Port Taranaki is praising the actions of harbour users for helping keep themselves and others safe on the water last summer, and is urging the public to keep up the good work this season.
Following a period where there were several close-call events involving the public and commercial cargo vessels or port vessels, Port Taranaki last year launched its ‘Stay safe on the water this summer’ safety campaign.
A series of online videos highlighted some of the key harbour rules that users need to know and follow to help keep themselves and others safe.
Port Taranaki general manager operations Alex Park said although there was no hard data, anecdotal evidence from the port’s marine crews suggested harbour users were more aware of the rules and, importantly, following them.
“The likes of our marine pilots and tug and launch crews, who are on the water every day and interacting with visiting ships and the public, noted there had been an improvement, which is great, and we need harbour users to keep up that good work this summer,” Mr Park said.
The Port Taranaki harbour is a very busy space, with large commercial cargo vessels and port vessels using the same area of water as recreational boaties, kayakers, windsurfers, other watercraft, and divers and swimmers.
“So, it’s really important that harbour users follow the simple rules of always being aware of their surroundings and responsibilities, maintaining a safe distance from cargo ships and port vessels, always being clearly visible in the harbour, keeping to the speed limits, always wearing a lifejacket, and keeping clear of off-limits port areas,” Mr Park said.
“Summer is understandably a really busy time with lots of people enjoying the public facility here at the port, and we’ve already seen an increase in the number of boaties out enjoying the good spell of weather we’ve had lately, so we ask all harbour users again to please make sure they’re aware of and follow the rules.”
Signs that clearly display the Port Taranaki harbour restricted areas and speed limits are dotted along Ngāmotu Beach and the Lee Breakwater, while more detailed harbour safety information, including vessel clearance rules can be found on the Port Taranaki and Taranaki Regional Council websites.
“We’ll also be running our series of safety videos again, so please take the time to watch and help us keep the harbour safe for everyone.”
For harbour rules and safety information, click here:
Photo: Port Taranaki general manager operations Alex Park alongside one of the signs on Ngāmotu Beach and the Lee Breakwater that displays the harbour restricted areas and speed limits.
