Launch-licence warning

Press, 21 December 1976, Page 13

Launch-licence warning

PA Wellington |i The Marine Division of the Ministry of Transport has issued a warning that many! launch owners are working! outside the law’ by carrying) fare-paying passengers. The division has asked the [public to assist in stamping) out the practice. In a statement, the Marine [Division said that with the) [approach of the holiday sea [son it was very concerned about the number of “pirate” launch owners who were not) complying with the law. ) “All passenger launches plying for hire or reward are (governed by the Shipping and Seamen Act,” the statement said. “A certificate is issued I only' after a thorough examination in seamanship and safety.” The act required all launches exceeding 16ft to be [surveyed by a Marine Division surveyor of ships to ensure that it. complied with [stringent requirements on construction, maintenance, [and the provision of fire(fighting and life-saving ap(pliances. The Marine Division said [surveyed launches were obliged to display prominently [a survey certificate, and it advised holidaymakers to ensure, before paying fares for [boat trips, that the boat wav

driven by a certified operainr and had been surveyed. ‘‘Responsible launch owners attend a course of instruction and ensure their boats iare properly equipped, mainjtained, and safe. “It is in the interests of the safety of the public that ■pirate’ operators are shunned,” the statement said.