Tidelines: Present for the environment

The 600 berth-holders at Pine Harbour Marina are about to receive a practical seasonal gift from the Maritime Safety Authority. In a bid to promote the message of a clean as well as a safe marine environment, the MSA is mailing out an oil absorption cloth. A little bigger than A4-size, the cloth absorbs oil from the bilges but not the water. An accompanying letter from Jim Lott, the association's recreational boating adviser recommends proper disposal of the oil and also includes a reminder about the lifejacket regulations and aspects of skipper responsibility.

Dive promotion

Editor Dave Moran reports on the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association's 2003 Miami Beach convention in the December-January issue of Dive New Zealand magazine. Moran and Brent Narbey from First Light Travel manned a joint New Zealand stand at the show, the biggest trade event of its kind in the world. He says the aim is to get some government support for a bigger participation at the next DEMA show in October next year.

San Diego Show

The Southern California Marine Association is organising the region's first boat show at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina in San Diego from July 22 to 25 next year. The association says the event will be staged in conjunction with the Port of San Diego and the Sheraton at the height of the California boating season. They have space for more than 200 exhibitors and are planning for a complete range of power and sail craft.

Water-watch

The Lidgard Memorial, raced out of the Ponsonby Cruising Club, is one of the main events on the water this weekend. Activity includes:

Saturday: Lidgard Memorial (PCC); Narrow Neck Youth Regatta (Wakatere BC); Single-handed race (Devonport YC); Gulf series continues (Weiti BC).

Sunday: Duke of Edinburgh Cup, ff15s (RAYC).

* Clubs and organisations planning events in or on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register well in advance with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on (09) 360 2070. The new 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.


* Editorial inquiries, email Robin Bailey or phone 09 524 4572.