Four successful years of Whitianga Coastguard Alan Jackson Memorial Cadetship

Josie Fairweather (Cadetship 2021)

My journey through coastguard is nothing but a trail of fun, interest and lessons I will take with me for the rest of my life. I have learned so many things through the cadetship programme that involve safety on the water, opportunities and life lessons in leadership, interpersonal skills, my own strengths/weaknesses and those of my peers.
 
The coastguard cadet programme is a great way to grow as a boatman/woman/person and in yourself as a young person that is still learning and navigating through life. This trainee programme helps young people take intuition about things that they are passionate about and provide the opportunity to grow and learn under the guidance of very knowledgeable mentors in a non-school environment.
 
One of my favourite stories is about our first aid/in-water survival session. We were on our way out into the waterways to do our mid-winter swim when Stu, our instructor, just slipped off the side. In prior weekends we had trained in numerous ‘man-over-board’ scenarios using a buoy to retrieve and the previous day we had done our first aid course, particularly the CPR processes. When Stu went over the side, we instigated man-overboard procedures. With Georgia at the helm and us three girls at the back, we performed the procedure perfectly. Georgia came around, lined the boat up with Stu in the water and we three girls at the back hauled this grown man back into the boat and then practised the procedures of DRABC and CPR.
 
Later Stu and Graham said that our response time was one of the best they had seen. The cool part for me was that we were a group of teenage girls that did better than some adults, (from what Stu and Graham had seen).

Jack Fiddler (Cadetship 2021)

I believe that the Coastguard cadetship is an incredible opportunity, that is unique to the Whitianga area. Over the period of 12 weeks, you become confident in marine practices and controlling the Coastguard rescue boat. The cadetship allows you to work with new people and experience new things as well as widen the horizons of your future. Personal highlights would definitely be the in-water survival and the challenges that came with it.

Jack Fiddler - Cadetship 2021

Left - 2022 Cadets prepare for in water survival training with Instructor Stuart Lowth (red jacket). Right - Over they go! 2021 Cadets practising in water survival skills.

Caitlin Klouwens (Cadetship 2021)

The coastguard cadetship is an amazing opportunity. As a beachside town, the sea is an important part of our lifestyles. Participating in the Cadetship allows you to not only gain qualifications but also confidence that you are able to handle yourself and others out on the water.
 
From the Coastguard volunteers' abundance of knowledge and skills, they encourage you to always have situational awareness and to be prepared for any scenario.
 
There were many memorable moments from my cadetship but one of my favourites was when, while out on the water training, we answered a call for assistance. This allowed us to put all of the skills we had learnt to good use working as a team and it gave us some insight into what the job of a coastguard volunteer could be like.
 
A lone kayaker had ended up in some trouble and a local had seen the overturned kayak from the shore and called it in. Luckily when we arrived at the scene the police, ambulance, and firefighters were already on shore and a local had brought the kayaker to safety with their jet ski. We stayed to search the bay, in case there had been two people in the kayak or another kayak that hadn’t been seen. It was an incredible experience that put all our newly learnt skills to work.

Elise Reader (Cadetship 2021)

I had a great experience doing the Coastguard Cadetship in 2021. I learned so much, from how to perform lifesaving CPR to how to navigate the Coastguard boat at night in stormy conditions. The Cadetship helped me learn more helpful boat handling skills, which I have used when out on my own boats. It has also made me feel more confident in my ability to be in charge of a boat as well as helping out others if they are in any danger on or in the water. Overall, the Coastguard Cadetship was an amazing experience that I recommend anyone give a try.

Elise Reader - Cadetship 2021

Left - 2019 Cadets learn what to do in response to a Mayday call during their VHF training. Right - The 2019 Cadets get ready for night navigation activity

Anaru Scobie (Cadetship 2022)

I was recommended the Cadetship course by a former student and applied as I want to be able to take out our family boat safely on my own and take my friends fishing.
 
I loved all parts of the course, the In water survival was really fun and the best part was using the night navigation equipment and driving the Coastguard boat at night. The VHF exam was challenging and required a lot of study.
 
Learning how to manage a large powerful boat with amazing technology is a life skill I’ve acquired. Rotating responsibilities and tasks is a teamwork skill I found valuable and we encouraged each other with some friendly challenges and rivalry.
 
I would definitely recommend the course to any one, it is well worth the time and effort you put into it. It’s really cool getting the chance to be the driver of the Coastguard Vessel and the training team are really nice. My advice if you’re accepted on to the cadetship: give it your best, get there early, listen to the instructors and of course, study hard for the VHF exam.

Left - 2021 Qualified Cadets enjoying their success. Right - 2022 Qualified Cadets celebrate their achievements

How to apply for a Whitianga Coastguard Cadetship

If you are aged between 15-17 and are interested in applying for the cadetship, please email info@whitiangacoastguard.co.nz  for an application brochure. 

We take enquiries at any time, however our next intake will start around April/May 2023.

All applicants are then reviewed (could include a group interview) and 10 cadets are chosen by our Training Committee.