With longer and warmer days approaching, Port Taranaki is reminding the community to ‘stay safe on the water this summer’.
The summer months are extremely busy in the harbour as commercial and port vessels operate alongside recreational boats, watercraft and swimmers.
“The Port Taranaki harbour is a great place to play, but it’s also a busy working harbour,” says Port Taranaki chief operating officer Alex Park.
“During summer, in particular, there’s a real mix of activity from yachties, kayakers, and waka ama to boaties, swimmers and wind foilers. And when you add in 200m long cargo vessels, with port vessels assisting them during arrivals and departures, it can become very congested and hazardous.”
Alex says it’s incredibly important all harbour users look out for each other, and know and follow the harbour rules, particularly the speed limit areas, the port operations restricted areas, and the safe distances from cargo and port vessels.
“There are signs at the Lee Breakwater carpark and along Ngāmotu Beach that clearly show the harbour bylaws, while it’s important to remember that large commercial vessels move faster than they appear and can’t easily stop or turn, so those in or on the water must keep at least 50 metres away from the sides and stern [rear], and 300 metres from the bow [front].”
Alex recommends harbour users avoid shipping movements altogether by checking the shipping schedule on the Port Taranaki website before they head out. The schedule can be found here.
“When you’re on the water, please also remember to always wear a lifejacket, wear bright colours, fly a flag, and use a light or torch from dusk to dawn. If you’re diving or swimming, use floats and dive flags, and wear bright headgear if you can,” Alex says.
Port Taranaki is again running a series of harbour safety videos on social media this summer, this time highlighting safety messaging from some of the key harbour users.
“Different harbour users have different areas of focus regarding safety, so it’s important the messaging reflects that. We want everyone to have fun and stay safe on the water this summer.”
For the Know Before You Go quick reference guide for Port Taranaki harbour rules and safety tips, click here.
