Professional Skipper - Free Sample issue (July/Aug 2011)

LETTERS Letters to the editor are encouraged from readers who wish to say nice things, raise an industry concern or even get something off their chest. Letters are published in good faith and may be abridged if too verbose or on the edge of being libellous. In fact, in 15 years we have only refused to publish two letters. For this reason, while we will protect an author's identity if requested by "name withheld on request", letters must be clearly marked by name and address, signed or emailed as verification of authenticity. Letters not clearly signed may not see the light of day. CONFERENCE COMMENT Dear Sir In this issue of Professional Skipper I have rendered the r article on the Federation of Commercial Fishermen conference as neutrally and factually as I could. There are, however, other aspects of events which I should comment on in a letter to the editor. That allows me opinions and observations that may not appeal to all. I found the Minister of Fisheries' attitude to financial burdens on the industry worrying. Phil Heatley was dismissive of our views on decisions, made on what we consider debatable evidence, which are driving fishermen out of business. His English grammar has improved since the last conference he attended, even if he cannot pronounce "liquefaction" and finds the subjunctive a mystery. The geographically challenged Peter Bodeker made reference to "former eastern European countries". He meant Soviet bloc countries, as they could only be former eastern if they were physically relocated elsewhere. Keith Ingram was wearing his Recreational Fishing Council hat when he uttered what has become a recreational mantra: "MFish introduce policies and rules at the behest of the commercial industry". If only! To those of recreational persuasion who read this, let me say it again – MFish treat you no better or worse than they do us, and they listen to you no more or less attentively than they do us. At a meeting after the conference, a lady was commenting on the ministry "ranking" issues in order of priority. Unfortunately, she had a speech impediment – an eroticism. My question, "Have they got it in hand?" was lost amid the merriment. R Lea Clough, Kaiapoi TURGID PROSE Dear Sir The Ocean Law column in the May/June issue raised serious questions on charter boat registration but did so very obscurely. I would urge those involved to tackle the turgid prose again. It said the Ministry of Fisheries is arguably exceeding its authority in requiring such registration. Well, that's what this simple seaman made of it. I read, "A similarly broad provision relating to the powers of a fishery officer to give directives for practically any purpose was read down by the courts and essentially regarding that provision as a 'polyfilla power' " several times and was none the wiser. Mike Sullivan explained "read down" as a judicial decision minimising the scope of a rule, conceded that the second part was grammatically incorrect (yes, a solicitor who can't write English) and said it referred to an unsuccessful attempt to extend rules governing other areas to apply to areas not covered. In that they are carrying their clients as passengers, I find it strange there was no mention of regulations that they are definitely governed by. I hope this helps, that Ocean Law continue to do good work for us and in a way we laymen can understand. R Lea Clough, Kaiapoi DELPHINIUS INCIDENT Dear Sir On reading your May/June issue, I noticed with some concern the report of the Delphinius in your incidents and accidents section. Every piece of information therein is seriously flawed. On that day I was the skipper of the Cougar 1, a passenger vessel departing Picton on a scheduled service at 1330 bound for Torea Bay and further. My vessel departed Picton 1.5 minutes prior to the Delphinius. As I tracked out and across Queen Charlotte Sound towards Torea Bay, I noticed and passed the Outward Bound cutter Matahorua some 180-200m to the west. At that time the cutter was sitting dead in the water and all the students were holding their oars straight up in the air to signify this. The sea was calm and visibility was excellent. The Maritime New Zealand description quoted the Delphinius was on a 30 degrees true heading into Torea Bay. This would take her straight past the entrance to the bay. It also stated a guide had just completed a safety briefing on board. Safety briefings should be conducted prior to departure. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Be sure to get your copy of Professional Skipper direct by mail Name _______________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Postal code ________ Email _______________________________________________________________________ ENCOSE A CHEQUE FOR __________________________________________________________ $65.00 1 year – includes NZ Workboat Review 2012 ($105 Australia + Asia, $145 Rest of World) $125.00 2 year – includes NZ Workboat Review 2012 & 2013 Please include NZ Workboat Review 2011 @ $11.50 available now Please include NZ Workboat Review 2008, 2009 & 2010 @ $5.00 available now Visa/Mastercard (other cards not accepted) Card Number __________________________________________________________________ Card Name ___________________________________________________________________ Signature _________________________________________________ Expiry date _____/_____ GST No: 68-684-757 Be in the draw for a fine oil painting of the Top Sail Schooner Huia 1894-1951 artist value $1000 by our marine artist Paul Deacon www.marineartgallery.net.nz July/August 2011 Professional Skipper r 3

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