Hi Seamower,
We give full credit to you all for the safety measures you took that no doubt went a long way to meaning you are here to tell the story and fish another day. The learning lessons are a winner, that will no doubt help others so that so much for sharing.
Would you mind when you have a moment please giving us (the team @ Coastguard) a call? Best contact is Georgie on 0800 BOATIE (262 843).
For all those that enjoy heading out over the bar in search of the big one here's our key safety advice related to Bar Crossings;
1. Attend a Coastguard Bar Safety Seminar - this provides you with local knowledge, advice and information to help you navigate these often difficult pieces of water safely.
2. Log a Bar Crossing Report with Coastguard Radio like the team did earlier in the week in addition to your Trip Report when you launch. It lets us know you're about to cross the bar, we then put an 'alarm' on you allowing you a specific period of time depending on the bar to cross, if we don't hear from you within that time we will make attempts to contact you or others crossing the bar, when we fail to raise you we raise the alarm and search and rescue services such as Coastguard Rescue Vessels and our search air craft are tasked.
3. Make sure your wearing lifejackets that are fit for purpose. As Seamower has alluded to they all had them on which is fantastic but the inflatable lifejackets do tend to ride up when in the water especially in rough conditions. A crotch strap stops this from happening, alternatively a foam lifejacket is always a great option.
4. Carry an EPIRB & Personal Locator Beacon - either a water activate EPIRB or a Personal Locator Beacon that is attached to your lifejacket is a great option. Once activated a signal is sent to the Rescue Coordination Centre who then takes step to activate the required services.
For more information or if you have any questions jump onto coastguard.org.nz or call 0800 BOATIE.