Rena navigational safety warnings continue
For immediate release: 4.15pm, Tuesday 3 April 2012
Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Harbourmaster has issued navigational safety warnings for the Bay of Plenty following the release of containers and debris from MV Rena today.
The debris is currently to the west of the Rena and heading in a West South West direction, but changing tides and the stormy weather conditions may affect its direction, and vessel operators are urged to keep a good look-out.
An exclusion zone of two nautical miles around Rena remains in force.
Vessel operators are reminded that additional temporary exclusion zones require them to stay at least 200 metres clear of any beached or floating containers from the Rena, as well as any salvage vessel working on the response.
The exclusion zones ensure that response operations can continue safely, without hindrance from other vessels. They are also intended to keep vessels away from areas that are known to contain navigational safety hazards such as containers and debris from the Rena.
The exclusion zone is regularly reviewed in conjunction with the Maritime New Zealand, who lead the response operations.
Anyone found in the exclusion zone without the express permission of the Harbourmaster may be prosecuted.
Vessel operators are also reminded to take extra care around any anchored containers and the three anchoring sites, used for corralling containers in the water. These areas may contain unlit buoys, ropes, chains and anchors, so people should keep well clear. These sites are east of Rabbit Island (Motuotau Island), off the western side of Motiti Island and off the coast of Papamoa Beach.
People are advised to check the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website (www.boprc.govt.nz) or contact local marine radio operators to find out the latest information.
Please notify Maritime New Zealand on 0800 645 774 to report oil. To report containers and debris, please call 0800 333 771.
Ends
Here a student on today's RYA level2 powerboat course comes nicely alongside a jetty in Tauranga Harbour.
The key things are to approach into the wind/ tide at an angle of 45 degrees. This way you can aim nicely and use the elements as a natural brake. To finish goto the opposite steering lock and use a few moments of reverse to stop the boat as well as pull the back in the last little bit.
The result is a slick tidy coming along side which makes it easy for driver or crew to tie the boat up.
If you want to learn how to go boating with confidence, no shouting or frayed tempers, zero damage and maximum full efficiency then give us a call and enjoy a course with us in Tauranga, Auckland or your backyard.
We can also make it easy to do your VHF certificate so that if the worst happens you can use the radio to best effect and get the help you need.
The huge 7m plus waves out to sea today were even noticed at Kulim Park on Tuesday during after school sailing.
The photos don't do it justice as ever by the time we grabbed a camera the good ones had gone.
The rough seas pushing into the Harbour entrance meant that the water couldn't leave the Harbour, as a result our high tide was over 20cm high than predicted.
It was fast exciting sailing that was capped of with a great sunset.
Heading overseas to work in the Superyacht industry? If you are and don't have the essential practical boat quals or MROC licence then give us a call to find out how we package these together to save you both time and money making those last few weeks or days in NZ less rushed!
