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MARITIME NEW ZEALAND NEW JET BOAT DRIVER LICENCE IS GOOD PRACTICE The new driver licence for commercial jet boat drivers operating on rivers, introduced by Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges on July 10, reflects existing good practice in the industry, said Maritime New Zealand's general manager Maritime Services, Sharyn Forsyth. "Operators are keenly aware of the importance of safety and risk management – their standards are extremely high. This rule, in large part, reflects what is already standard practice in the industry." The licence is a requirement of the new the Maritime Rule Part 82: Commercial Jet Boat Operations – River, which also requires ongoing competency checks for all drivers. Maritime NZ and the New Zealand Commercial Jet Boat Association worked closely with the industry to develop the rule. NZCJBA chairman Jerry Hohneck said the new driver licence showed the maturity of the industry in New Zealand: "It represents a benchmark in jet boating, not just in New Zealand but on a global level, and is the culmination of a lot of work by MNZ, the industry, and the NZCJBA. Commercial jet boat operators in New Zealand take risk management extremely seriously and safety is of paramount importance. We are always looking for ways of improving safety processes and the introduction of a driver licence is part of that." The rule comes into effect on August 2. All current drivers may apply for a licence under special transitional provisions. Transitional licences will be issued subject to a safe driving record and drivers being: "fit and proper persons", as defined by the Maritime Transport Act 1994. New drivers will be required to pass a practical driving test before gaining a licence. Previously, drivers were required to have a minimum of 50 hours driving experience before carrying passengers. They were also required to complete a familiarisation period on each new river. The rule also makes driver log books mandatory, and includes design and construction changes, such as emergency exits and footrests, that provide greater passenger protection. The rule can be viewed on the Maritime NZ website. RULE AMENDMENTS REFLECT BEST PRACTICE Amendments to Maritime Rule Part 40D: Design, Construction and Equipment – Fishing Ships, reflects existing best practice in the fishing industry, says Maritime New Zealand general manager Maritime Services Sharyn Forsyth. Ms Forsyth said the changes update the rule to better reflect the fact that 90 percent of the 1070 vessels in the New Zealand fishing fleet are less than 24m in length. "Previously, parts of Failure of ships' structure and equipment is the most common cause of injury… 40D were not well aligned with the constraints of small fishing vessels. Many of the changes have been made to make the rule appropriate for all ships in New Zealand's commercial fleet, and proportionate to risk levels on different sized ships. Lessons from accidents and incidents are also reflected in the amendments." Global Leader in Anti Fouling Technology ANTIFOULING THAT PROTECTS 10,000 COMMERCIAL SHIPS WORLDWIDE NOW AVAILABLE HERE FOR YOUR BOAT STOCKISTS: All Marine Norsand Boat Yard Wairau Paint Centre Linkup Paint Supplies Dickson Marine Tissiman Marine Dunedin Shipping Supplies 17 ISSUE JUNE 2010 No anchor watch results in deaths Be prepared for an emergency Are you ready? Polymer Group Ltd e: sales@polymer.co.nz 0800 999 001 www.polymer.co.nz 62 Professional Skipper September/October 2012 Whangarei 09 438 4499 Whangarei 09 430 8485 North Shore 09 443 3430 Tauranga 07 571 8921 03 546 9024 03 328 7585 03 477 7212 Nelson Lyttelton rifting while rew slept What's the outlook? Keep an eye on the weather 18 ISSUE s & updates SEPTEMBER 2010 TIN tchboard ational safety and l and manage ned at an appropriate ention of owners f this maintenance, o ensure the enance for TY BULLETIN FREE QUARTERLYPUBLICATION SUBSCRIBE NOW! REAL STORIES from in and around our shores publications@maritimenz.govt.nz, phone 0508 22 55 22 or visit www.maritimenz.govt.nz/lookout To subscribe toLOOKOUT! in print or online, email V P.SVI S844 VIP.S80