It's late afternoon, the water is still and everything seems calm until suddenly the radio comms jump into life – someone in the harbour needs your help, and fast!

Tauranga Coastguard is on the scout for new radio operator stars to join their volunteer team in this important role.

'You'll be part of a team that will help bring people safely back to shore when they're in trouble,” says operations manager Dane Robertson.

'It's essentially like you're the 111 operator, sitting in the radio room specifically to help people who are on Tauranga waters.

'We're looking for volunteers that are sound and confident with computers.” Problem solving and strong communication skills are also a must.

'Radio operators need the ability to be clear and articulate with what they say and how they say it.”

As a radio operator you will be the first port of call with search and rescue teams such as the New Zealand Police.

Other than that, the coastguard team will teach you everything you need to know.

Dane says serving as a radio operator is a great way to give back to the community.

'You can go from a quiet Friday afternoon to something where you're part of team that saves someone's life.”

If you're interested in seeing what being a radio operator is all about, get in touch with the Tauranga Coastguard team.

'We'll show you around and let you sit in the radio room so you actually get a feel for what the role is really like.”