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Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/142553
editorial A potpourri of issues to address A s the busy season draws to a close and with winter upon us, it is for many timely to reflect on the state of the nation, industry-wise. Clearly, the leisure marine market remains soft and continues to struggle. While the maritime sector is not a bed of roses, and for many, including us at Professional Skipper magazine – this recession stuff, we are over it. Therefore it's comforting to note the air of confidence amongst many commercial operators, be they fishing, workboat, ferry or charter, as they plan their winter maintenance along with prospective marketing in preparation for the coming season. Sure, the dollars remain tight and there is no fat in the budgets, but at least there is a growing confidence in the markets. Sadly, for the fishermen this positivity was dampened a tad during the Maritime NZ sessions at the recent Federation Conference in Masterton. Contrary to popular belief, the ongoing level of uncertainty and inability of Maritime NZ officials to offer confidence and provide any solid information regarding MOSS, SeaCert, levies and oil pollution fees have left many fishermen in fear for the future. Trust us, we know what we are doing! While not explicitly said, as one attendee pointed out, it was definitely implied by the MOSS man. The same fisherman suggested that the Maritime officials, while giving well intent, he did not believe they were actually hearing what the fishermen were saying. The fear of increased costs and levies was a reality and this was of significant concern to many fishers. Under MOSS stability, freeboard and many other safety features will have to be complied with, meaning that in the future the possibility of many of our existing vessels not complying is a very real threat. On the other side of the coin, one could not argue with Maritime NZ in that we must upgrade our aging fishing fleet and to do so fishermen need to be given confidence in the future and knowledge of just what is ahead. Otherwise, who will risk investing in the unknown? It's a double edged sword, because the quota owners have an equal responsibility to ease up on the ACE prices they command, so that the fishermen can make money to be able to invest in new boats. I have said it before, if the fishermen cannot secure ACE at an affordable price, at the current rate of attrition in the fishing fleet from vessels failing surveys, or lost at sea, it will only be a few short years and the quota owners wont have enough vessels to catch their fish. Essentially they too are at risk, with no fishermen fishing cost efficient fishing vessels, their investment could diminish within a very short time. A few years ago I issued a challenge to the New Zealand ship and workboat group of NZ Marine to come up with a standard cost effective, fuel efficient 16m trawler. I am pleased to say respected workboat designer Phillip Carey has risen to the occasion, with one of the most exciting designs for a www.skipper.co.nz replacement inshore trawler fleet that I have seen in the last 30 years. See page 18. In response, we now have two of our highly regarded boat and ship repair yards costing out these new vessels so that we might reignite the New Zealand small ship building industry. This will take a commitment from a lot of folk to make this happen; from Government to shipyards and fishermen to the quota owners and the banks. Yes, it will be a challenge. With the average age of our aging – dying trawler fleet being over 40 years, the question remains. Is the fishing industry ready for it? When you look at the alternative, my guess the answer is a no brainer. By the time you read this editorial, the July 1 deadline for the new maritime rule for MOSS should have been signed off by the Minister and then all will be revealed. The trick will be in interpretation of the rule and will Maritime NZ officials listen to the commercial sector as a client or will they soldier on and do what they think best? Harsh words I know, but as history will attest, all to often the officials have failed to listen to constructive industry comment and then have got it wrong. It was they themselves who told us SSM is a case in point where they got it wrong. It was very brave of the then director Catherine Taylor to admit this, so one only hopes our officials can learn from this experience. What this all means is that the coming NZMTA conference in Kaikoura September 11–13 is shaping up to be one of the most important for the industry at large. What with MOSS, SeaCert, Dangerous Goods, Swimming Operations Code of Practice, the IRD charter boat saga and recreational fishing survey reports, there is a potpourri of speakers on all subjects. Phillip Carey will be on hand to show the fishermen his new trawler designs, both 16.7m and the larger 19m. These vessels carry a heap of real estate on board. We will hopefully be able to release the best pricing deals from New Zealand yards and suppliers at the same time. It is because of the commonality of all the key issues affecting the wider maritime commercial industry that the MTA executives have decided to open up the conference to all industry participants, be they fishing, ferry or workboat so that we might bring unity in voice to the issues we all face. So please, check out the MTA conference flyer enclosed with this magazine, or contact Margaret on 0800 66 77 23 or info@ marinetransport.co.nz We have included with the issue the FISHinFuture Search report on positive change for recreational fishing, it makes for interesting reading. Keith Ingram, Editor July/August 2013 Professional Skipper 1