Waikato summer boating rules: Where Operation Neptune patrols target unsafe skippers

Waikato Regional Council's recreational harbourmaster will be out and about in Waikato carrying out safety checks on the water. Photo / Waikato Regional Council

Boaties out and about on Waikato’s coastal and inland waters this summer may be pulled over for safety compliance checks.

Waikato Regional Council said the checks were part of its annual Operation Neptune programme, which runs from Boxing Day to January 11.

For this, the council has increased its maritime services team from 12 to 28.

Recreational harbourmaster Hayden Coburn said he and his team wanted boaties to have fun, but the checks were important to ensure everyone returned home safely.

“We’ll be pulling over vessels to say gidday and chat about the rules.

“If we notice unsafe behaviours such as lifejackets not being worn, excessive speed, or vessels towing skiers without an observer, there may be some harder conversations.

“It’s the skipper’s responsibility to ensure they know the rules and comply with them on the water.”

The maritime officers may issue breach notices that can result in fines of up to $200 per offence.

The team will patrol popular recreational areas like Raglan, Kāwhia, Coromandel Peninsula waters, and the Waikato River between Lake Arapuni and Lake Ōhakuri and from Lake Karāpiro to Port Waikato.

Last summer, Operation Neptune staff had over 1159 interactions with the public.

A total of 261 bylaw breaches were identified, resulting in 31 diversions, 74 formal warnings and 156 fines.

Boating rules can be found on Waikato Regional Council’s website, the MarineMate mobile phone application and are prominently displayed on signs at boat ramps around the Waikato.