Urging boaties to better prepare for safety at sea was the aim of a joint agencies "ramp day" at major launching points on Tauranga Harbour this weekend. Western Bay of Plenty Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Craig Madden says the day was organised in response to the high number of marine rescues last year.

Harbourmaster Jennifer Roberts.

He says a significant number of rescues were made between November 2008 and January 2009. Most rescues could have been avoided or significantly reduced if the skippers had maintained their equipment and carried safety devices.

Mr Madden says he is very pleased with the greater majority of boats who launched their vessels from the three boat ramps, which were attended by the Harbourmasters and Wardens, Police and Coastguard.

With one exception, all boats launched from these ramps had sufficient safety equipment, including buoyancy aids. However one group, who did not have life jackets, approached all three boat ramps in an attempt to launch without the required safety equipment.

Mr Madden reminds skippers that all boats must carry sufficient buoyancy aids for each person on board and they should also have two forms of communication with a marine radio being the preferred primary device, as cellphone coverage can be limited out at sea. He also says that safety items, such as flares and EPIRBS (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) can greatly assist Search & Rescue personnel, should they become in need of assistance.

Police and the Harbour Masters will be taking proactive measures this year, in particular, relating to buoyancy aids, which can be enforced with the service of an infringement notice on the skipper and carries a fine of $100.
"It's not about waving a big stick, but ensuring personal safety of all our recreational boaties," says Mr Madden.

He says the first infringement has already been issued this month after an investigation into a rescue, where the skipper who had several thousand hours boating experience, both in commercial and pleasure craft, had only one life jacket on board, but was carrying two passengers.

Simon Barker of the Tauranga Coastguard commented on the excellent reception that his volunteers had from the general public. About half of the boats were members of the Coastguard. Those not members showed positive interest in joining with several signing up on the spot.
"It's a good investment, when you consider the annual subscription is $75 and includes free tow by the Coastguard if you break down."

The cost of towing vessels who are not members can be up to $290 per hour.

The Police Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit (CVIU) was also present at the ramp day, weighing larger crafts on trailers to ensure compliance with their breaking systems and drivers holding the correct class of licence.

Kevin Hogan of the CVIU says boat trailers that weighed between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes needed breakaway braking systems and anything over 3.5 tonnes is classed as a heavy motor vehicle and requires a certificate of fitness rather than a warrant of fitness.

He also stated that many members of the public are not aware that if the combined weight of the boat, trailer and the towing vehicle exceeds 4.5 tonnes the driver must have a Class 2 (heavy motor vehicle) licence. The heaviest combination weighed this weekend was 6.2 tonnes. Of the five vehicles that exceeded 4.5 tonnes, only one driver had the correct class of licence.
Mr Hogan says that not only is this a breach of the Transport Act, but may effect any insurance claims made while towing the boat trailers. Further information about this can be found on the NZ Transport Agency website www.nzta.govt.nz.