Everywhere you go, always take the weather with you

Everywhere you go, always take the weather with you ... or at least the MetService Marine app

18 October 2016

Bob Dylan may have just won a Nobel Prize for Literature but when it comes to safer boating advice, you’re far better off with Kiwi music legend Neil Finn.

Bob suggests the answer is "blowing in the wind" but in real life it pays to check with someone who can provide a more accurate weather forecast before heading out on the water.

While Kiwi boaties may not actually be able to take the weather with them, having access to MetService’s free Marine app, supported by Maritime NZ, is the next best thing.

It provides forecasts for all New Zealand coastal and recreational marine areas and has proved a hit since being released in 2014 - with nearly 170,000 downloads. It is accessed more than 250,000 times a month during summer and downloaded by nearly 5000 new users each month.

As well as forecasts, the app provides local tide information, sunrise and sunset times, a live regional rain radar and three-day rain forecast, and brief boating safety tips.

Maritime NZ Deputy Director Lindsay Sturt said knowing what the weather is going to do is a key part of boating safely.

“Conditions can change very quickly out on the water and boaties need to be aware of what weather is on the way - if in doubt don't go out,” he said.

“Our message for Safer Boating Week (Oct 14-21) is Prep your boat, Check your gear and Know the rules – and that includes knowing local bylaws. You can access these via another app called Marine Mate which is also available free to boaties.”

For more information go to saferboating.org.nz

Both apps are available for download from Apple and Google Play.

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