Boats & Recreational Craft

New Zealand is a nation of keen boaties and our coastlines, rivers and lakes provide a wealth of opportunities for recreational boating.

Here are some tips that will help to ensure your boating experience is safer and more enjoyable.

• Lifejackets...There must be a correctly sized lifejacket for evey person on board and they must be worn in situations of heightened risk, such as when crossing a bar or in rough conditions. Most incidents happen without warning and those in small boats (under 6m) should wear lifejackets at all times. Children must wear a correctly fitting lifejacket at all times. Refer Lifejacket page
• Weather...Check the latest marine forecast and tides before you head out and at frequent intervals (conditions can change very quickly).
• Communication...Always carry at least two forms of effective communication with you. This can include flares (red), VHF radio (handheld, waterproof), 406 EPIRB*, or cellphone kept on your person and dry in a plastic bag.    
• Alcohol...Avoid alcohol. It can impair judgment and coordination and significantly reduce your survival rate if you end up in the water.
• Trip report...Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Education...Participate in a Boating Education Course, such as Dayskipper or VHF Operator. There are a wide range of courses from beginner to advanced with home-study options available.
• Coastguard...Consider joining your local Coastguard, volunteers who play a vital role in thousands of rescues every year.
• Skipper responsibility...Maritime Rules (Maritime Rules Part 22 'Collision Prevention' and Part 91 'Navigation Safety Rules') and Regional Bylaws and Codes set a Code of Conduct for all vessel operators, including: skipper responsibility; the carriage of PFDs (personal flotation devices) 'lifejackets'; vessel speed and operational limits; water skiing and anchoring rules.
  
  The Auckland Regional Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 2008 is now in force (effective 1 July 2008). Download a copy from the Resources panel or visit the ARC website for further information.

For more information on safer boating visit:

Maritime New Zealand www.maritimenz.govt.nz

Coastguard Boating Education www.cbes.org.nz

NZ Coastguard www.nzcoastguard.org.nz

Auckland Harbourmaster www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Boaties Website www.boaties.co.nz

To look at the most frequently asked questions on boating safety click on the link in the resources panel (right).