A prompt response from the Auckland Police Maritime Unit and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter has ensured a man having a medical emergency on board a yacht in the Waitemata Harbour is now in Auckland Hospital receiving the medical attention he requires.

Senior Sergeant Martin Paget says his staff on Police Launch Deodar 3, in tandem with the Westpac Rescue crew, doctor and paramedic, responded to a 12.15pm distress call from a yacht with four people on board.

"Due to the fact the vessel had the appropriate communications device, VHF radio, our combined response was timely and efficient, ensuring the man was able to get to hospital within an hour of the call going up.

"We encourage all boaties to have the right communications devices as you never know when you're going to need them and how vital they might be to a person's survival."