equal, or indeed even partial, cuts in the commercial harvesting
of snapper. Is this truly the National Party's policy?
How does this idea sit with you? Does it seem fair to you that
the greater population of New Zealand, the recreational fishing
people, are slammed with a massively reduced bag limit on
snapper, while the commercial fishing sector is utterly untouched
by any form of reductions at all?
I would be very interested indeed to learn just what your own
thoughts on this subject would be. I had always been under
the impression that fisheries management was always to give
priority to the recreational and customary fishermen, before the
allocation of fish resources to commercial fishermen, however it
seems to me now that the National Party feels that commercial
fishing has the priority in this regard. I look forward to your
reply Lindsay.
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Dear Sir
It is important to clarify several points in the last issue of
Professional Skipper regarding Maritime Operator Safety System.
MOSS does not introduce any new compliance requirements
with Rule 40D. Vessels must already comply with 40D under SSM.
A major review of the rule was completed in 2012, and Maritime
New Zealand identified and removed most of the reasons for
technical non-compliance that did not compromise safety.
As a result, MNZ is not aware of any fishing vessels that have
not been able to continue operating due to non-compliance with
Rule 40D.
The suggestion that exemptions will no longer be permitted
under MOSS is incorrect. Operators will continue to have the
opportunity to apply for exemptions if they can satisfy Section 47.
Furthermore, MOSS makes no reference to "loadlines" –
freeboard is considered the most appropriate factor to take into
account when assessing vessel stability.
Rules around food safety, including fish handling, are not part
of MOSS and do not involve MNZ.
The suggestion that MNZ has stated there will be no prescriptive
rules under MOSS is also incorrect – but rules will be simpler and
less prescriptive.
Under MOSS every operator is given the opportunity to design
a safety system appropriate and relevant to their operation rather
than being required to comply with a generic manual. A template
for operators is being developed but this is designed to guide their
thinking, not act as a prescriptive document.
On the issue of survey charges, these will not be standardised
for the whole country. Survey charges will remain a private
arrangement between operators and their surveyors. However,
MOSS is intended to lift the overall standard of surveys.
SeaCert: It is also important to be clear about what changes will
occur under SeaCert.
A master's operational limits and privileges may change under
the new rules to allow wider limits and more privileges. For
example, the holder of an Inshore Fishing Skipper certificate,
currently restricted to vessels of no more than 15m in two
adjacent areas, will be able to transition to a Skipper Restricted
Limits certificate for vessels <24m in any restricted limit
(enclosed and inshore). Holders of CLM will also transition to
such a certificate.
Maritime New Zealand welcomes discussion of MOSS and
SeaCert – both key developments in the maritime sector – but
it is important that discussion is based on accurate information.
Harry Hawthorn, General Manager
Maritime Compliance
www.skipper.co.nz
VIP.S95
MOSS RESPONSE
Bilge Oil Separation
MEPC 107(49)
41c William Pickering Dr, Albany, Auckland
Ph: 09 448 5900 | Fax: 09 448 5911
info@sopac.co.nz | www.sopac.co.nz
September/October 2013 Professional Skipper 9
