Shared passion for making a difference

Wednesday, 13 June 2018

Wayne Harrison is one of the senior operational crew members and the current president of Coastguard Nelson.

As part of the Nelson Coastguard's campaign for a replacement vessel we're running a series of profiles on the service's dedicated volunteers. Wayne Harrison is the current president of Coastguard Nelson.

How long have you been involved with Coastguard and what got you interested in joining?

I have been a volunteer with Coastguard Nelson for four years. After 37 years in military and civilian Air Traffic Control I needed a new challenge. I was at a First Responders Parade in Nelson and got chatting to some of the Coastguard Nelson crew and they convinced me to join up.

What is your role within Coastguard?

I have recently qualified as Senior Operational Crew and I am the current President of Coastguard Nelson which makes me responsible for the overall leadership and management of the operation of the unit.

I am also responsible for public relations which involves our volunteers participating in events such as the Blessing of the Fleet and Old 4 New Life Jacket program. We are constantly promoting boating education and safety on the water through talks and presentations to various groups and clubs including the Cubs and Scouts and Seniors groups.

What do you enjoy the most about being involved with Coastguard?

There is a fantastic culture at Coastguard Nelson as well as a great feeling of camaraderie and being part of a team. We all share the same passion of wanting to make a difference.

Tell me about a rescue or an operation that sticks in your memory?

Two fishermen were rescued from the sea near Delaware Bay, north of Nelson, after spending 11 hours holding on to their upturned boat.

A search and rescue operation begun on Saturday evening after the men failed to return to Nelson from a fishing trip. Information provided by a friend gave us 'a rough idea' of a likely search area. A Coastguard Nelson crew located the men just before 10pm.

We had been searching for three hours before we found them, the feeling of elation as they appeared out of the dark wet night was something else.

What advice would you give anyone thinking of getting involved with Coastguard?

Joining a Coastguard unit is a massive commitment. We train twice a week and when qualified the pagers can go off at any time night or day.

But the rewards of bringing someone home safe to their family more than makes up for the sacrifices. With our new rescue vessel, we will be in better position to achieve our common goal and that is to save lives at sea.