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Northland boat owners are being urged to leave contact details on unattended vessels so they can be easily reached during an emergency.
Northland Regional Council (NRC) deputy harbourmaster Peter Thomas says the harbourmaster’s office regularly receives reports from the public and boating community about issues with unattended vessels.
The issue becomes more prevalent during storms, with problems often occurring during or immediately after severe weather.
“Some boats have broken free from moorings or are already aground, while others are still on their moorings but are slowly taking on water or sinking,” Thomas says.
Under Northland’s Navigation Safety Bylaw, every vessel occupying a swing or pile mooring is required to display contact information for the owner or the owner’s representative.
“Basically, we’re asking for a mobile phone number or email address displayed on the boat somewhere it can be easily seen from outside, without anyone having to enter the vessel.”
The plea comes after an increase in the number of council maritime staff struggling to identify a vessel’s owner so they can alert them to issues requiring immediate attention.
Boat owners who fail to provide contact information face a $50 fine for non-compliance.
Maritime officers are currently conducting a survey of Northland mooring fields, with part of the work focused on determining compliance with the bylaw. Letters reminding boaties of their obligations will be sent to mooring owners on the council’s database.
