Our volunteers are the heart and soul of Coastguard.
Without thousands of Coastguard volunteers nationwide answering the call of their communities, New Zealand would have no maritime search and rescue service. Our volunteers are the ones on the frontline, crewing rescue vessels and aircraft, operating radios, coordinating search and rescue incidents, and saving lives at sea. The vast majority of Coastguard units are run entirely by volunteers, some of whom fill a number of administrative roles so, even if you only have a few hours per month to give or don’t fancy the water - there’s a role for you.

Answer the call of your community and become a Coastguard volunteer
You'll get an amazing sense of reward and camaraderie, mental and physical challenges, and the priceless opportunity to save lives on the water.
- An exciting and challenging role
- First class Maritime qualifications & training
- Management & teamwork skills
- Risk assessment experience
- Personal development
- Clear pathways for progression
- New friendships with like-minded people
Meet some of our volunteers
Some of our current volunteer vacancies
Taranaki - Taranaki
Coastguard Secretary Volunteer - Taranaki
Coastguard NZ
Volunteering for Coastguard is a team effort – requiring just as much precision and effort off the water as it does in the midst of an ocean rescue.
Apply by 31 10 2022
Bay of Plenty - Tauranga
Coastguard Radio Operator Volunteer - Tauranga
Coastguard NZ
Do you want to volunteer your time in saving lives at sea? Coastguard Volunteer Radio Operators are the lifeline of our operations.
Apply by 31 12 2022
Waikato - Coromandel
Coastguard Rescue Vessel Volunteer - Whangamata
Coastguard NZ
Do you want to volunteer in a role where the view is different every day? Do you want to volunteer your time in saving lives at sea?
Apply by 31 12 2022