Professional Skipper Magazine from VIP Publications

LE T T E RS 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. WHITE-HOT ANGER Dear Sir It is with white hot anger and great sadness that I write to any publication on matters marine. Your choice to criticise the widow of the vessel Easy Rider is deplorable. 1 You have no experience of Foveaux Strait in the area where the vessel capsized. 2 You have no knowledge of the bottom topography. 3 You didn���t watch or supervise the loading of the vessel. 4 You have no knowledge of the experience and capabilities of the crew��� yet��� you choose to attack the poor widow. Shame on you as a supposedly thoughtful human being. I sincerely hope you will write a note to apologise to the skipper���s wife and consider deep down, when you have misfortune at sea, you now know that you have a lot to learn about things you don���t know Mac Chaplin BSc, Dip Sci, MSc, NZCM, Albatross V, Port Chalmers Thank you Mac With all due respect, as a professional mariner, marine assessor and an independent investigator, as well as my current role of maritime industry commentator, after 50 years in the maritime industry I do claim to have a little knowledge of the sea, including our southern waters as far south as the Ross Sea and Scott Base. Yes, I do have some understanding of the Foveaux Strait region after having served on past survey vessels, and fishing those intrepid waters in my earlier days. Likewise, I have some, all be it small, knowledge of the mutton-bird islands and the customary activity that takes place on an annual basis. While Gloria���s loss is extremely unfortunate, equally are the losses to other families of the eight souls lost aboard the Easy Rider that fateful night. Likewise the loss of a further six souls only a few years before on the Kotuku only adds to the sad tragedy. Yes my friend, I do understand the losses of life, for I as a past diver and mariner, have had the unfortunate experience of recovering bodies. Not a nice experience, but one we console ourselves, in the knowledge that our successful tasks will give some closure to the grieving families. So I take umbrage to your hasty comments when you have not even given the courtesy of an introduction. For all I know you could be a waterfront derelict of no fixed standing although I do note that we share one qualification. On reflection, and in doing some quick research, something you might have been wise to have done, I now note that you are a person of some standing and having taken the liberty of adding it to your signature: as such, you should know better. However, my message was not focused on Gloria because Maritime NZ have now started an appropriate process and are placing the issue before the courts. Clearly they believe there have been breaches to compliance with the rules to take such action. Based on the evidence I have seen, I believe Maritime NZ have taken the only course of action left open to them. Let���s not forget that 14 lost souls have been lost from the mutton-bird community in less than six years. Not good and it must stop. If the mutton-bird community cannot do it, then we must rely on the regulator to act and do it for them. The comments in my issue 90 editorial stand. Ed��� MUTTONBIRDING WAKA? Dear Sir You are correct, the customary harvest of muttonbirds is a commercial activity no matter which way you look at it, and as such the harvesters should comply with all the rules. Local Maori use boats and helicopters to gain access to the islands to harvest these birds. They then trade or sell the catch for reward and cash, so it���s commercial. If they wish to claim customary rights to harvest outside the rules then they should use their hand paddled waka, flax kits and harvest in a customary manner. Or as you suggest, DOC should withdraw the access permits until they comply with the rules and use approved commercial craft that are fit for the job. Down south here your magazine is treated as an authoritative word, for the marine knowledge you share with all of us is just so valuable. D Nathan, Invercargill SUBSCRIBE NOW! by mail Be sure to get your copy of Professional Skipper direct Name _______________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Postal code ________ Email _______________________________________________________________________ ENCLOSED IS A CHEQUE FOR ______________________________________________________ year $65.00 1 year ������ includes NZ Workboat Review Please ($98 Australia + Asia, $135 Rest of World) ��� $65.00 1NZ Workboat Review 2014 Review 2009 &include NZ Workboat Review 2013 @ $11.50 available now ��� 2009 2010 $125 2 years ��� includes NZ Workboat includes ��� Please include NZ Workboat Review 2012 @ $10.00 each ($105 include NZ Workboat Review for 2007 @ $10.50 now PleaseAustralia + Asia, $145 Rest of World) $10.50 available available now Please include NZ Workboat Review 2008 @Please include NZ Workboat Review 2010 & 2011 @ $5.00 each $125.00 2 year ��� ���Please include���NZ Workboat Review 2007for 2006 @ $5.00 now Workboat Please include NZ Review 2013 &Review @ $5.00 available available now includes NZ Workboat 2014 ��� Please include NZ Workboat Review 2008 & 2009 @ $2.50 each Visa/Mastercard (other cards not accepted) Card Number _______________________________________ Card Name ___________________________________________________________________ Signature _________________________________________________ Expiry date _____/_____ GST No: 68-684-757 The winner of the oil painting of the NZ barque Louisa Craig by marine artist Paul Deacon with an artist value of $1000 was drawn by Peter Stewart. Congratulations to Lauie Soffe of Auckland. www.marineartgallery.net.nz January/February 2013 Professional Skipper 3

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