“No excuses” on the water this long weekend

Hawke’s Bay’s Harbourmaster will be out this long weekend reminding boaties to stay safe on the water.

This is part of Maritime NZ’s national “No excuses” campaign and Harbourmaster Captain Martin Moore says he wants all boaties to stay safe in Hawke’s Bay waters.

“I’ll be out on the water and at boat ramps around Hawke’s Bay to check boaties are complying with the boating safety code and local bylaws, including wearing lifejackets and sticking to safe speeds.”

“It’s important for us to take a firm approach to people breaching the rules, especially where safety of other water users is put at risk. There is no excuse for not doing what is right to keep everyone safe on the water.”

Captain Moore has been involved in the campaign since it began five years ago, and has seen it go from strength to strength.

“We’ve been running this safety campaign for years, and we’re seeing a real difference. Last year the campaign had over 4,000 interactions with boaties around the country, and that saw more people with lifejackets, and sticking to the speed limits,” says Captain Martin.

“We’re expecting a really busy summer on the water with more locals looking to have some fun in their own backyards. There’s a general sense that people are wanting to get out on the water to relax and have some fun at the end of what has been an extremely challenging year.”

“With potential for a record number of vessels on the water, we’re asking all boaties to prepare fully by taking note of the safer boating rules and ensure you comply with them, so everyone gets home safely,” says Captain Moore.

“We’re always looking at what we can do to improve safe behaviour through awareness and education, to avoid the need for infringements. However, there will be consequences for people breaching maritime rules and local bylaws. It’s part of the total compliance toolbox that we use.”

 For more information about the rules around boating, head to our  Harbourmaster hub.

22 October 2020

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