CONSIDER OTHER WATER USERS

Taupo Times, Volume 19, Issue 100, 30 December 1970, Page 2

CONSIDER OTHER WATER USERS

An appeal to owners of motor launches and power boats to observe the regulations governing the control of these craft and to show consideration for others using the water for holiday recreation was made by the Minister of Marine and Fisheries, Mr Mc^ready. "People on holiday in the Christmas - New Year period naturally tend to throw off a bit of restraint said the Minister. "If they have a fast boat they want to show its paces. But fast boats and exuberance sometimes do not mix. "I hope power boat owners enjoy their holidays and at the same time see they do not mar other people's enjoyment. "They must remember that these same boats are lethal machines. They must be handled with the utmost vigilance and certainly not so as to cause any danger or nuisance. "This, in fact, is the crux

of the Motor Launch Regulations 1962. These lay down how motor launches, including speed boats, must be controlled in harbours not controlled by harbour boards. "This means in tidal waters, the adjacent waters of the sea and any navigable river or lake. Harbour boards have by-laws which are almost identical with these regulations. £ \r ' ; "«* * • r :A'.V?V "Craft must slow down to a speed which shows due consideration for others when 200 yards from the water 's edge or within 100 feet of another vessel, whether moving or moored, or a bather or person fishing. "Similar provisions govern vessels towing water skis, aquaplanes or similar objects except when they use authorised ski lanes. Tt is, after all, only good seamanship to slow down in narrow waters, ' said the Minister. "While there is power to prosecute under the regulations we prefer to avoid doing this, if we can, by appealing tc boat users to use commonsense and ensure that such a step is not necessary. "We certainly want to make sure that New Zealand does not become the scene of tragic accidents arising from the misuse of high-powered craft, as has happened in some overseas countries.'* When children were allowed to drive such craft other causes for concern could arise, said the Minister. "The regulations provide that in order to drive a power boat capable of 10 knots or more the driver must be at le?st 15 years qld, ' Mr McCready pointed out. Power boat ownership was now widespread and many craft belonged to people living in inland areas who were comparatively unfamiliar with the water and went out on it extensively only during the holiday season. New owners, persons not used to the sea and those who wanted to know the rules of the road on water would find the information booklets which could be obtained from the Marine Department extremely helpful.