Crew Members for New Vessel – Coastguard Whitianga – Whitianga

Job Summary

Job Description

Seeking wet crew members!

Coastguard Whitianga needs reliable, committed, team-spirited and motivated volunteers to crew our new vessel so we can continue to save lives.!

After a thorough induction, wet crew volunteers are appointed to a crew while they train towards their Deckhand Qualification. The crews take on a duty week and our goal is to have 4 crews so that each volunteer, along with their family and employer, is committing to a week of duty each month along with some training commitments. After the Deckhand Qualification is achieved, experience and further training leads to the next level of achievement - Qualified Crew. 

What we’re looking for 

• Willingness to learn
• Availability and commitment
• Team players. 

What we offer

• Comprehensive training in everything boating
• Pathway to recognised qualifications
• Satisfaction through giving back to our community
• A balanced “ON CALL” roster. 

How to Apply 

If this sounds like you, please contact Bill Walkington (WCG Volunteer, Wet Crew Member, Committee Member) Phone: 027 435 4165 or Email: recruitment@whitiangacoastguard.co.nz

Or, come along and see us at our Open Day on Saturday, 24th October 2026 10am til 2pm at The Coastguard Shed, Albert Street Marina Whitianga to have a look around the unit base and hear from our volunteers about the roles available at our unit. 

About Whitianga Volunteer Coastguard and Wet Crew Basics

Whitianga Volunteer Coastguard is managed and manned by a group of highly dedicated and skilled volunteers. Our area of responsibility stretches from Cape Colville in the north, to Boat Harbour in the south and we can assist Tairua/Pauanui when required. Our mission is To Save Lives at Sea and to this end, we provide Search and Rescue services 24/7 all year round.

So far this year, we have helped more than 175 men, women and children and our volunteers have put in a combined 7,000 hours to keep this professional, lifesaving service based and operating in Whitianga. During a duty week, crew could find themselves dealing with anything from an urgent Medivac or Boat-Taking-on-Water Incident to a Boaty who has had a breakdown or run out of fuel.

Our home base/shed in front of the Albert Street Marina is a fantastic asset for our operations. It houses our two rescue vessels, Te Morehu and Takareto and their tractors. We have a fully manned Radio Room operating from 08am to 4pm daily (longer hours over Christmas) and we have an extremely well-equipped Search and Rescue/Training Room facility on the second floor.

Words from the crew

“I am really glad I joined coast guard as a volunteer, learning the ropes & being of service to the community. To acquire life skills, gain marine knowledge from experienced skippers and be out on the water helping others stay safe around the coast line we love… I am very grateful to be a part of a team.”    

YAZMIN TODD, Wet Crew Deckhand

"Joining Whitianga Coastguard six years ago is easily one of the best things I’ve done. There’s nothing quite like heading out on the water to help someone when things go wrong, but what keeps you coming back is the crew. You’re training together, building real trust, and pretty quickly it feels like family. Stepping up to CRV Master recently was a huge personal milestone for me, but it only happened because of the support and experience around me on the boat. If you’ve been thinking about giving back to our community, learning new skills, and being part of an awesome team, give it a go. You won’t look back."    

GRAEME THOMAS, CRV Master (Skipper)

“What has my 20 years as a Coastguard Rescue Vessel volunteer provided me? I have had opportunities to learn and develop seamanship, boat handling and navigation skills in a practical environment. I’ve gained skills and knowledge such as first aid and leadership which have been useful both on and off the water and have enjoyed time with likeminded but diverse people applying these skills. There is a lot of personal satisfaction from being part of a professional team of volunteers helping others who are having a bad day and occasionally may not have made it home to their loved ones if not for our efforts.    

DARREN ARTHUR, Senior Wet Crew Volunteer

Saving lives is what we do and we do it well. But it’s not who we are. We are teachers, electricians, truck drivers, and more. We are a diverse team from all walks of life. We are a family. Coastguard is a huge commitment, but it's also life-defining and gives purpose. For me, I love what I do and I am committed to it. I love sharing that with others. Anyone can become a Coastguard volunteer, even if you don't know one end of a boat from the other. Everyone has something to offer and everyone makes a difference.

NIGEL THOMAS, CRV MASTER & VICE PRESIDENT

“Be the reason someone gets home safely.”

“Your skills. Your courage. Your Coastguard.”

“When the call comes, be ready to answer.”

“Join the crew. Make a difference. Save lives.”

“The sea calls. Your community needs you.”

“Real people. Real teamwork. Real difference.”

“Give your time. Gain a crew. Save a life.”

“Out on the water, teamwork saves lives.”

“Become part of the crew that keeps our waters safe.”

“Adventure with purpose. Volunteer with Coastguard.”

RICHARD HORNE, Qualified Wet Crew Volunteer