14 October 2009
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) has completed its safety inspection of Queenstown company Mad Dog River Boarding.
The company has now been given approval to operate, with some conditions attached.
MNZ General Manager Maritime Services Sharyn Forsyth said the inspection had taken place over 2 days in Queenstown last week.
An MNZ safety inspector and an independent white water expert closely examined the company’s Safe Operational Plan (SOP), hazard management system, equipment and on-river techniques.
The inspection highlighted some areas of the company’s SOP which needed improvement, primarily relating to its safety briefings and hazard identification system.
All of these issues had now been resolved to MNZ's satisfaction, Ms Forsyth said.
"We asked Mad Dog to revise the sections of the SOP that the inspectors had identified as requiring improvement. The company has done this, and the Director has approved the amended SOP."
The Director has now imposed a condition on the company that it continues to operate to the approved SOP. This means any future changes to the plan must be approved by the Director of MNZ before the company can implement them.
The Director has also imposed a second condition, requiring the company to only use personal flotation devices (PFDs) that meet the standard set by the white water safety guidelines, introduced by MNZ in February 2009.
This condition effectively makes the voluntary compliance with the PFD standards set by the guidelines compulsory.
Ms Forsyth said the process had been useful and positive.
"It is also pleasing to see Mad Dog is seeking an independent review of its operation on top of the MNZ inspection. This shows a proactive approach to safety which we applaud."
Ms Forsyth said MNZ would continue to monitor the river boarding industry.
"MNZ is working with the operators to ensure they reach the standards set by the white water boarding safety guidelines.
"This is a two-way relationship. MNZ expects the operators to strive to meet the highest possible standards, as they are required to do under the Health and Safety in Employment Act. At the same time, MNZ will continue to provide the support and leadership the white water industry needs to ensure these standards are met."
Ms Forsyth said over the course of the 2009/2010 season MNZ would be looking at the guidelines to ensure they are targeted at the right level.
"This is the first year the guidelines will have been in place for the full river boarding season and we will be monitoring how effective they are and seeking industry feedback."
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
