Sir Graham Henry Becomes a Qualified Day Skipper

Sir Graham Henry Becomes a Qualified Day Skipper

Sir Graham Henry is now a qualified Day Skipper after completing Coastguard’s Day Skipper course as he supports the MayDay appeal and is urging boaties’ to use winter as an opportunity to learn how to avoid getting into trouble at sea and get ahead of the game for summer.

“On average 15 boaties’ lose their lives each year and being aware of the dangers and knowing what to do if you get into trouble is absolutely vital. You don’t know what you don’t know, and I believe if more boaties’ simply took the time to understand the risks they’d be far more aware of the hazards and recognise the danger signs before getting into trouble” said Henry.

Sir Graham Henry is the Ambassador for Coastguard’s MayDay appeal and completed his Day Skipper Course in April and is calling for boaties to take a course in winter to prepare for a busy boating season in summer.

“Sitting my Day Skipper certificate is one of the best things I’ve done. My son and I go out boating so we did the course together and I wish we’d done it earlier. The amount of knowledge you should have before heading out, whether you’re in a kayak, paddleboard or on a launch is so important. Being a responsible skipper is key and you can’t be responsible if you’re naive to basic safety rules and potential hazards. If you get into trouble on the water you need to know what to do and more importantly how to prevent getting into trouble in the first place.”

Mayday is Coastguard’s annual appeal month and is a great time to book a Day Skipper Course and tackle some of those “I’ll get round to it” projects. Boatie’s should ensure engines are stored correctly and fuel tanks are emptied so fuel does not become stale which can cause engine issues.

Coastguard Boating Education has launched a custom-designed ‘Day Skipper Online’ course that you ca now take from the comfort of your own home. Check out www.boatingeducation.org.nz or call 0800 40 80 90. Help Coastguard save lives at sea and donate to Coastguard’s Mayday appeal at www.coastguard.co.nz.

ENDS

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