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Check up that you are medically fit and that your craft is seaworthy. Have the correct safety gear (life jackets, wetsuits, warm clothing, survival food, sunscreen, hats, first aid kit and water)
including an emergency floatation capsize kit and distress signaling equipment (distress flares, whistles, reflective wear, a small mirror and torches) and communication devices (kept dry in all-weather plastic sleeves). Be sure that you know how to use all this gear.
Check in with a responsible person. Let them know your time of departure, route, and time of return (stick to your route). On your return to let them know you are safely back. Make certain both you and the people back home have the emergency number of Sea Rescue (082 911).
Check out the weather, tides, swell, wind speed and wind direction.
Have fun but keep your wits about you.
In a sea rescue emergency, time is of the essence. Every second counts. If you suspect difficulty then call NSRI, tell them that it is not an emergency but that someone is late or you suspect a problem. We can check it out and confirm all is well.
To report a sea rescue emergency call 082-911
When you call this line start the sentence with: "I have a sea rescue emergency.....". Give your name and contact number incase you get cut off. Then explain whether it is life threatening, eg "shark attack or 3 people missing in rough surf", give the exact location (as well as landmarks for the helicopter/boat to look out for).
Hoax callers will be traced and prosecuted. Thanks to the co-operation of emergency call centres and the police – we have successfully identified pranksters through line identification and voice recordings. Hoax calls cost emergency services both time and money – they are not tolerated.
The call centre will capture all the relevant information and dispatch boats, helicopter, ambulance, etc as required. Wherever possible the call will be patched through to the nearest Sea Rescue base as they are most familiar with the landmarks.
Rescues require speed and the crew will be focusing on the task at hand. Where we are searching for a man-over-board or missing persons – the task can take up to 3 days. We understand how traumatic this can be for the family. Our media spokesman will do his best to keep the family informed on the progress
(where foreigners are involved he will be in touch through the consulate). He can also assist the family with getting supportive counseling should they so require.
Sea Safety Sign:
If you'd like an NSRI sea safety poster to put up at your school or guesthouse, please click here to download it in pdf format.
Rescues are always a team effort and NSRI works together with :
National Ports Authority (NPA)
Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC)
South African National Defence Force - Army/Navy/Air Force
Provincial Ambulance and Rescue Services
Provincial Fire and Rescue Services
Provincial Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services
Marine and Coastal Management
National Parks Authority
Provincial (associated) Search and Rescue Units
Provincial Volunteer (and Associated Private Volunteer) Ambulance and Rescue Services
South African Police Services
Private Helicopter Companies
Canadian Helicopter Company (CHC)
Vodacom Netcare911 Surf Rescue Helicopter
SA Red Cross Air Mercy Services (AMS)
Private Ambulance and Rescue Services
Marine and Coastal Management (MCM)
Shark Working Group
Natal Sharks Board
Department of Environment and Tourism
Ministerial Government Departments
Provincial Traffic Authorities
Provincial and Municipal Law Enforcement and Police Security
Salvage Operating Companies
Surf Lifesaving (Municipal PRO/SA Lifesaving/Provincial Lifesaving)
Private Boat Operators
Ships (at sea)
Boat and Yacht Clubs
Coast Watchers
Coastal Lighthouses
Private Security Companies
Disaster Management
Harbour Masters
Slip Way Managers/Controllers
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