COASTGUARD GAINS
THE X FACTOR
BY KEITH INGRAM
T
he west coast of New Zealand is known for the frequently
wild and windy weather that comes straight out of
the southern ocean, or across the Tasman from South
Australia: there is no barrier and while the west coast
may offer its share of calm balmy days, it can also turn out some
of the dirtiest weather New Zealand can experience.
To add to the risk factor, the west coast is recognised as an
excellent sport-fishing destination for anglers chasing marlin and
tuna, especially the large Pacific Blue tuna that come our way in the
middle of winter. Add to this an increasing number of recreational
boaties taking to the water to fish and dive for a feed, and there is
an increased need for modern, fast, rescue services.
Based at a permanent berth in the Taranaki harbour basin,
Coastguard Taranaki���s 38-year-old ex-RNLI Waveney 44ft
lifeboat was in its twilight years to say the least. At 10 knots she
was slow, and her old technology was costly to maintain.
While still a good seaboat, the Waverney was a very wet
boat, and offered limited protection for the crew. Because of
her weight, speed and age, she was also limited in her operating
range, and Coastguard Taranaki were finding it difficult to meet
the increasing demands for rescue call outs.
After considerable research looking at a wide range of rescue
vessels both here and overseas, the unit decided on choosing
the AMF craft from local Wanganui manufacturer AMF Boats
Company Limited.
The reason for this decision was pretty obvious, as AMF were
local so to speak. They had a very good understanding of the
prevailing west coast conditions this vessel would be required to
VIP.S91
16 Professional Skipper January/February 2013
