Passengers on some launches may be at risk

Press, 10 April 1980, Page 12

Passengers on some launches may be at risk

PA Dunedin Passengers on some commercial launches could be at risk because of a loophole in the small boat regulations, said Queenstown’s Harbourmaster (Mr N. Clayton). Mr Clayton said because many commercial launches are less than 3.1 m in length or shortened to less than 3.1 m, they are not covered by the Shipping and Seamen Act, 1951. Therefore they do not have to undergo an annual survey nor do their owners and skippers have to be licensed. The only regulations they must comply with are those covering, lifesaving. fire-fighting equipment. and collisions. Even if the owners chose to ignore other basic fundamentals of safe boating, there was little that the Marine Division of the Ministry of Transport can do other than advise the correct course of action, he said. Commercial vessels over 3.1 m must undergo an annual survey. In addition the skippers must hold a master of restricted limits launch certificate while there is nothing in

the regulations applying to boats under 3.1 m. Mr Clayton suggested it was only a matter of time before there was an accident with loss of life because of the large number of commercial passenger boats running which do not have to be surveyed or licensed. He said the regulations were being flouted by those who either order boats under 3.1 m or shorten boats to escape the regulations. However, ,Mr Clayton believes that the majority of commercial passenger launch owners are responsible and have a high regard for passengers’ safetv. The district engineer surveyor in the Ministry of Transport at Dunedin (Mr M. R. Smith) said the Ministry knew about the practice of shortening boats to get round the regulations. But there was nothing in the act to say that they could not do it, Mr Smith said. “Personally, I feel that it is quite wrong that it should be permitted to take any vessel carrying any number of passengers without some mode of inspection or examination as to its suitability,” he said.