Case Study
Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard
Improving Safety and Crew Communication with Eartec Evade Wireless Headsets
Supplied and supported by Mobile Systems Limited, Mount Maunganui
Organisation
Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard
Industry
Marine Search & Rescue
Solution
Eartec Evade Wireless Headsets
Supplier
Mobile Systems Limited
Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard fleet — Bay of Plenty operations
Client Overview
Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard is a volunteer-led search and rescue organisation operating throughout the Bay of Plenty, one of New Zealand's busiest coastal regions. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the unit responds to emergency callouts, vessel breakdowns, marine incidents, and search and rescue operations. Reliable communication between crew members is essential to every deployment.
TECT — Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard primary response vessel underway
The Challenge
Over time, the unit's existing onboard communication headsets had deteriorated significantly. Battery failures, damaged microphone assemblies, and accumulating maintenance requirements had reduced what was once a full operational complement down to just three serviceable headsets, nowhere near enough for a full crew deployment.
"As the headsets degraded and we had less of them, crew communication became harder and harder. We got down to three working headsets and people were having to yell over the engines to communicate around the boat. That was entirely unsatisfactory and unsafe."
— Richard van der Jagt, Operations Manager, Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard
The effects were felt across the entire crew. Skippers and senior crew members began raising concerns about operational safety. Communication during recovery operations and rescues, already demanding, was becoming unnecessarily difficult.
"I got quite a lot of people coming to me saying it was becoming an issue. At that point we needed to do something quite quickly."
Specific challenges faced by the unit:
✓High engine noise making deck communication extremely difficult
✓Communication breakdown between crew inside and outside the cabin
✓Coordination during rescue and recovery operations increasingly compromised
✓No practical local repair or servicing support for existing headsets
✓Growing safety concerns from skippers and experienced crew members
✓Significant management time being diverted to equipment issues
Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard coordinating multi-agency operations — clear crew communication is critical
The Evaluation: Finding the Right System
Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard undertook a structured assessment of several available headset systems. The evaluation considered communication performance, ease of use, reliability, marine suitability, and long-term operational value.
One factor quickly emerged as critical: local serviceability and supplier support.
"It was one of the most important factors in our decision. Local support is a real big part of our decision making. It doesn't matter what it is — I always ask, can I get it fixed here?"
— Richard van der Jagt, Operations Manager
The unit's previous experience with equipment lacking local support had proven costly and frustrating:
"The previous headsets were cheaper but we had no local agent. We couldn't get them repaired. We were spending our own time trying to fix them. That's a false economy."
The Solution: Eartec Evade Wireless Full-Duplex Headsets
Following the evaluation, Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard selected the Eartec Evade Wireless Full-Duplex Headset System, supplied and supported locally by Mobile Systems Limited in Mount Maunganui.
The Evade system delivered the operational features the unit needed, combined with the local support infrastructure that gave Richard confidence in the long-term investment.
Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard crew wearing the Eartec Evade wireless headset system in operation
Key features of the Eartec Evade system:
✓Wireless full-duplex — all users speak and listen simultaneously
✓Clear communication in high-noise marine environments
✓Lightweight and comfortable for extended operations
✓Exceptional range — tested beyond 40 metres
✓Rapid crew adoption — minimal training required
✓Local servicing and support — Mobile Systems Limited
The Eartec Evade system — scalable up to 16 simultaneous users
"The system itself is really simple to use. It just works. You put them on, turn them on, and it connects. The opportunity for user error is really reduced."
The Results
Since deploying the Eartec Evade system, Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard has achieved measurable improvements across every aspect of crew communication and operational readiness.
✓ Clear CommunicationEvery crew member stays connected — no more shouting over engine noise.
✓ Improved SafetyFull situational awareness for every crew member during live operations.
✓ 40m+ RangeCrew can move freely around the vessel and communicate between vessels.
✓ Reduced FatigueCalm, quiet communication reduces mental load on extended callouts.
✓ Immediate Crew Buy-InPositive response across the crew — zero complaints since deployment.
✓ Less Management OverheadSignificantly fewer equipment complaints reaching the operations manager.
Communication Clarity — The End of Shouting Over Engines
"Everyone hears what everyone else is doing. Everyone knows what's going on. We're not having to yell across the deck anymore."
Improved Safety and Situational Awareness
"Everyone who needs a headset can now have one. Even if they're not doing the communicating, they still know what's happening."
Reduced Fatigue on Extended Operations
"If you're communicating by loud voices or sign language, that becomes quite stressful. If you can talk quietly and keep communication calm, it's easier. You don't have to talk as loudly. You don't have to think as hard."
— Richard van der Jagt, Operations Manager
Range That Surprised the Team
"The thing that blew us away was the distance. We tested them to around 40 metres and they were still working really well. You can get onto another vessel and still communicate. That's a real benefit."
Crew Acceptance — Zero Complaints
"I've had a lot of compliments around the system. The crew have responded hugely positively. I've heard no complaints."
The Value of Local Support
The decision to select Mobile Systems Limited was the result of a deliberate evaluation of which partner could provide not just the right equipment, but the right ongoing relationship.
"Even if we had a cheaper option without local support, we'd always go with the more expensive option that had local support. When you have a relationship with a local supplier, they know your business, they know your people, they know your boats, and they can respond quickly."
— Richard van der Jagt, Operations Manager
When asked directly about the support provided by Mobile Systems Limited, Richard's response was immediate:
"Awesome. You guys are great. The responsiveness and knowledge are highly valued. Having someone local is priceless."
Would They Recommend It?
"I would actually. Yes, I'd highly recommend it. This is a headset that is fit for purpose and does the job it's designed to do."
— Richard van der Jagt, Operations Manager, Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard
"From a totally selfish perspective, I get a lot less complaints now. I can put a line through it and know the job is done."
About Mobile Systems Limited
Mobile Systems Limited specialises in supplying, installing and supporting communication solutions that help teams stay connected and safe while working on the move. Based in Mount Maunganui and supporting organisations throughout New Zealand.
Contact us today to improve communication and safety for your team.
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