Radio News October 2014
Welcome to the first Coastguard Radio News. Lake Taupo Mariners Radio has now been incorporated into CGNZ under the banner of Coastguard Lake Taupo. The second and final meeting as per LTMR Constitution was held on 22 October 2014 at CGHQ Taupo when a large meeting of Radio Operators and members passed the motion unanimously. With the new Coastguard Marine Communications-Strategic Plan coming into action the positives for the RO’s far out way any negatives and the boaties will be unaware of any changes which is the most important thing. Ray Morison put a motion forward that it be recorded in the last minutes of the society, his and both Coastguard Units thanks to both the present and past committee members and operators for the selfless hours of service they had given to the boaties on Lake Taupo since the time of its conception. This also was passed unanimously by those present.
Coastguard Lake Taupo’s new website is now up and running after hours of work by Bevan and Mike. Congratulations are coming in from CER and other Units who have been in to have a look. Local members can log into Coastnet which has all the radio news and rosters for you to view. If you haven’t been there yet, what are you waiting for?
The Radio Caravan was installed at the Harbourmaster's wharf prior to the annual SAREX and sincere thanks must go to Eric C who was still there at 1700hrs on the Friday night getting the electrics sorted for the big event.
The Annual SAREX - Quattro took place on Saturday 11 October with 5 RO’s each putting in 12.5hrs of their time, and each being rewarded with at least one trip out on the competing vessels during the scenarios. Our thanks to Phillip, Heath and the Coastguard Crews who made this possible.
The SAREX Committee headed by Don and Alex had prepared a great day and night of exercises for the participants to compete in, which this year included the local SAR unit and Ross’s SAR dog.
Once again Barry and his NZ Police colleagues briefed us before and after the event keeping all stocked with supplies and advice during the day and supplying the evening meal prior to the night scenarios.
Our thanks must also go to the skipper and his wife of RED BAND who on the following morning called the RO on duty to tell him they suspected they had found a body floating in Jerusalem Bay. Luckily Graeme had been on the SAREX the previous day and was able to instantly allay their fears. They duly collected our dummy and we were reunited with it later in the day at the Acacia Bay boat ramp.
We started our three shifts per day from the 25th and had a reasonably busy long weekend with many boaties back on the lake and the air for the first time this summer. The weather however was not the best and the annual Kinloch Poker Run had to be cancelled on the Sunday. As one visiting skipper stated the lake front at Kinloch looked like Petone foreshore with a howling southerly coming across Wellington harbour.
Upcoming Events
CG Committee Meeting 10 November.
Crew Meeting 1730hrs 12 November. ( All ROs are cordially invited to the Crew Meet).
VINCE CHARLESWORTH
ROSTER MANAGER