Bay of Plenty Regional Council is reminding boaties to use the correct navigational lighting when they hit the Rotorua lakes for the start of trout fishing season from Friday.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Rotorua Lakes harbour master Pererika Makiha says that boats are often out in poor light and need to ensure they have the correct lights to keep themselves safe.

'Not only are boat lights commonsense, but they are also the law,” says Pererika.
'If you're heading out for early morning fishing or making your way home after dusk, you need to be showing the correct navigational lights for the safety of you and other boats around you.”

The Bay of Plenty Regional Safety Bylaw 2010 states that you must obey the collision regulations at all times.

'Most complaints we receive are about anchored vessels that are fishing and displaying no lights.
'This can be a real hazard, and anchored vessels must show an all-round white light visible from all directions during hours of darkness.”

He encourages people to seek more information if they were unsure about lights on their boat.

'Drop in to your local boating store and get your lights sorted as they are an essential part of your boat equipment.
'If you would like to find out more about the regulations then visit www.envbop.govt.nz or call the Lakes Maritime team on 0800 368 267.”

Regular night classes are also available to people who are keen to brush up on their boating knowledge. Contact the Coastguard Boating Education Service on 0800 408 090.

'Most of all we want people to enjoy the fishing season and enjoy our lakes this summer, but please encourage friends to ‘be bright shine a light' and remember to brush up on the boating knowledge before heading out.”