MEDIA RELEASE
26 August 2010

Coastguard Central Region Launches Real-Time Weather Information

Mariners in the greater Wanganui region can now receive the latest marine weather information 24 hours a day by simply turning on their marine VHF radio.

Coastguard's NowCasting service provides real-time, spoken information on weather conditions at critical locations within the VHF radio coverage area of Wanganui and broadcasts the updates continuously on marine VHF radio channel 21.

Broadcasting from Bastia Hill, the new service provides up-to-the-minute local marine wind strength, as well as the latest marine weather forecast, local tide times and heights and local safety messages as may be required. One-minute old wind data will be provided from Wanganui foreshore, Paraparaumu, Stephens Island and Farewell Spit, and recent data from the Maui Platform, giving a complete report of the South Taranaki Bight wind patterns as well as the weather likely to move onto the coast.

The Coastguard NowCasting service improves marine safety by providing boaties, both professional and recreational, with a continuous weather information stream enabling them to make better decisions about commencing or continuing their journeys.

Regional Manager of Coastguard Central Region, Phil Pollero says wind is the most critical factor to consider when judging sea conditions, so Coastguard uses automatic anemometers positioned at various sites, which report wind strength and direction every sixty seconds. The wind data is received by a central computer and then broadcast on VHF radio Channel 21 within seconds.

"We're very pleased that the Coastguard NowCasting service is up and running in our region and again we encourage boaties to fit a Marine VHF Radio and make the most of this service to enhance their safety and enjoyment on the water," he says.

"We've been very fortunate in the overwhelming support we have received and we would like to particularly acknowledge the assistance of PowerCo in making this possible."

Powerco Corporate Affairs Manager, Neil Holdom says the organisation was proud to support the latest Coastguard initiative.

"Safety is a core value for Powerco and we are pleased to be able to support the Coastguard in the provision of this great service for the Wanganui Region."

This station joins 17 existing broadcast sites already operated by Coastguard in Northland, Auckland, Kaipara, Raglan, Whitianga, Tairua, Whakatane/Tauranga, New Plymouth, Nelson, Cook Strait, Canterbury Dunedin and Southland. This additional site has been made possible by funding assistance through the New Zealand Community Trust.

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