Netstar

South Africa’s coastline is vast, unpredictable and increasingly dangerous. Every year, thousands of people rely on the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) to survive emergencies at sea – yet the organisation continues to face serious challenges when it comes to funding and access to modern technology.

With World Maritime Day on 26 September, vehicle tracking and safety company Netstar has stepped in to help, raising R350,000 for the NSRI through a fundraiser. The donation forms part of a long-standing partnership aimed at strengthening rescue operations and improving safety for coastal communities.

“We’re proud to stand alongside the NSRI,” said Grant Fraser, Group MD of Netstar. “Their volunteers are out there every day, saving lives in some of the toughest conditions. This donation is our way of saying thank you – and making sure they have the tools they need to keep doing what they do best.”

The NSRI currently uses Netstar tracking devices on 37 of its rescue vehicles, allowing teams to monitor their status in real time using Netstar’s AI application. These units play a vital role in every rescue operation where a vehicle is dispatched, acting as a safety net and offering peace of mind for crews and coordinators alike.

While there are no tracking units installed on the rescue vessels, it’s worth noting that Netstar plays a crucial role during every rescue operation when a vehicle is dispatched. These units serve as a safety net, providing peace of mind for everyone involved, even if they aren’t directly included in every call-out.

The partnership between Netstar and the NSRI dates back to 2011, when the NSRI first began using Netstar tracking devices to support its rescue operations. Over the years, this technology has become an integral part of how the NSRI coordinates missions and protects its volunteers, both on land and at sea.

To effectively navigate and patrol South Africa’s 3,000 km of coastline, maritime rescue remains heavily reliant on public donations and volunteerism. By aligning advanced tracking expertise with rescue operations, Netstar is helping to close a critical safety gap where state resources often fall short.

Renee Leeuwner, Community Fundraiser, NSRI said, the recent fundraiser by Netstar, saw a multitude of stakeholders coming together to invest in the resilience of South Africa’s coastal communities. It was a reminder for all of us that lifesaving work at sea depends on support from those on land. We are extremely grateful for partnerships like these.”