An Eastern Bay Coastguard is reminding people to ensure they have operational safety equipment on their vessels, whatever their plans on the water.

It comes after Police described a lone sailor, who didn't have a working radio, as a "sea gypsy".

The man was rescued last week near White Island and arrested on his return to shore, on an unrelated matter.

Police describe his "drifting" as a lifestyle choice and say he had never been in any danger.

Peter Milton from Whakatane Coastguard says all boaties should take safety precautions.

He says anybody going out to sea, whether it's long-term or just for a day's voyage, should have the right gear they need for the voyage they're undertaking.

He says the right communication equipment is also important, and it needs to be up to scratch, so if they do need to speak to somebody, they can do that as quickly as possible.