Tag: Maritime NZ

New Zealand initiates its annual Safer Boating week, following a fatal winter that led to a number of boating deaths, as until now, 18 people have died in recreational boating accidents, compared to just four in the whole of last year, while 12 of this year’s fatalities have been since the end of March.

The challenges of life onboard a vessel may make crews more eager to the use of drugs or alcohol, which has implications for the safety of the vessel and everyone onboard; Thus, Maritime New Zealand cooperated with The Federation of Commercial Fishermen, Seafood NZ, Fishing InShore New Zealand, Moana Fisheries and Guard Safety to develop a comprehensive health and safety campaign.

Maritime NZ and partner regulatory agencies in New Zealand teamed up last week in a joint compliance and information-gathering operation on the carriage of dangerous goods (DG). Checks aimed to ensure that goods on Cook Strait ferries complied with safety regulations. There was good compliance from those inspected.

New Zealand authorities have initiated an oil spill response operation at Three Kings Islands, at the north part of the country, after a fishing vessel reported oil on fishing gear and on a small number of sea birds in the area Monday, according to Maritime new Zealand. 

New Zealand's Cabinet has approved the mid-point review of the Oil Pollution Levy (OPL) to reflect updated risk and to ensure Maritime NZ can deliver on the current Marine Oil Spill Readiness and Response Strategy. The OPL funds New Zealand’s maritime oil pollution preparedness and response system.

In view of the upcoming Easter holidays, Maritime New Zealand reiterated the need for boaties to plan ahead and factor in the dangers posed by cold water and air temperatures, noting that survival times are reduced in the cold and boaties need to know the weather conditions before they hit the water.

NZ Pilots Association and NZ Merchant Service Guild sought the declaratory judgment after Maritime NZ indicated an experienced mariner who did not hold a Master certificate could enter a training programme to become a Marine Pilot.

Maritime NZ, New Zealand's shipping safety agency, released drowning statistics related to recreational boating, noting a significant progress with only four boating fatalities in 2018 compared to previous years. The agency provided simple advice for boaties to help keep that number down.

The Captain of the Panama-registered oil and chemical tanker ‘Pegasus’ was fined $1,000 and removed from his position for exceeding the alcohol limit in New Zealand waters, prior departing New Plymouth on the evening of December 11. Maritime NZ’s Regional Manager Central, Michael-Paul Abbott, said that the sentencing is a strong reminder for seafarers.

Maritime New Zealand, New Zealand's shipping regulatory agency informed seafarers who are applying for or renewing a certificate of competency or proficiency, or for those they want to use a ring-fenced certificate, that they need to prove that medical fitness and eyesight meet the required standards.