Boaties behaving themselves

The steadying presence of harbour masters' patrols during the perfect boating summer is keeping down the numbers of tickets being issued.

Harbour Master Peter Buell says 18 $200 fines issued to badly-behaved boaties from December 1, represents only a tiny fraction of more than a 1000 boaties they have spoken to over the period.


Harbour Master Peter Buell says authorities have dealt with over 1000 boaties since the start of December.

'We run two or three boat patrols each day and often a jet ski as well in Tauranga,” says Peter. 'In Rotorua there is one boat and two jet skis.

'The boats work four-eight hour shifts depending on traffic, and the jet skis normally four-six hours.

However, the number of infringements and warnings issued compared with the number of hours on patrol gives a skewed view of what the harbour master's department does, says Peter.

'In addition to those total numbers we've stopped and spoken with over 1000 boaties during the same period,” he adds, 'and just shy of 200 this past weekend in Tauranga alone.

This, and being visible to the public, is a much truer relationship to the number of hours spent patrolling.”

The harbour masters' patrols have also helped around 20-30 boaties in trouble so far this season, with problems ranging from engine failure to being taken out of the harbour by the tide.

'The crews are also active in collecting debris which could be a hazard to navigation, particularly drift wood,” says Peter.

On the long weekend the harbour master's patrols gave out one $200 fine and 11 warnings.

Speeding is the most common offence, with 25 boaties breaching the five-knot rule within 200 metres of the shore, swimmers or another vessel. Some nine people received an infringement notice or fine and others received a warning.

On Rotorua lakes speeding was also an issue, as were stand up paddle boarders and kayakers not carrying or wearing lifejackets, and towing water skiers without an observer.

A total of eight people were warned for not carrying a lifejacket or not wearing a personal flotation device while being towed, while five people were issued with an infringement notice and one warned for not having an observer while water skiing.

'Boaties in general are obeying the rules very well,” adds Peter. 'Of course, there are always exceptions and when these people are around they are very obvious. We will remain vigilant in our patrols.

”Behaviour in the areas around boat ramps and beaches is very important. Our only real surprise this summer is the lack of understanding around lifejackets and paddle boards.

”In the surf you may be without a lifejacket provided you have your leg strap on. At all other times a lifejacket is required.”

'But most people are well behaved when approached.

'We do get the occasional person who is a bit belligerent. We try and reinforce that we are just trying to keep everyone safe.

'Our officers have some leeway in issuing warnings or infringements depending on circumstances, behaviour and any history of breaches.”

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