Fred Graham with a number of crew including, Fred Mangelson, Rod Smith and Peter Hartley just to mention a few.
The next stage involved the then Hawke's Bay Harbour Board assuming responsibility for search and rescue in our waters until then handing responsibility to the New Zealand Police in the late 1960's.
Radio Procedures
General Radio and Emergency Call Procedures
General calling procedures:
Name of station you are calling "Coastguard Radio, Coastguard Radio, Coastguard Radio"
CK Rescue
HAWKE'S BAY COMMUNITY WELCOMES NEW COASTGUARD VESSEL
Coastguard Hawke's Bay launched its dedicated search and rescue vessel Celia Knowles Rescue (CK Rescue) on Saturday 20 June 2009.
Our search and rescue area is one of the largest covered by a Coastguard unit in New Zealand. It spans from Waikahawai Point in the North; South to Turnagain Point and up to twelve miles offshore. Where necessary we do travel further offshore, we have taken CK 40 miles offshore, after receiving dispensation from Maritime New Zealand. With CK Rescue we have a search and rescue vessel equipped to cope with most sea conditions in the area.
Radio Ops
Radio Frequencies for your nearest Coastguard.
Click on the links below to learn what to do in case of an emergency:
Calling Procedures
Radio Distress Calling
Marine Radio VHF Call Sign
HAWKE'S BAY COASTGUARD RADIO WATCH - Channel 01
