Preparing sailors to cross the Tasman Sea solo is about far more than boats, sails, and weather routing. Behind every offshore race is a network of professionals dedicated to safety and communication. Recently, the Solo Trans-Tasman Race Management team had the opportunity to visit two of New Zealand’s most important maritime safety operations: the Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) and the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ).
The visit provided valuable insight into the systems and people who stand ready to support competitors during the race — quietly working in the background to ensure that solo sailors crossing one of the world’s most demanding stretches of ocean have the best possible safety infrastructure behind them.
The Role of the Maritime Operations Centre
For the duration of the race, the Maritime Operations Centre will play a key role in daily race communications. The MOC team will manage the official race skeds — the scheduled check-ins where each competitor reports their position, weather conditions, and status.
These skeds are a vital part of offshore racing, particularly for solo sailors. They provide reassurance to race organisers and fellow competitors that everyone is safe and progressing across the Tasman.
During our visit, Tony Graham from the MOC walked the Race Management team through the centre’s communication systems and monitoring technology. From a room filled with sophisticated screens and communication tools, the MOC team tracks vessels across vast ocean areas, maintaining constant awareness of maritime activity around New Zealand.
For Solo Trans-Tasman competitors, it means that experienced professionals will be listening carefully or reading and recording every scheduled sked, ensuring communications are received and logged while providing another layer of oversight during the race.
When the Rescue Coordination Centre Steps In
While the MOC will handle routine race communications, the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) serves a different — but equally critical — role.
RCCNZ coordinates all major maritime, land and aviation search and rescue operations within New Zealand’s search and rescue region, one of the largest in the world.
Importantly, RCCNZ will not be involved in routine race operations. Their role only comes into play if a competitor activates emergency procedures — such as making a Mayday call or triggering an EPIRB distress beacon.
During the visit, Sam Blackmore and Patrick William from RCCNZ generously explained how distress alerts are detected, verified, and escalated. EBIPB distress beacons are a critical element in accurately understanding location and vessel involved.
The team also demonstrated how rescue coordinators integrate multiple sources of information — satellite data, vessel tracking systems, weather information, and communication logs — to rapidly assess a situation and deploy the appropriate response.
Technology Supporting Solo Sailors
For the Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge, competitors will be carrying a range of modern safety equipment and trackers that provide additional reassurance for both race management and emergency responders.
Tracking systems allow Race Management to monitor each yacht’s progress across the Tasman in real time, while also providing a public view for supporters following the race online.
Should an emergency arise, this data becomes extremely valuable for search and rescue coordination.
Gratitude for the People Behind the Systems
One of the key takeaways from the visit was the professionalism and dedication of the teams working behind the scenes to keep mariners safe.
Race Management would like to extend sincere thanks to Tony Graham at the Maritime Operations Centre, and Sam Blackmore and Patrick William from RCCNZ, for taking the time to share their knowledge and walk us through the systems and processes that underpin New Zealand’s maritime safety framework.
Their willingness to engage with the race organisers ensures that everyone involved in the Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge has a clear understanding of how communications and emergency support will function during the event.
Confidence for the Crossing
For competitors preparing to take on the Tasman Sea alone, knowing that these organisations stand ready to assist provides an important layer of reassurance.
While every sailor hopes that emergency services are never needed, the Solo Trans-Tasman Race Management team takes great comfort in knowing that world-class maritime safety professionals are there if required.
The Tasman may be vast and unpredictable — but solo sailors won’t be entirely alone out there.
