Changes to next year's Draft Navigation Safety Bylaws are under review and the Hawke's Bay Regional Council want to know what you think.
The bylaws cover rules and regulations for activities in the Hawke's Bay marine coastal area and some of the region's navigable rivers.
Council manager compliance and harbours Bryce Lawrence said there had been a few close calls in the past and most of the proposed changes were aimed at reducing and managing the risks. "Our waterways are getting busier and a few people haven't demonstrated good judgment," he said.
A proposed new bylaw would see lifejackets worn at all times on boats up to 6m in length, when a boat was moving or preparing to move.
Currently the requirement is to carry enough personal flotation devices on board a craft, leaving it up to the skipper's discretion as to when passengers should wear them.
"Most drownings occur when people think they are safe," Mr Lawrence said.
"Unexpected things occur when equipment is hauled up over the side, or when ropes become wrapped around anchors and the stern is exposed to the prevailing weather - wearing a lifejacket increases the chance of survival."
Another proposed bylaw was required to meet security needs at Napier Harbour.
It would require the owner or master of any unattended vessel berthed at West Quay or the Iron Pot, which were accessible by the public, to ensure the vessel's moorings were secured by an approved wire strop and padlock to prevent mooring lines being released.
That had become a contentious issue in the inner harbour area, where unauthorised people had released moorings. A fishing company has been trialling the new security measure. Additionally, a new rule would require kayaks and paddle craft less than 7m to be more visible at all times, especially at night, when they must have a light.
Further protection was provided for swimmers and surfers with new bylaws designating more areas on the coast and rivers as either requiring lower boat speeds or prohibiting boat activity completely. The key areas affected are Sandy Bay, next to the Port of Napier, the Porangahau River, Te Paerahi Beach at Porangahau, and the Clive River.
Because of the popularity of some of the beaches it was proposed to exclude boats within a certain distance to create safe swimming areas.
The review was also tightening up the way incidents at sea or in harbours were reported to the Harbourmaster, with more details now required.
The Hawke's Bay Regional Council's harbourmaster, Phil Norman, said the proposed changes resulted from feedback from the public about safety concerns, as well as council staff identifying areas where bylaws could manage risk better.
He encouraged the boating community, as well as the general public, to tell the regional council if the level of the bylaws was pitched right.
"These bylaws have the potential to impact all users, not just the boating community," Mr Norman said. "We'd like to know if you support the proposed bylaws and why. Often the council only hears from those that are strongly opposed to changes."
Info
What: public meeting on navigation bylaws
Where: Napier Sailing Club, Ahuriri
When: Tomorrow at 7pm
A summary of the bylaw changes provides more information on the proposed changes. It is available at public libraries, at www.hbrc.govt.nz, or by phoning 06 833 8032 or 0800 108 838.
Submissions close on October 15.