Skipper responsibilities
Every boat, no matter how big or small, must have a skipper. The skipper is legally responsible for the safety of the boat and all the people on board, and is also responsible for complying with all the relevant rules and regulations.
What ALL skippers should know to stay safe on the water
- Every boat has to have the right sized lifejacket for each person on board, and for boats under 6 metres they have to be worn unless the skipper decides that the risk is very low at the time.
- Get a marine weather forecast before you head out and listen for regular updates while you are out.
- Carry at least two means of communicating distress on you, and for boats under 6 metres, these need to withstand immersion.
- Leave details of your trip and boat with a responsible person ashore, detailing where you are going, how many people you have on board, and when you expect to return.
- If you have a VHF radio, make a trip report and stay in contact with Maritime Radio, or the local coastguard or marine radio service.
- Avoid alcohol or limit it’s intake - alcohol impairs judgement and the ability to survive in an emergency
Rules of the road on the water for ALL boats
There are some rules that apply to everyone on the water, no matter what sort of boat you are operating:
- keep a proper lookout – watch where you are going at all times
- keep to a safe speed – this means slowing down in situations where you may find it difficult to see another boat, e.g. in waves, rain, or fog, or when there is glare on the water
- understand and operate within the speed limits – the maximum speed permitted is 5 knots (about 9 km/h) within 200 metres of shore or any boat with a dive flag, and within 50 metres of any other boat or swimmer
- know what to do when two boats meet – one boat has the right of way and the other boat is the give way boat:
- when you give way, always try to pass behind the other boat
- above all, make your intentions clear – make substantial alterations to your direction and be prepared to slow right down or stop if you are in doubt
- if the give way boat fails to give way, you must make every effort to avoid a collision
- keep to starboard (“drive on the right”) in channels
- any boat approaching another from behind is considered to be overtaking, and must keep clear of the boat it is passing
Radio Communications
Ship – to – Shore communication for safety and for periodic tournament announcements will be maintained throughout the tournament on Mahia VHF channel 63.
Skeds will be held throughout the day (see tournament rules when registering for times). All boats must answer skeds, detailing location by using sponsors map, number of people on board, and expected return time. Please use the sponsors map to identify your location.
Please call up any major hook ups or any fish worth reporting.
Tractor rules
Download our club tractor rules here