A navigation bylaw, designed to prevent future issues with ship wake, is about to go out for public consultation.

The proposed Navigation (Vessel Speed) Bylaw is aimed at high-speed commercial traffic to regulate their speed in Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel and does not affect recreational vessels.

Harbourmaster Captain Jake Oliver told June’s Council meeting the bylaw looked ahead to technological changes and advancements in ship design to mitigate risks that could arise with ship wash and wake.

“At the moment there are no changes for ferries transiting the Sounds and it doesn’t stop people operating in Tory Channel,” he said. “We are looking ahead and want to be prepared for risks any new or future ships may pose regarding wash and wake. It does not change the status quo but enables Council to have appropriate tools available to manage potential future issues.”

The bylaw would enable operators to apply for a permit to exceed the speed limit, provided the resulting wake did not exceed a certain threshold.

The previous bylaw came into force in 2010 and was aimed at managing the fast ferries of the day. It reduced their speed to convert their wake outputs so they were essentially the same as those of the conventional ferries. This managed a significant hazard at the time for other users of the Sounds, Captain Oliver said.

Submissions open on Monday 14 July and close at 5pm on 15 August.

To make a submission go to: https://links.marlborough.govt.nz/haveyoursay

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