The real time tracking device allows Coastguard operation personnel to pick up the precise position of its own boats, according to the national roll-out coordinator Mike Lawrence from Coastguard Northern Region.
“It provides about 99 percent coverage giving us almost uninterrupted visibility of our rescue assets in all conditions,” says Mike.
“Coastguard Operation Centres can bring up on large screens all their assets in the region and show their course across live charts of the search areas. The ability to pinpoint the location of our rescue assets gives us an overall picture in terms of the safety of our crew and ultimately those in distress.”
The roll-out of the system to 96 vessels and aircraft across Coastguard New Zealand’s nationwide search and rescue fleet is supported by a grant from the NZ Lottery Grants Board.
