Boating in Tasman

This page gives you basic information about boating in Tasman, including safety tips and information about getting weather reports.

Guide to Boating and Water Sports in Tasman District

Boating Safety

Here are some key boating tips:

Lifejackets save lives. A correctly fitting lifejacket for each person on board must be within immediate reach, or worn if conditions aren’t perfect or you are being towed
At least two forms of waterproof communication should be carried to summon help if needed
Unless lawfully using an access lane or reserved area, boats within 200m of shore, a structure or a divers blue and white flag, or within 50m of a person in the water or any other vessel, must not travel faster than 5 knots (about 9 kph)
Movement through ski access lanes and reserved areas by vessels should be anticlockwise, ie keep to starboard. It takes three to ski – carry an observer
The collision prevention rules apply at sea in all areas including ski lanes. If close to a collision course with another vessel, the give way vessel should stop or alter course to starboard (right) to avoid collision
Read the Tasman District Council Navigation Safety Bylaw. Inexperienced boaties should take a Coastguard Boating Education course.

Launch Wardens

Honourary Launch Wardens will be checking on boating safety during the summer. They are there to help and advise you about safety on the water. Although the Tasman District Council Launch Wardens are there in an educative role, they do have the powers to enforce provisions of Council Bylaws relating to water safety. All Wardens carry ID. If they ask for your name and address, you are legally obligated to supply information if you are in charge of a vessel. Launch Wardens are unpaid volunteers, please respect their advice as they have a wealth of experience and the safety of all water users at heart.

Marine Forecasts

The two most convenient sources of marine forecasts, including the 5-day outlook are:

VHF radio – the Maritime New Zealand maritime radio service provides forecasts announced on Channel 16 – call at 0533, 0733, 1333, 1733 and 2133 hours
MetPhone – dial 0900 999 + map area number (03)

Other sources of marine forecasts include:

Continuous Coastguard nowcast on VHF channel 22 from Nelson
Nelson Marine Radio on VHF channel 28
Local newspapers, but remember they can be published many hours earlier and are often out of date
Local radio stations, especially in summer
National Radio at 5.00am
www.metservice.co.nz

Area Key

Sea area `Abel’ applies to Tasman Bay.
Sea area `Stephens’ is usually more applicable to Golden Bay and Farewell Spit.
Sea area ‘Grey’ applies to the western side of Farewell Spit.

Harbourmaster

The Harbourmaster, Tasman District Council, 189 Queen Street, Richmond, Nelson, 7020, New Zealand

Marine VHF Channel: 16,
Contact Tasman District Council Harbour Master