Maritime NZ Campaign for Influx of New Boaties

Source: Newshub

Around 300,000 new boaties have taken to the water since the pandemic, triggering those in charge of New Zealand's water safety to knuckle down on sticking to the rules.

A new campaign 'Kia Matara' by Maritime New Zealand hopes to reinforce the boating basics for those embarking on their new pastime.

Auckland's Harbourmaster Marc Davis says life jackets really do save lives when onboard a boat.

"We want to encourage people to be wearing those life jackets, especially when they're underway. They're your first line of defence if something happens."

Maritime New Zealand officer Erin Matara backs the sentiment.

"If you look at statistics, around 55 percent of boating accidents that happen can be prevented and things like lifejackets are crucial, not just having them with you but having them accessible."

Maritime New Zealand and the Auckland Harbourmaster have been doing the rounds, patrolling the Manukau Harbour to check in on how boaties are behaving.

It comes after separate incidents in October ended in tragedy, claiming the lives of five men.

Davis has been Auckland's Harbourmaster for 15 years and told Newshub those who take to the water this summer may be a little too complacent and ill-prepared since getting out of the level 4 lockdown.

"Often we realise too late that it was completely avoidable, a couple of simple procedures that people need to follow to stay safe."

Matara told Newshub Maritime New Zealand's campaign 'Kia Matara' means be aware, be responsible and be vigilant.

"So understand what's ahead of you instead of what you're looking at right now."

Over 300,000 ‘New Boaties’ hit NZ waters

Maritime NZ launches latest No Excuses on-water boating safety campaign

Recreational boaties on the water, who are not wearing lifejackets or travelling at a safe speed, should expect to be questioned by harbourmasters and Maritime NZ as the annual No Excuses on-water compliance campaign gets underway.

The campaign, which runs from 23 October to 31 March 2022, encourages boaties to wear lifejackets and travel at a safe speed. Fines of up to $300 are able to be handed out to boaties for breaches of regional council bylaws and national maritime rules.

Baz Kirk, Maritime NZ Manager Sector Engagement and Collaboration, said last weekend’s tragedy at the Manukau Bar is a tragic reminder about the inherent dangers of recreational boating.

“Data from the last five years of the campaign shows that on average 95% of boats have lifejackets on board. However, the number of lifejackets being worn, when legally required, decreased from 89% to 80% which is concerning.

“No matter the conditions, boaties should wear a life jacket at all times. It can make the difference between life or death,” said Mr Kirk.

No Excuses began in the summer of 2016 with Maritime NZ and eight councils. This has increased to 18 partners in 2021.

Amanda Kerr, Nelson Maritime Officer, Maritime NZ, said the campaign is a great opportunity to connect with boaties and remind them of the essentials.

“We know 98 lives were lost on the water over the last six years of which 55% could have been prevented if life jackets were worn. The majority of those who died ended up in the water from falling overboard, the vessel capsizing or being swamped,” said Ms Kerr.

The No Excuses campaign will run for five random days in each region over the summer season. This will not be publicised. In addition, harbourmasters will be out on the water constantly checking on boaties to ensure they are wearing life jackets and travelling at safe speeds.

“We want everybody to have a great summer on the water,” said Ms Kerr.

“While the majority enjoy themselves by staying safe, wearing well-fitted lifejackets and sticking to the speed limits, there will be no excuses for those boaties who break the rules or put themselves and others at risk.”

Summary of boating by the numbers 2 million Kiwis were involved in recreational boating last summer Lifejacket wearing behaviour amongst recreational boaties is steady at about 75% wearing all or most of the time on the water. 60% of boats approached carried multiple communication devices. 60% of boats approached carried VHF communication devices. 55% of those who die in recreational boating accidents each year could be saved if they wear a lifejacket. More information at www.maritimenz.govt.nz click “recreational”, and on the Safer Boating NZ Facebook page

Notes to editors The No Excuses campaign is funded via a safer boating grant, administered by Maritime NZ, with funds provided by the government from Fuel Excise Duty (FED). FED funding supports No Excuses and other recreational boating safety initiatives, including regional programmes focused on promoting safer boating.

The No Excuses on-water compliance campaign will be conducted on five random days in each region from 23 October 2021 until 31 March 2022.

Local Authorities involved in the latest No Excuses campaign:

Northland Regional Council Auckland Transport Waikato Regional Council Gisborne District Council Bay of Plenty Regional Council Department of Internal Affairs (Lake Taupo) Taranaki Regional Council Hawkes Bay Regional Council Horizons Regional Council (Manawatū-Whanganui) Greater Wellington Regional Council Tasman District Council Nelson City Council Marlborough District Council Buller District Council Environment Canterbury Queenstown Lakes District Council Otago Regional Council Environment Southland.