23 February 2023

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RE THE WORK & TRAINING

OF THE COASTGUARD RADIO OPERATOR VOLUNTEERS

(from Tania Williamson, Operations Support)

Hi Christine

Thank you for your reply and in response to both questions, I have attached more information regarding the roles of volunteers within our organisation.  They do not need to have experience, we fully train all our volunteers, we do however request that they are computer literate and have a passion for what we do, everything else can be learned.

We provide full intensive group and one on one training sessions here at our HQ in Sulphur Point Marina.  We also meet once a month as a group on a Wednesday afternoon, to do some training, answer any questions and basically get together as a group to provide support and feedback.  The shifts are entirely up to you, as to what you would like to do; we run 2 shifts per day, 6.30am – 12.30pm and 12.30pm – 6pm, you are supported by our admin team which consists of myself (working Monday to Wednesday) and our Operations Manager, Dane Robertson who is full time.  Some of our Radio Operators are here once a week for either a am or pm shift, some come fortnightly and some do fill ins and others just help out when people are away.  Training on average takes about 3 months, but depending on the person it could take longer or shorter time frame.

The job involves answering boating traffic via VHF channel 01 and logging these trip reports, doing weather reports, shipping movements and assisting if there is a call out.  The Radio Operator is the first point of call in this situation, so able to cope in a stressful situation, if it arises.

We currently have 20 wonderful radio operators and 38 amazing boat crew volunteers, we look after our volunteers, and have a lot of fun, enjoying a few social events throughout the year.  We are very much family focussed, as we couldn't do what we do, without the support of the families, so they are always invited to our events and are welcome down at HQ anytime.

Dane often speaks at group meetings,  (eg. Probus etc.), so if you are interested in him attending one of your meetings, to find out more about what we do, we would be happy to do this.

I hope this provides you with enough information. 

We appreciate your support, but also understand if this is something you do not wish to progress.

Kind regards

TANIA WILLIAMSON | Operations Support 

TAURANGA VOLUNTEER COASTGUARD 

 Please note: I work Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday – 8am – 4pm

72 Keith Allen Drive, Sulphur Point, Tauranga |  PO Box 831, Tauranga, 3144          

T. 07 578 5579 Extn: 2 | www.taurangacoastguard.co.nz| VHF Channels 01 & 62