Lookout! – Issue 15
21 December 2009
Guidance notice – Issue 17:
Long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) equipment testing
21 December 2009
21 December 2008
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) has moved to clarify rules around the carriage and use of lifejackets, following steps by some regional councils to draft compulsory lifejacket bylaws for vessels under 6 metres.
MNZ Manager of Recreational Boating, Jim Lott, said Environment Waikato was one of three regional councils which had drafted compulsory lifejacket bylaws for boats under 6 metres, in anticipation of a recent safety recommendation made by the National Pleasure Boat Forum (NPBSF) coming into law next year – pending public consultation and Government approval. The Wellington Regional Council and Queenstown Lakes District Council have also drafted similar bylaws.
Mr Lott said the recommendation, which was currently going through the Ministry of Transport’s approval process before going out for public consultation, would, if adopted, make it compulsory for all people on boats under 6 metres to wear their lifejacket – unless the skipper deemed it unnecessary due to low risk.
“Currently the law makes it compulsory for all skippers to carry lifejackets of the right size and number for everyone on board. However, people may choose not to wear them, unless the skipper deems it necessary in situations where there is increased risk – for example in rough seas or while crossing bars.
“If the forum’s proposal is adopted into law, it will mean that a skipper of a boat smaller than 6 metres will be responsible for ensuring all on board wear their wear lifejackets – but the skipper will still have the right to decide that they can be taken off when the risk is low.”
Mr Lott said regional authorities were required to consult with MNZ on any proposed bylaws relating to navigational safety, to ensure consistency with existing rules under the Maritime Transport Act (1994).
He said MNZ supported moves by regional councils to include the NPBSF recommendation in their draft bylaws, but that any change to rules under the MTA would still need to be signed off by the MOT and go through further public consultation before being considered by Cabinet for approval – hopefully by the middle of next year.
“The forum’s recommendation is in response to research which shows that around 70% of boating fatalities over the last year would most likely be prevented had those involved been wearing their lifejackets – with almost all of these fatalities occurring in the under 6 metre category.
“The message is that just like wearing a seatbelt in your car, wearing your lifejacket will greatly improve your chances of survival in an accident.”
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318