The Maketu volunteer sea rescue service officially became Coastguard Maketu on Sunday with its rigid inflatable boat marking the final step in transition.
“It used to be bright orange – now it’s coastguard red,” says Maketu unit president Shane Beech.
Coastguard Maketu begins with 21 active crew and two qualified skippers trained to respond to marine emergencies in the area.
Coastguard Maketu’s RIB.
Shane says they officially became part of the Coastguard service in September, but the repainting and rededication of their RIB completes a process that has been going on for some time.
Tauranga Coastguard has been training the Maketu crew for two years says Shane, and now as part of the Coastguard they have better access to resources.
The increasing number of rescues along the Maketu coastline created the need for a highly-skilled and coordinated Coastguard unit, says Shane.
“The area offers an amazing marine playground for fishing, diving and boating, however,
with four major boat ramps and three bar crossings, it can be extremely treacherous in certain conditions,” says Shane.
Coastguard Maketu received 13 rescue calls so far this year and 20 calls in total for 2008.