Auckland Anniversary Day: Safety Before Speed

Safety Before Speed As Auckland Sails Away Anniversary Day

A speed limit is being introduced to cover the entire Auckland harbour on anniversary day to ensure that it is smooth sailing for everyone on the water.

Auckland Regional Council deputy Harbourmaster Jim Dilley says a 12-knot speed limit will be in place from North Head to the harbour bridge between 9am and 4pm on Monday 1 February.

"The special speed limit is needed because the harbour will be a hive of activity on the Monday with hundreds of boats taking to the water for the annual Auckland anniversary regatta," says Mr Dilley.

The 12-knot speed limit that is already in place in most areas of the Waitemata Harbour is being extended on the day to include the east and west "high speed lanes".

Over the summer months, with more boaties and recreational users out on the water, it is also a good time to remind everyone to be careful on the water, says Mr Dilley.

Reminders for safe boating

Boaties need to make sure their speed is appropriate to suit the conditions.

"When a boat is within 200 metres of the shore or any structure, 50 metres of another vessel or 200 metres of a vessel flying a 'divers' flag, it must not exceed 5 knots," says Mr Dilley.

"Water users must be aware that congestion on our harbours is now a major issue and it's imperative that a good lookout is kept for others on the water, especially when visibility is reduced by sun strike."

People are not allowed to fish or anchor in the main shipping channels, the Telecom cable area and the new Motuihe Channel fast ferry lane, and they must keep well away from all other restricted danger zones.

"This is to allow safe, unobstructed passage for commercial vessels and helps to separate recreational and commercial vessels.

"There are plenty of safe anchorages like the Noises, Waiheke, Rangitoto, Tiritiri Matangi and Sergeant Channel, which are all popular fishing spots."

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