WAIKATO regional harbourmaster Chris Bredenbeck. PHOTO SUPPLIED
With boating weather expected to improve this weekend, the Waikato Regional Council’s Operation Neptune will return to patrolling Waikato waters.
The regional council ramps up its presence in holiday hotspots for three weeks over the Christmas holiday break, to educate the public about maritime safety.
This season, the Operation Neptune team was “really busy” out on the water right up until New Year’s Eve but from January 4 patrols had to be halted completely due to high winds making it too dangerous to go out, “for us and for everyone else”, regional harbourmaster Chris Bredenbeck said.
“We’re expecting the weather to improve this weekend, so we’ll be out in full swing again, just like everyone else,” Chris said.
Patrol staff numbers were increased to 24 this year to ensure compliance of the region’s navigation safety bylaw and reduce the risk of harm on the water.
So far more than 100 infringement notices had been handed out for various offences and unsafe behaviours such as not wearing a lifejacket, speeding in populated areas and towing without an observer, Chris said.
“We also attended three incidents of vessels falling over … capsizing. These incidents were essentially people heading out over the bar in big seas and coming to grief,” he said.
“On the good side, everyone involved was wearing a life jacket, but there are investigations into how the incidents came to be.”
Due to the extreme weather conditions, three vessels also sunk on moorings or at anchor.
“Lots of wind and waves means lots of water getting inside boats and they can sink when they take on too much water.
“So, it’s a good reminder to make sure your batteries are charged, the bilge has been pumped, your pumps are working properly and that your boat covers are in good condition.”
One of the boats was found to be leaking some oil so the regional council used a sorbent boom to contain the spill and pumped the contaminated water for safe disposal.
Five key rules to follow:
1. Life jackets: Take them – wear them. Boats, especially ones under 6 metres in length, can sink very quickly. Wearing a life jacket increases your survival time in the water.
2. Skipper responsibility: The skipper is responsible for the safety of everyone on board and for the safe operation of the boat. Stay within the limits of your vessel and your experience.
3. Communications: Take two separate waterproof ways of communicating so we can help you if you get into difficulties.
4. Marine weather: New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the local marine weather forecast before you go and expect both weather and sea state changes.
5. Avoid alcohol: Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change quickly on the water. You need to stay alert and aware.
