Supporting Coastguard: A Partnership Built on Community, Safety & Seamanship
At Half Moon Bay Marina, our connection with Coastguard runs deep. For many years, we’ve proudly supported the volunteers who keep our boating community safe on the water. It’s a relationship built on shared values – safety, service, and supporting those who support us.
From nationwide programs to hands-on help at the marina, we’re committed to ensuring our Coastguard teams have what they need to do their vital work.
Backing Coastguard Initiatives That Keep Boaties Safe
Over the years, Half Moon Bay Marina has supported several Coastguard programs, each designed to make boating safer and more accessible for everyone.
Most recently, we assisted with the Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade, a hugely successful initiative that helped thousands of Kiwis swap old, unsafe lifejackets for new, Coastguard-approved models. Earlier efforts have included support for the NowCasting weather service and the Coastguard Trip Reporting app, both essential tools for boaties navigating Auckland’s ever-changing waters.
When Coastguard launches a safety initiative, we’re proud to stand alongside them.
Providing Free Berthage, Haul-Outs & Hardstand Support
Behind the scenes, our support is ongoing and practical. Coastguard vessels from across the region regularly use our haul-out facilities, work berths, and hardstand – completely free of charge.
It’s one way we give back to the volunteers who give so much of their own time. On average, several Coastguard vessels come through our facilities each year for essential maintenance and repair work.
Just yesterday, we had a Coastguard vessel on-site and one project in particular has recently stood out.
A Closer Look: The Waiheke Coastguard Refit
Waiheke Island Coastguard has been serving the Hauraki Gulf since 1990, powered by a dedicated volunteer crew who devote countless hours to helping boaties in distress. Their 10.3-metre rescue vessel is built tough but even the toughest boats need attention, especially when a design flaw reveals itself in the middle of a storm.
The incident that sparked a major upgrade
A design gap around the top of the cabin was intended to improve airflow. But in heavy weather, it created a vulnerability.
“In one particularly nasty storm, we took a large wave straight over the bow,” recalls Bernard Guillemin of Waiheke Coastguard.
“It filled the cabin and completely soaked the electronics.”
The result? Widespread electrical failure and the need for a full systems replacement.
With funding secured from Coastguard New Zealand, the team went out to tender, and HMB Marine Electrical was selected to lead the full electrical refit. Beyond the electrical work, HMB also helped manage other key elements of the project – from organising new seating to coordinating painting, fit-out details, and anti-fouling.
“They didn’t just do the electrical work,” says Bernard. “They took care of all the logistics too, including the complex survey approval process, which made our lives a whole lot easier.”
Bringing the Vessel Back to Life – A Marina-Wide Effort
As part of the refit, the vessel also received cosmetic and structural upgrades from tenants here at Half Moon Bay Marina:
HMB Marine Electrical carried out the full electrical refit – including a complete rewire, new switchboard, new Simrad screens and electronics, plus a FLIR thermal imaging camera for night vision. All wiring was completed to commercial marine code using Lloyd’s-approved cabling, and HMB Marine Electrical supplied the full set of electrical drawings required for Maritime NZ survey and approval.
Boatspray refreshed the roof, instrument tower, and cabin sides with a full repaint, restoring the boat’s professional finish. Underwater, the vessel received a new antifoul, jet drive service, and Propspeed application where needed.
Allvomarine also contributed specialist work as part of the project.
The Waiheke Coastguard team has been a long-standing client of HMB Electrical, Boatspray and a familiar face around the marina. Their dedication and gratitude remind us why this partnership matters.
Proud Partners in Safer Boating
For the volunteers on Coastguard vessels, safety isn’t a slogan. It’s a commitment lived out every day on the water. Supporting them, whether through programs, maintenance facilities, or collaborative refit projects, is something we take pride in.
At Half Moon Bay Marina, we’re more than a collection of berths and businesses. We’re a community and Coastguard is a vital part of it.
Want to Support Coastguard Too?
If you’re keen to learn more about Coastguard or the programs we support, visit:
🔗 Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade: https://www.coastguard.nz/old4new