Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ)
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What does RCCNZ do?
The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) is responsible for coordinating:
- all major maritime and aviation search and rescue missions within New Zealand’s search and rescue region
- land-based missions arising from someone activating a distress beacon.
These incidents are termed ‘Category II’ incidents. RCCNZ also assists with other rescues when required, and provide search and rescue (SAR) services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Covering one of the world’s largest search and rescue areas
Quick stats
- Spanning 30 million square kilometres, RCCNZ covers one of the largest search and rescue areas in the world.
- This area extends from the mid-Tasman Sea, halfway to Chile, and from the South Pole, almost up to the Equator.
- Every year, RCCNZ responds to approximately 1,200 search and rescue incidents.
Our search and rescue partners
We work with a large number of agencies, including:
- New Zealand Police
- Royal NZ Coastguard
- New Zealand Defence Force
- NZ Land Search and Rescue
- Civil Aviation Authority
Other services
RCCNZ also provides secondary support services, including:
- medical advice and assistance to mariners
- maritime assistance service
- Ship Security Alert System
- marine accident reporting
- aviation accident reporting
- oil spill reporting
- bomb and security alerts on aircraft
- search area determination on request from Police and Coastguard
- tsunami alerts.
Land Safety Code
Advice to remember when you are heading outdoors.
1. Choose the right trip for you
Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
2. Understand the weather
It can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed.
3. Pack warm clothes and extra food
Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out.
4. Share your plans and take ways to get help
Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life.
5. Take care of yourself and each other
Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together.
Contact us
Find out where we are and what our contact details are.
Related information:
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