Get on board with new navigation safety rules
Auckland boaties are being urged to ‘suit up’ with lifejackets this summer as part of new navigation safety bylaws which
come into effect on Labour Weekend.
Auckland Council wants people to keep safe on the water this summer and this means being aware of new rules regarding
lifejackets.
The long weekend is the first time the council’s new Navigation Safety Bylaw will be in effect – the updated regulations
focus on navigation safety for everyone on the water.
“The most significant change, and the one that attracted a lot of public feedback through the public submission process,
is a new rule requiring anyone on board a vessel of six metres or less to wear a lifejacket,” says the council’s
Regulatory and Bylaws Committee Chairman, Calum Penrose.
“Sadly, it’s all too common to hear that someone who has drowned, or nearly drowned, were not wearing a lifejacket or
had one on board but didn’t have time to put it on. We want to reduce the risk of that happening.”
He says as a result of consultation council has given skippers the discretion to determine when lifejackets can be
removed, if the conditions are suitable.
“Our message to anyone going out in a boat is to take a lifejacket and wear it – it’s not going to save your life if you
don’t have it on.”
Auckland Council Harbourmaster Andrew Hayton says his team will be focussing on educating people on the new rules over
the summer.
“Our staff will be out at boat ramps and on the water talking to people and educating them about the new rules and
creating greater awareness of the need to be well prepared.”
The council is also simplifying signs at boat ramps, to help with greater understanding and compliance.
“We have developed a set of five icons and key messages that represent the important messages we want to get across to
boaties – even those with limited maritime knowledge.”
These will be rolled out through signage and other collateral so that over time they become widely recognised.
The five key messages are:
• Lifejackets: take them, wear them
• Be a responsible skipper: keep everyone safe
• Carry a means of communication: mobile phone, VHS radio, flares or a beacon
• Reduce your speed: around people, vessels and the shore
• Avoid excessive alcohol.
Another change includes having to nominate someone to be in charge of a vessel.
For more information on Auckland Council’s Navigation Safety Bylaw go to aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/harbourmaster
Ends