INDIANS WARN SHIPS
FOREIGN VESSELS PLYING close to the Indian coast have been warned to exercise "extreme caution" before responding to any situation. Fishermen and their boats have been mistaken for pirate skiffs which has lead to unfortunate incidents where ship security guards have killed fishermen they assumed to be pirates. In another case, warning shots were fired at Indian fishermen off the Sri Lankan coast after a merchant ship collided with a fishing boat, leading to three deaths.
All merchant vessels plying up to 50 miles must take note of the dense fishing traffic on India's western coast, exercise extreme caution in these waters, not mistake fishing boats for pirate vessels and report any suspicious sightings to the Indian defence and maritime authorities.
Indian authorities say the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and other agencies have prevented piracy incidents in the exclusive economic zone, or within 200 miles of the Indian coast, since June 2011.
DoC asleep, says council
THE NEW ZEALAND Seafood Industry Council says the Department of Conservation is asleep at the wheel when it comes to monitoring protected species and welcomes the publication of new research into the survival rates of Hector's dolphins around Banks Peninsula. It slams advocacy groups for trotting out dubious statistics, and urges the DoC to step up to its responsibilities.
SeaFIC chief executive Peter Bodeker challenged the scientific validity of the statistics: "The New Zealand public assumes that the department undertakes adequate monitoring of these species, but they do not. For this reason the industry is very concerned to see calls for blanket closures of areas when the necessary data to make informed decisions isn't available," Bodeker said. "The Department of Conservation is not providing the data it claims to be collecting. It seems to be asleep at the wheel. The lack of information impacts on business. If the government wants to see Green Growth, it needs to look closely at the performance of the department."
ILLEGAL NAV LAMP BULBS
HELLA MARINE SAYS retrofitting of incandescent navigation lamps with LED bulbs is unsafe and illegal. A wide variety of replacement bulbs for certified navigation light fixtures is available, including LED bulb conversion kits. Each is a combination of a specific lens, a specific bulb and the necessary foundation and wiring. Substitutions can result in the light no longer meeting navigation rule requirements.
LEDs installed in housing intended for a hot bulb may dim unexpectedly. Owners wishing to upgrade to LED navigation lights should replace the entire light assembly with a certified product ensuring their navigation lights are safe and legal. See www.hellamarine.com
May/June 2012 Professional Skipper 49
Marine Gensets from 4 to 99kW.
Innovation, quiet operation, self-protection, reliability and owner support, Onan marine generators are the premium choice in the marine industry. Complete range in stock up to 27kW.
Largest service dealer network in New Zealand. Contact us for an obligation-free quote or advice for supply and installation.
GENERAL MARINE SERVICES LIMITED Your Cummins Onan New Zealand distributor.
196 Pakenham Street West Westhaven Auckland New Zealand Phone: + 64 9 309 6317 Facsimile: + 64 9 309 6897 Email: sales@generalmarine.co.nz www.generalmarine.co.nz
GMS_NZPS_QPV_onan.indd 1
21/09/2009 7:28:32 p.m.
VIP.S85
VIP.S722 V 72
