Coastguard Canterbury was founded in 1977 by a group of boating enthusiasts who wanted to provide support to the many recreational users of the Lyttelton Harbour and Canterbury coast.
Initially, volunteers used their own boats but in 1990 the first dedicated rescue vessel was purchased - a 6.8m Naiad named Waste Management Sea Rescue. This was followed by a number of rescue vessels throughout the years.
In 2009, the current AMF 9.5m vessel was purchased – Pub Charity Canterbury Rescue. The headquarters building was partially built by volunteers including Hans Vermeulen, who owned a concrete company and built the basement area. This was damaged in the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes and we are working with our neighbours the Naval Point Club and the Christchurch City Council to redevelop the Naval Point area and collocate in a new building.
Visit our About Us section for more information on our unit's Vessel, Sponsors and how you can Contact Us.
| Legal Name | Coastguard Canterbury Inc |
| Charity Number | CC30649 |
Become a member
Support the Coastguard and our volunteers in their mission of ‘saving lives at sea’, and get benefits at the same time.
Find out how to become a memberBook a Course
Increase your knowledge and confidence by completing a boating course.
Book a boating course
