New rules for boaties have been passed in Auckland today, but some are worried the rules will confuse those travelling between regions.
The new Navigation Safety bylaw makes the skipper of a boat responsible for the safety of every person on board.
On smaller boats there must be an appointed skipper who is responsible for deciding whether lifejackets are necessary. If the skipper is impaired with alcohol or drugs the maritime police may be called in.
But Executive Director of NZ Marine, Peter Busfield, insists the new rules will create confusion for those moving between regions.
"The worst thing I think for New Zealand is to have different regions with different bylaws and different requirements for boaties," Mr Busfield told ONE News.
"The boaties will just not understand the difference between going boating in the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Waikato and then in the South Island."
The new regulations will come into effect on Labour Weekend.
"The boaties will just not understand the difference between going boating in the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Waikato and then in the South Island."
Now either he has not thought this particular law thru or even studied it or the media has mis quoted him or taken out of context as it relates to this new law.
The question I then have to ask, considering pressure from boaties, media, police, coroner etc why has this long standing issue been left for so long by NZ marine or who ever nationally to make it nationally
A bit of opening ones mouth to change feet I think, if the media has taken out of context.
From post above
""On smaller boats there must be an appointed skipper who is responsible for deciding whether lifejackets are necessary."
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