Summer boating made easier with new app

A free new smart phone app to help boaties and water enthusiasts easily navigate boating regulations across the country has been developed.

MarineMate, which can be used on both iPhone, iPad and android smart phones, provides material on boating regulations as well as tide times, boat ramp locations and essential information on safe boating practices.

Southland Deputy Harbourmaster Lyndon Cleaver said although the app is still in its early stages, it will be useful for boaties and councils alike.

“The app’s only been up and running for around a month so we won’t know how many people use it until next year. It will be useful for boaties in that they will be aware if regulations in one region are different from another. It will be useful for us also because when people log in for the first time and answer the new user questions, we then know the types of vessels people are using and the kinds of safety equipment they have on board,” he said.

New users are asked to complete five non-mandatory questions which will then help tailor the app to better suit their needs.

Regional councils around the country were asked to supply maritime information such as regulations and boat ramp locations in their area, which was then incorporated into the app.

Mr Cleaver said although updates for MarineMate are downloaded, it is able to be used offline and also provides a link to the free New Zealand fishing rules app.

Originally an initiative of the Waikato Regional Council, MarineMate was developed with funding from Maritime NZ, the ACC, Land Information New Zealand and regional councils.

ENDS

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