Maritime New Zealand announced that it will provide grants for 3,000 new lifejackets, support lifejacket loan hubs, help create new, at-the-beach training programmes for boaties using jet skis, standup paddleboards and kayaks.
New Zealand is serious when it comes to safety, as May 1st marked an important milestone in New Zealand’s maritime industry as the last of almost 1,200 commercial operators transferred to the new Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS), a system where a gradual transition is achieved to help make the change from the old safety system to the new as smooth as possible.
Keith Manch, Maritime New Zealand Director, commented that these grants aim to enhance safety measures and conditions for the 1.5 million Kiwis who sail in the waters every year. Some of the initiatives across New Zealand receive $626,570 in safer boating grants.
Moreover, the Government provides the funding for safer boating grants is collected from the Fuel Excise Duty (FED) on petrol, which a part of it, is paid by recreational boaties fueling power boats. In the meantime, a part of this funding is provided to Maritime NZ and assists the support of recreational boating safety initiatives, such as regional programmes focused on promoting safer boating.
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Maritime NZ informs that this year the finding goes to both, existing and new initiatives.
Mr Manch stated that the new initiatives will be national pilot programmes by Tasman District Council, Standup Paddle boarding and the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers. Thus, the area will see a rise in jet skis, standup paddleboards and kayaks; That’s why, Maritime NZ focuses on training for boaties using small craft.
Lifejackets are boaties single most important piece of safety equipment on all boats – sailing, powered or paddled.
Also, it is the first time that New Zealand supports ‘Drowning Prevention Auckland’s lifejacket hubs‘ and another similar project issued by the Harbourmaster in Gisborne where lifejackets can be borrowed.
A part of the funding will also be provided to the Coastguard, that will receive $800,000 to provide 3,000 subsidized lifejackets to Kiwi boaties.
We also fund several children’s boating education programmes because in New Zealand people often start boating quite young and children can positively influence the safety behavior of their families,
… Mr Manch added.
In addition, Maritime New Zealand will fund Folau Malu programme for Pasifika boat users, Survive the Dive for divers and Waka Ama safety basics courses.
The ‘No excuses’ campaign received $70,000 funding to enable 17 councils and the Taupō Harbourmaster to carry out on-water enforcement with a ‘no excuses’ approach to compliance being taken with boaties found in breach of key safety regulations. The campaign focuses on consequences for those breaking the rules.
Concluding, FED funding provides support funding for campaign initiatives based on priorities decided by the Safer Boating Forum. The Forum is made up of boating organisations, the marine industry, and local and central government agencies. It has led the campaign over the last two decades through partnership activities to reduce the number of fatalities on our waters.
