Royal visit: Safety on the water

Maritime Police are advising anyone operating vessels on Waitemata Harbour during the Royal visit on Friday that, if the skipper is asked by Police or any other enforcement agency to stop or alter course, they must do so or face legal action.

As part of their visit to Auckland the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will take part in match race sailing on the harbour when they visit Auckland on Friday and authorities are reminding people trying to get a good spot on the water to make safety a priority.

Maritime Police are advising anyone operating vessels on Waitemata Harbour during the Royal visit on Friday that, if the skipper is asked by Police or any other enforcement agency to stop or alter course, they must do so or face legal action.

Senior Sergeant Martin Paget says there is likely to be a number of vessels of all sizes on the water to view the visiting Royals but the safety of everyone is paramount.

"The forecast for Friday is for comparatively light winds and some showers so visibility might be poorer than it has been of late but anyone trying to get too close to the vessels the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be on, will be clearly advised to maintain a safe distance."

Mr Paget's comments come after a 31 year-old doctor was arrested on Sunday for allegedly using a vessel late on Saturday night to endanger safety. He appears in the Auckland District Court tomorrow (9/4/14) to face the Maritime Transport Act charge.

The man was the skipper of a Viaduct Harbour yacht at about 11pm when he was approached by Police launch Deodar about not displaying navigation lights while leaving the Viaduct. The man was arrested by Police the following day when the yacht was anchored in a bay in the Hauraki Gulf.

Senior Sergeant Martin Paget of the Police Maritime Unit says vessels requested to stop by Police or a Harbour Master enforcement officer should always do so or run the risk of more serious consequences, either in the courts or on the water.