LINZ training to improve Pacific safety

LINZ training to improve Pacific safety

A training programme led by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) will better equip 13 South West Pacific Countries to improve maritime safety – helping to safeguard travel, tourism and trade in the region.

Under the programme, representatives from each country will learn to assess and issue safety warnings through the World Wide Navigational Warning Service to alert mariners to hazards at sea.

“The South West Pacific relies on shipping for travel, tourism and trade and there has been a massive increase in the number of cruise ships visiting the region,” says National Hydrographer Adam Greenland.

“While this makes maritime safety vital to the economic growth of these countries, the fact is that maritime safety systems in the region don’t always match this need – sometimes with tragic consequences.

“The training, led by LINZ and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, and funded by the International Hydrographic Organisation, will help these countries manage their own navigational warning systems – growing their skills, and supporting industries that are essential in the region.”

LINZ is responsible for coordinating, collating and issuing critical navigational safety warnings to a large area of the South West Pacific. It recently hosted international representatives from other regions to discuss navigational safety issues, including how to display safety information in electronic charts.

LINZ also leads work to improve Pacific maritime safety as part of the New Zealand Aid-funded Pacific Maritime Safety Programme – helping Pacific nations prioritise maritime safety efforts, and recently providing electronic charts to countries that previously relied on paper charts only.

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