About Dunedin Marine Search and Rescue


​Dunedin Marine Search and Rescue Inc is a body that provides highly skilled volunteers and resources for marine search and rescue operations on behalf of the New Zealand Police in Otago. Dunedin MSAR is a not for profit organisation that is made up of interested, trained and capable volunteer individuals and representatives from many organisations. The purpose of Dunedin MSAR is to work as volunteers with the NZ Police to advise, coordinate and conduct inshore search and rescue operations as directed. 

Our Mission and Aims
Dunedin MSAR works to provide the best rescue capability possible in the aquatic environment in and around Otago.
Our aims are:

• To save lives when people are in trouble in the aquatic environment within Otago (lakes, sea and rivers).
• To assist the New Zealand Police with specialist assistance and guidance in the marine environment.
• To assist with control and coordination of marine search and rescue incidents.

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The History of Dunedin Marine SAR

In September 1971, the Dunedin Police formed Dunedin Marine Search and Rescue to advise and assist them on all matters of inshore marine search and rescue. The organisation has always been forward thinking and in the late 1970s, recognised the need for a faster and efficient rescue system due to low water temperatures, changeable sea and weather conditions. The helicopter, with its versatility, was the obvious choice and helicopter scoop nets were purchased. Shortly after, alert pagers and portable radios were added.

Then in 1994, noting the increase in swimming, surfing and boating at remote locations, Dunedin MSAR formed their highly trained volunteer air sea rescue response unit, the Water Rescue Squad, which works alongside the Otago Rescue Helicopter.  This dedicated group is highly trained and qualified in pre-hospital emergency care, surf rescue, swift water rescue and helicopter search skills. As this activity is based from helicopters, all squad members must be trained and equipped to meet Civil Aviation requirements, the ACC act, Crew Resource Management (CRM) and other operational standards including advanced swimming skills and volunteer codes.

In October 2014, the Water Rescue Squad turned 20 years old. This is a significant achievement for all the team, some of who have been involved since almost the beginning! This squad is the longest running air sea rescue squad in New Zealand and is highly recognised for the standards they have set and all the work they do to save lives, each year.