The Coastguard is being forced to rely more heavily on public donations.
The organisation has had Government funding cut by over a million dollars for the next three years.
Coastguard CEO Patrick Holmes says the cut comes despite being told they are a well-run and well-organised group.
"It is a bit of a kick in the guts when we find that that money has been cut back and the reason given is that we're an efficient, well-run organisation and other organisations need to invest in their infrastructure and systems more than we do."
Mr Holmes says the organisation's costs cover the upkeep of boats, and training of volunteer crews.
