Tauranga Coast Guard operations manager, Simon Barker, says the majority of boaties checked during Saturday's ‘ramp day' passed the boat safety test.

Volunteer Coastguard, Police, Regional Council staff and volunteer Harbour Wardens were at three Tauranga boat ramps at the beginning of the long weekend from 6am, catching up with boaties and offering tips for practising safe boating.


Tauranga Coast Guard operations manager, Simon Barker, at the Pilot Bay boat ramp during Saturday's ramp day.

Simon says every boat checked at the Pilot Bay ramp had lifejackets on board and most boaties were aware of the safety tips.

Every boatie entering and leaving the ramp was given a briefing about safety on the water and told they should have basic equipment onboard, such as flares, lifejackets and two forms of communication.

They were also told that it is important to check the weather forecast before heading out on the water.

Simon says while most boaties passed the safety test, there were some that did not have VHF radios.

'We've also been encouraging people to join Coast Guard. But most boaties have been good. I've been impressed.”