Not too late to have your say on navigation safety

There is just under a week left to have your say on proposed changes to Auckland navigation safety rules.

Submissions on Auckland Council’s proposed navigation safety bylaw close on Monday 17 March.

The changes are aimed at keeping people and vessels safe on the water and include:

• Making it mandatory to wear a personal flotation device (including lifejackets) while on board a vessel of six metres or less in length,

• compulsory carriage of a communication device such as a VHS radio or mobile phone,

• ability for Harbourmaster to prevent anyone being in charge of a vessel while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs,

• improved management of moorings sites.

“We know Aucklanders love to get out on the water and have fun, but it can get dangerous when conditions turn bad so we need some rules in place to keep people as safe as possible,” says Councillor Calum Penrose, chair of the council’s Regulatory and Bylaws Committee.

“Balancing the diverse needs of all users is important so I encourage people to take the time to review the draft bylaw and to make a submission.”

For more information or to make an online submission go to the council’s website www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/haveyoursay
Copies of draft bylaw and supporting material also in public libraries and service centres.

The new bylaw will be in effect for the summer of 2014/2015.
The council is responsible for the management of navigation safety on coastal and inland waters within Auckland. The navigation safety bylaw sets out the rules for all craft and people using these waters.

ENDS

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