Local Volunteer named Coastguard Southern Region Rescue Vessel Volunteer of the Year

Ranui Bull, Coastguard Riverton volunteer, was honoured for his dedication to saving lives at the Coastguard Southern Region Volunteer Awards of Excellence ceremony this month.

The annual event recognises Coastguard volunteers from around the Southern Region, acknowledging the rescues undertaken on the boats as well as the work that goes on behind the scenes on land.

Ranui was recognised for his contribution to Coastguard Riverton as the units Training Officer and Operations Manager, and for his work as a Coastguard Regional Instructor supporting volunteer training in other Coastguard units.

‘‘Ranui encourages achievement and teamwork and has been responsible for a 30% increase in the number of qualified volunteer crew in Coastguard Riverton’’ says Cheryl Moffat, Coastguard Southern Region Manager. Ranui has been nominated for a national Coastguard award and will attend the Coastguard national conference in Wellington next month.

Being safe out on the water

Safety out on the water starts on land before you leave. No matter how keen you are to fire up your engine and hit the open seas, it’s important to make sure you take the time to plan correctly. There’s no point ruining a great day by getting into trouble and having no one there to help. So before you head out, make sure you follow some simple tips to keep safe.

● Make sure you have enough fuel – follow the Thirds Rule – one third to get where you’re going, one third to get back and a third in reserve.

● Take at least two forms of communications – a VHF radio is best, a mobile phone should be in a sealed plastic bag, flares to signal for help.

● Food, first aid kit, ropes, torches and a fresh water supply.

● Most importantly have correctly fitted lifejackets for every single person travelling on your boat – and wear them, lifejackets are useless unless worn!

● Let someone you trust know when and where you are going, how many people on board, and when you are due back – better yet use the Coastguard App to log a trip report.

Get some Training

Undertake some basic training and enrol in a boating education course to suit the type of boating you do. Some courses are available as home study, online study or classroom study. Day Skipper gives you essential boating knowledge relevant to all boating types. Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate teaches you the correct maritime VHF radio operation. Sea Kayak is a short course covering equipment, communication, emergencies, planning, weather, rules and navigation. For more information https://www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/

If things go wrong, know that Coastguard’s got your back

One of the best things you can do for your safety and wellbeing out on the water is become a Coastguard Member. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that every time you set out to sea, Coastguard will have your back. No matter if you break down, get a flat battery, or run out of fuel - Coastguard volunteers will turn up and make sure you get home safely, free of charge.

Coastguard membership costs $115 and new members get a $100 discount off popular Boating Education courses ensuring you hit the water knowing what to do to keep yourself and others safe. https:/ /www.coastguard.nz/membership/

Along with a Coastguard Membership, the new Coastguard app is a must have for any boatie in the South. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee, you’ll have all the weather, tide and VHF channel information you need at your fingertips.

The new app also has the groundbreaking ability to allow Trip Reports to be made from your smartphone - an innovation that makes the app unique in the market, and a great safety tool for every boatie.

You can download the app today for just $2.99 from the Apple Store or Google Play.