Boatie bylaws set for revamp

sented the proposed bylaw at a full council meeting earlier this month.

Channel.

Navigation safety rules for boaties in Marlborough could change for the first time in more than a decade as a review gets underway. The council is looking at its Navigation Safety Bylaw, with lifejackets and jet ski use expected to be hot topics.

The bylaw was reviewed in 2017, but was not completed because of the ferry terminal redevelopment and delays due to Covid-19.

Harbourmaster Jake Oliver pre-

Jake said the proposed changes included correcting information related to the “work channel” for the Picton harbour radio, adding water ski access lanes not currently in the bylaw, updating fees and charges on certain activities. But Jake says he expected more changes would be needed following consultation – particularly around things such as lifejacket and jet ski use, commercial shipping and ferries using Tory

Speaking after the meeting, he said these were “bigger topics” for the public.

“The last few years have seen harbourmasters, or councils nationally, bring in greater regulations around wearing lifejackets,” he says.

Under the Maritime Transport Act, regional councils could make bylaws to regulate and control activities and prevent nuisances. This included controlling anchorages, placement and maintenance of moorings and specifying re- quirements for the carrying and using of lifejackets on boats. Under the current proposal, set to go out for public consultation on June 15, the harbourmaster was looking to add a new charge for vessels over 500 gross tonnage. A public submission period on the bylaw was expected to take place from June 15 to October 1. A subcommittee made up of three councillors would hear them and make recommendations to the council if necessary.

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Jake Oliver expects more changes will be needed on the bylaw following public consultation.