DATE: 14 November TIME: 4pm
Boaties unprepared for worst
Two potentially disastrous boating incidents within a week highlight the need for recreational boaties to be well
prepared before heading out on the water this summer.
Last Friday (9 November), two men suffered hypothermia after spending 12 hours drifting to shore on their upturned 4
metre boat after it capsized 5km off Mokau, in Taranaki.
The pair were wearing lifejackets but had no means of calling for help. The owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, says
he will not go to sea again without an EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) with GPS. A waterproof marine
VHF radio is also on his shopping list.
Yesterday (14 November) the four occupants of 4.7 metre runabout that broke down off the northern end of Kapiti Island
had only a cellphone to contact the Police with. They called for help at 5.40pm.
Their auxiliary engine was working only intermittently, with the vessel reaching Waikanae at around 6.30pm.
Again, once the main engine failed, all four donned lifejackets.
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) Maritime Safey Inspector Alistair Thomson said the incidents highlighted simple safety
guidelines that should be followed.
“It is gratifying that in both these cases the people were wearing lifejackets but all boaties should also carry at
least two reliable means of calling for help. A distress beacon and a handheld, marine VHF radio are the most reliable
forms of emergency communication, and flares can also be very useful if you need help,” he said.
“Cellphones shouldn’t be relied on as the main means of communication, because of issues with coverage on seas, rivers
and lakes. They are useful as a backup but become useless when wet. Most boaties take their cellphones with them, but
they should take the extra step of putting them in a ziplock bag.”
Boats that have been left unused for a sustained length of time also need to be checked carefully before use, Mr Thomson
said.
“If a boat has not been used for some time, old fuel should be replaced – and there should be enough fuel to cover
unforeseen occurrences. It pays to plan to use a third of your fuel for the trip out, a third for the return trip, and
have a third in reserve,” he said.
The law requires boaties to carry enough lifejackets, of the correct size and type, for everyone on board. MNZ
recommends that lifejackets are worn at all times as there is often not enough time to put them on when trouble hits.
Lifejackets must be worn in situations where there is heightened risk, such as when crossing a bar or in rough weather,
and children and non-swimmers should wear them at all times in vessels under 6 metres.”
Equipment on board should also be checked regularly, including the condition of lifejackets. Inflatable lifejackets may
need to be serviced.
“Before deciding to head out, boaties should also check weather forecasts and tell someone how long they plan to be
away. Out on the water they should avoid alcohol.”
ENDS