New boaties ‘should seek advice’

Press, 7 July 1982, Page 13

New boaties ‘should seek advice’

PA Auckland New boat owners should seek advice on the ways of the sea from boating organisations. said the Minister of Transport (Mr Gair) in Auckland. Opening the conference of the Trailer Boats' Federation. Mr Gair said that over the last 10 years jet boats, runabouts, and pleasure launches had been in 139 fatalities in New Zealand. Two-thirds of the accidents involved runabouts. "There is now in place, through existing boating organisations and educational courses, a sufficient framework on which to base instruction in boating safety." Mr Gair said. "The object, therefore, should be to use these resources to best" advantage. "A first step is to encourage organisations such as clubs to promote their services as places where novice boaties can seek guidance’and advice from the more experienced." Mr Gair said that to acquire experience the boatowner needed to venture into untried situations but he warned that inexperienced passengers relying on yet-to-be demonstrated ability should be left on shore. "More valuable experience is a combination of learning and practical application taken together.” - Mr Gair told the conference that registration and compulsory inspection, of boats were not a proposal

which held much attraction to himself or the Ministry. Although registration and inspection might be possible ways of lowering the death toll on water, "the resources required in terms of trained manpower and facilities would be huge." Mr Gair said. "The big challenge is to persuade even more boat owners to make use of the services and expertise available by active promotion of the benefits to be gained by membership of any of New Zealand’s 'l6O sailing or boating clubs."