The only specialised marine publication in Oceania that focuses on the maritime industry, from super yachts to small craft to large commercial ships, including coastal shipping, tugs, tow boats, barges, ferries, tourist, sport-fishing craft
Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/73196
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. NO RULES? Dear Sir I am astounded by the statement of "Captain" David Ledson that "…for recreational boaties, we have no rules…" Everyone who ventures out on the water must understand and observe Part 22, Part 91, and local by-laws. No-one is exempt from these rules. To suggest otherwise is quite ludicrous. Ian Butchart, Marine Surveyor/Commercial Master, Paihia GYPSY INVESTIGATION Dear Sir I was interested to read that Maritime NZ has now decided to open an investigation into the collision and sinking of the little Gypsy, this is good news. One has to ask the question why it has taken so long and one has to suspect some media coverage may have played a part in the decision. This aside it is nice to see that commonsense has prevailed, so well done to the officials. One can only hope that the investigator will not be swayed to go soft as others appear to have been. I will watch without expectation. B Hansen, Auckland MANA SPEAKS HEAPS Dear Sir I have just read your latest editorial and must say when all had given up hope that justice would be served, because Maritime NZ decided to not investigate the near fatality and sinking of the Gypsy, you continued to pursue the matter at all levels. The mere fact that you managed to convince the authority and investigators to now open an investigation after they had closed up shop, speaks heaps of your mana and the high professional regard you are held in. Had this been a commercial skipper they would have been over us like a rash to hang some poor bugger. I read that they chose not to prosecute the pleasure boat Sakura who failed to display proper lights and failed to give way to QuickCat because Maritime NZ thought they had suffered enough. No one thought, about the shock and suffering for the commercial skipper and crew who had to endure an investigation, facing accusations of wrongdoing, when they had done no wrong. After all they stopped, searched, found and saved them on that dark and dirty night. It's been all one sided and one eyed. Maybe on this occasion, justice will be seen to be done? Kiwi, don't ever stop doing what you do, for your mana speaks heaps. James Williams (Willy), Auckland WELL DONE SKIPPER! Dear Sir Well done Professional Skipper, we knew you were the only one who had the clout to convince Maritime NZ to open an investigation when all others had failed. Let's hope they now do a proper job and not a snow job. The waterfront community is now watching very closely and the only way the investigator can be sure he has done his work properly is to place the case before the courts and let the judge decide the outcome. I now hope the boat building-boys, young and old, will get behind restoring the little Gypsy to her former glory. Thank you. Jack Taylor, Howick OLD OTAPIRI Dear Sir In reading the Otapiri article, (Professional Skipper May/ June 2012) it was sad to see my old Otapiri in such a rundown dilapidated condition. She was built in Hobart. Back in the early '60s I purchased her in Bluff following the dredging of that rock bottomed harbour by the French firm, Etude et Enterprises. With a picked crew, I steamed her up to Auckland, living very rough, using sleeping bags on the fo'c'sle floor and a double primus to cook. Lovely 70ft hull. Very reliable 350 HP, 600rpm Deutz diesel. Parker Engineering installed a new Lohman and Stolterfort 2/1 gear box, and accommodation was added. I used her to tow around New Zealand, including several trips to Deep Cove in the SUBSCRIBE NOW! ■ $65.00 1 year – includes NZ Workboat Review 2013 Be sure to get your copy of Professional Skipper direct by mail Please include NZ Workboat Review for 2007 @ $10.50 available now Please include NZ Workboat Review for 2006 @ $5.00 available now ■ $125.00 2 year – includes NZ Workboat Review 2013 & 2014 ($105 Australia + Asia, $145 Rest of World) $65.00 1 year – includes NZ Workboat Review 2009 ($98 Australia + Asia, $135 Rest of World) $125 2 years – includes NZ Workboat Review 2009 & 2010 Please include NZ Workboat Review 2008 @ $10.50 available now Please include NZ Workboat Review 2007 @ $5.00 available now Name _______________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Postal code ________ Email _______________________________________________________________________ ENCLOSED IS A CHEQUE FOR ______________________________________________________ ■ Please include NZ Workboat Review 2012 @ $11.50 available now ■ Please include NZ Workboat Review 2010 & 2011 @ $5.00 each ■ 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 Be in the draw for a fine oil painting of the NZ barque Louisa Craig by marine artist Paul Deacon. Valued at $1000. www.marineartgallery.net.nz July/August 2012 Professional Skipper 3