What would you do if you were suddenly in charge on the water? It’s a question Coastguard Tautiaki Moana is putting to boaties around the country, as its Suddenly in Charge workshop series continues to grow nationwide interest.
Coastguard volunteer crews across Aotearoa New Zealand regularly respond to incidents where a skipper has become unwell, injured, or otherwise unable to continue, leaving someone else on board to take over with little or no warning. Without the right knowledge or confidence, these situations can quickly become stressful and potentially dangerous.
Following successful trials in 2025 with Coastguard Hokianga, Kawau and Nelson, Coastguard Tautiaki Moana expanded Suddenly in Charge into a nationwide series of workshops in 2026. Sessions have already been delivered in locations including Waiheke Island, Rotorua Lakes, Gisborne and Queenstown, with feedback from participants overwhelmingly positive.
“These workshops respond to a really common pattern we see in boating incidents, like emergencies that don’t start with bad weather or equipment failure, but with an unexpected human factor,” says Iain Gulliford, Vice President and RV Master at Coastguard Kaipara. “Someone gets sick, hurt, or overwhelmed, and suddenly the person next to them has to take charge.”
“Suddenly in Charge is about making sure more than one person on board feels ready, capable and confident to step up if that happens. It’s not about turning everyone into an expert skipper overnight, it’s about having clear steps, practical skills, and the confidence to act calmly under pressure.”
Each free, hands-on session is led by local Coastguard unit volunteers and tailored to their community, but covers a consistent core of practical skills, including:
• Essential boat handling and safety skills
• Emergency communications, including VHF radio use and distress calls
• Clear steps for action under pressure and before a trip
• Building the confidence to act decisively if suddenly in charge
• Connecting participants with their local Coastguard unit crew
The workshops are part of Coastguard’s wider focus on prevention and preparedness, recognising that the safest outcomes on the water happen when people have the practical skills and confidence to manage a situation early, before it becomes an emergency requiring rescue.
This year’s series continues from August to November with upcoming sessions in Mangawhai, Kaipara, Tutukaka, Tauranga and Whakatāne. Further locations will be announced as they’re confirmed.
