Taranaki Police Search and Rescue, alongside marine rescue agencies, will take part in a marine search and rescue exercise this Saturday 9 February in New Plymouth.
The exercise will run from around 8am until mid –afternoon and require numerous rescue vessels in the water off Port Taranaki searching for real people and dummies.
Participating agencies include Police SAR, Coastguard Taranaki, Port Taranaki, Taranaki MPI, Surf Life Saving, RCCNZ, and Cape Rescue.
Constable Wade Callander says this is a great opportunity for the different agencies to train together to work efficiently in an emergency situation.
“Due to the traffic we see in the area there’s always the potential for a marine search and rescue situation,” says Constable Callander.
“The Taranaki coast is popular with boaties, divers and surfers, and also has helicopters transporting workers to and from oil rigs.”
Radio communications regarding the exercise will be through the Coastguard 61 channel, which will be heard by all boats in the area.
Communication between agencies will play a major role in the success of the exercise says Constable Callander.
“There will be numerous rescue vessels in the water carrying out SAR exercises. The rescue helicopter will also be involved, winching people out of water, and off vessels,” says Constable Callander.
“In any emergency situation involving multiple agencies communication is imperative.
“We thank the community for their understanding while the exercise is in progress.
“Police and other marine rescue agencies we partner with are fully committed to ensuring the safety of our community and the safety of those who enjoy and work on our coast.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre