Become a Volunteer
Interested in Joining Kawau Coastguard?
Thinking of becoming a Volunteer with us?
We have roles both on water (Rescue Volunteers) and on shore (publicity, education, crew support).
Rescue Volunteers need to be over 18 and physically fit. On-shore crew, come as you are, there’s plenty to do for supportive energetic people who just want to help.
Note there will also be a Police check.
Choosing to be a volunteer is an exciting step to take. Before you jump in (especially as a Rescue Volunteer) please consider how it fits in with your life. Coastguard is a 24/7 search and rescue service which includes a commitment to ongoing training and a willingness to drop everything at a moment’s notice. In fact, to be part of a boat crew you need to be able to get to Sandspit Marina within 20 minutes of an alert being sent.
Shore crewing requires the willingness to “turn up” whole heartedly.
If you are keen you can apply to Coastguard New Zealand:
Go on line to volunteers.coastguard.nz/current-vacancies
Select Warkworth-Kawau, then eitherCoastguard Rescue Vessel Volunteer – Kawau
For more information contact secretary@coastguardkawau.org.nz
Frequently Asked Questions
How often will I be on call?
There are three crews rostered on callout 24/7. You will be on call for one week at a time - one week on then two weeks off.
Your duty week begins 0730 Monday and ends 0730 Monday following.
What happens if I have other commitments while I'm on call?
We understand that you may have work commitments, medical appointments, a holiday booked etc. Please advise your crew chief ahead of time and they will arrange cover for you. But remember, this should be an exception.
How often will I be called out?
This varies a lot at different times through the year. Winter is generally quiet and you may go a week without a callout. Summer can be very busy with several callouts each week, mostly later in the week and over the weekend.
What training will I be given?
As a Rescue Volunteer you will join as a “Recruit” and after learning about the equipment on the boat and some basic skills you will become a “Deckhand”. The next step is to become “Qualified “ crew. Progress from Recruit to Deckhand is about 3 months and from Deckhand to Qualified in 8-12 months depending on your personal input. There’s more! We recommend you discuss with a crew member – email us for a chat: secretary@coastguardkawau.org.nz.
Note the Sunday of the week you are on duty is training day - usually a full afternoon. There is also an on-shore training evening on the last Monday of each month - usually held at the Sandspit Yacht Club from 7pm -9.30pm.
Are there any other commitments?
We are committed to the education of our boating fraternity – topics such as correct wearing of life jackets, boat preparation and checks. We attend various venues and are always available to the public.
Also from time to time we are involved in fundraising for the unit. During the year there are regular events for example the Coffee & Cars, Sponsored Golf Day, the annual Coastguard Lottery, and the odd sausage sizzle. If you are able to come along and help for an hour or two (or three or four) it would be greatly appreciated.
Join the friendly crew at Coastguard Kawau and help us to “Save Lives at Sea”
If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us
Contact
Volunteer now at
Coastguard New Zealand Warkworth - Kawau unit
For more information email
secretary@coastguardkawau.org.nz
