Key Takeaways
- Bad weather during the holiday season led to fewer patrols on the water, but staff reported generally good behavior from boaties
- Many boaties in vessels 6 meters or less failed to wear lifejackets, despite being required to do so
- Two catamarans overturned in separate incidents, one of which was likely due to poor navigation
- Small vessels are increasingly obstructing large ships in the main shipping channel, posing a hazard to both vessels
- The harbourmaster’s office is launching an awareness campaign to educate boaties about the importance of giving way to large ships
Introduction to the Holiday Season
The holiday season has been marked by bad weather, which has resulted in fewer patrols on the water. However, according to Lyle, the staff reported "generally pretty good" behavior from boaties. Despite the good behavior, there were still some incidents that highlighted the importance of safety on the water. Many people in vessels 6 meters or less failed to wear lifejackets, which is a requirement for their safety. Statistics have shown that these individuals are most vulnerable to drowning, making it crucial for them to take the necessary precautions.
Incidents on the Water
Two catamarans overturned in separate incidents, one of which made headlines due to a dog named Rimu being lost overboard and later found safe, thanks to his lifejacket. Lyle attributed the incident to "poor navigation," as the boat ran into a well-charted and clearly visible reef. The boat remains upside down on Sandy Bay Beach, and Lyle is working to arrange its removal with the owner and insurer. Another catamaran, a larger vessel, nearly sank after hitting a rock, also likely due to poor navigation. The vessel has since been hauled out, but the incident highlights the importance of safe navigation on the water.
Obstruction of Large Ships
A growing concern for Lyle is the increasing number of small vessels obstructing large ships in the main shipping channel. This is a breach of navigation safety bylaws and poses a hazard to both vessels. On December 27, the concrete ship MV Aotearoa Chief encountered a small pleasure craft anchored mid-channel in Shell Cut, despite five warning blasts. The smaller vessel, named Le Bateau, failed to move out of the way, forcing the Aotearoa Chief to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Lyle is trying to track down Le Bateau’s owner and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Awareness Campaign
To address the issue of small vessels obstructing large ships, the harbourmaster’s office is launching an awareness campaign. The campaign aims to educate boaties about the importance of giving way to large ships and the dangers of obstructing the main shipping channel. Lyle has seen people in smaller boats become so focused on fishing that they fail to notice a 300-meter ship bearing down on them. The harbourmaster’s office has posted a video to the Northland Regional Council’s Facebook page featuring a North Tugz marine pilot speaking about the issue. The video aims to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Positive Developments
Despite the incidents and concerns, Lyle’s report wasn’t all doom and gloom. As the weather improved, more boats arrived in Northland, including some impressive international superyachts visible from numerous tourist vantage spots. The harbourmaster’s office is working to ensure that the waterways remain safe for all users, from small pleasure craft to large commercial vessels. With the awareness campaign and continued efforts to educate boaties, Lyle is hopeful that the number of incidents will decrease and the waterways will become safer for everyone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the holiday season has been marked by some incidents on the water, including overturned catamarans and small vessels obstructing large ships. However, the harbourmaster’s office is working to address these issues through awareness campaigns and education. By highlighting the importance of safety on the water and the need for boaties to be aware of their surroundings, Lyle and his team are working to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the weather continues to improve, the waterways are expected to become busier, making it even more crucial for boaties to be aware of the rules and regulations in place to ensure their safety and the safety of others.