In 1994, local Police requested the assistance of Coastguard Canterbury to set up marine search and rescue for the district.  A group of volunteers was formed and training began.  South Canterbury Volunteer Coastguard Inc was formed in August of that year, and we changed our name to Coastguard South Canterbury Inc in 2005.

Our first dedicated rescue vessel was a 5.8m Naiad. This was replaced in 2003 by our current 8.5m Protector, to which we added a new cabin in 2008.  We have a close relationship with the Timaru Yacht & Powerboat club and use their clubrooms for training and meetings.  We have our boat shed in the clubs compound which gives us quick access to the boat ramp.