Residents and visitors to Port Taranaki this weekend (Saturday, 25 September) may see boats and aircraft going to the rescue of a helicopter that has ditched in the sea. They can be reassured however that it is not a real life-drama playing out, rather an exercise to test the response to a major marine incident.
Marine search and rescue capabilities are tested through major exercises annually with other training carried out on a more regular basis.
Weather permitting a number of boats and three aircraft will respond to this year's scenario of an off-shore helicopter crash. In the event of poor weather conditions the same scenario will be tested but as a tabletop exercise rather than practical exercise.
The exercise is likely to be run on Marine Channel 6 and aviation Channel 131.3Mhz.
The purpose of the exercise is to test command and control, communications and search patterns and team work.
Central District Search and Rescue Coordinator Sgt Bill Nicholson, based at Palmerston North, said: "These exercises are very effective in maintaining and developing the skills of those who are called upon to assist in major search and rescue incidents. They also provide an excellent opportunity for everyone to network and familiarise themselves with the work of the different organisations and the resources that are available if the balloon goes up."
Police are organising the exercise which is expected to involve the New Plymouth Police Search and Rescue, Coastguard from South Taranaki and New Plymouth, Cape Rescue, DOC, MAF, Port Authority, Surf Live Saving, Taranaki Rescue Helicopter, Philips Rescue Trust Piper Chieftan from Hamilton, Coastguard Air Patrol from New Plymouth, Rescue Coordination Centre NZ, air observers and representatives from the oil industry.
Around 50-60 people will be taken part and the exercise will begin around 10.30am and is likely to run until about 1pm.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.