Compact helm station
Stowed emergency grab boxes
Command or Nav station to port
Crew seating, note the tow observer seat
VIP.S94
sea fogs and heavy swells making navigation extremely difficult,
but working successfully under these conditions increased the
reputation of the fledgling Coastguard unit. Several high profile
rescues ensured the enthusiasm of this small group of volunteers
and proved the importance of their service to the community.
Over the next four years, radio operations and rescues were
maintained while fundraising continued steadily. Construction
of the new building made slow progress, all done by the hands
of willing volunteers and supported by the community with the
donations of tools and supplies.
In November 1996, the purpose built, two storey building
was officially opened. The building contained garaging for
Waipaopao and the tow-vehicle, with workshops and St John and
Surf Club facilities on the ground floor, a radio operations centre,
committee room, meeting room, kitchen and toilets on the first
floor – and surrounded by a wide deck on the seaward side for
better visibility over the Bowentown Bar.
By the time the headquarters were completed, the Waihi Beach
Coastguard had grown and was required to cover a variety
of areas of water; from the shallow Upper Tauranga Harbour
reaches where a range of water sports take place, out through
the notorious Bowentown Bar with its fast tidal flows, rough
water and constantly changing channels, up the coastline as far
as Whiritoa Beach and south to Karewa Island, out past Mayor
Island some 11nm off the coast into the deep sea sport fishing
waters of the Bay of Plenty.
The following year, Waihi Beach Coastguard was supported
by the Royal New Zealand Coastguard Federation in the decision
to replace Waipaopao. The Coastguard Federation agreed to put
some of its Lotteries Grant money towards the purchase of a new
8.5m Rayglass Protector vessel, powered by two 150hp motors.
The new vessel, named Search One, was equipped with radar,
www.skipper.co.nz
July/August 2013
Professional Skipper 55
