Boat owners urged to keep moored vessels seaworthy

With winter coming up, Environment Waikato is reminding boat owners that vessels on moorings must be adequately secured and kept in seaworthy condition.

Boats in poor condition are at risk of sinking and spilling fuel into the sea, potentially causing serious environmental problems.

Environment Waikato navigation safety manager David Pearks said the Coromandel harbour area was a particular concern, because of the large number of vessels moored there.

“There are shellfish farms in close proximity to moored vessels in the harbour and a spill could have a significant impact on people’s livelihoods,” he said.

Environment Waikato is also concerned about boat owners leaving fuel and other hazardous substances on their vessels in unsecured drums or drums that have started to corrode.

Council staff recently had to ask a Coromandel boat owner to remove four large drums carrying about 500 litres of fuel from his vessel because there was a risk of it leaking into the sea.

Under the council’s navigation safety bylaw, boat owners have a responsibility to adequately maintain their vessels and ensure they are kept in a seaworthy condition.

“Even if you’re not using your boat often, please visit it regularly to check it is not leaking or full of water and make sure there’s minimal fuel stored on board,” Mr Pearks said.

“Please also make sure your local Environment Waikato harbour master is kept updated about changes to your contact details.”

Anyone who spots a vessel that could be in danger of sinking or has hazardous substances on board is asked to call their local Environment Waikato harbour master on 0800 800 401.