Boating grants: 4,000 new lifejackets, education for 5,000 children, training for boaties, and more!
26/10/2018
This year safer boating grants will provide 4,000 new lifejackets, education for more than 5,000 children, training for
boaties, and much more!
These are some of the programmes receiving $450,000 of safer boating grants from Maritime NZ.
“The grants are a practical way of following up Safer Boating Week and helping boaties keep safer on the water,”
Maritime NZ Director, Keith Manch, said.
“Lifejackets are boaties most important safety equipment but must be in good condition to save lives. That’s why we are
funding Coastguard’s ‘Old4New’ lifejacket upgrade campaign to provide 4,000 new lifejackets,” Mr Manch said.
“We want boaties to check their lifejackets, and if their lifejackets are old or damaged, then destroy them and replace
them. Manufacturers recommend replacing lifejackets after about 10 years.
“Kapok-filled lifejackets should not be used at all. They have not been made since the 1980s and, even if they look
brand new and have been well looked after, should be replaced and destroyed.
“We fund children’s boating education because in New Zealand we often start boating quite young, children can influence
families and our children are our next skippers.
“Skipper responsibility is central to safety, and learning as children to understand boating risks, knowing your boat
and equipment, and making good decisions is important to help make that behaviour really stick.
“Training for adult boaties isn’t ignored. There is funding for Folau Malu Pasifika Boating Education Programme for
community boating champions, jet boat, diver and waka ama safety, and for harbourmasters to work with their local
communities.
“The popular MarineMate app is being completely rebuilt. It uses GPS to provide useful information about boat ramp and
mooring locations, tides, bylaws and local notices, towing lanes, speed limits, fishing rules and lots more.”
The Government provides the funding for safer boating grants from the Fuel Excise Duty on petrol. A proportion of this
duty is paid by recreational boaties fueling power boats.
The grants’ purpose is to support national and regional programmes that work directly with boaties to improve safety.
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