After collaborative discussions with Maritime New Zealand the Marlborough Harbourmaster has decided to lift the Harbourmaster’s Direction for Tory Channel/Kura Te Au regarding the size of vessels and requirements for the introduction of new ships into Tory Channel/Kura Te Au.
Earlier this year, the Marlborough Harbourmaster introduced a Direction setting a maximum length of 187m for any new vessels looking to use the Tory Channel/Kura Te Au to access Port Marlborough, at Picton.
Under Maritime NZ Rules a specified risk management process exists determining the size limits of pilot exempt vessels.
Maritime NZ Director, Kirstie Hewlett says current rules are in place to guide which vessels require pilotage, and if they need to be under the command of a master with particular certification."
"If there are requests to change pilotage, there is a risk management process which requires engagement with harbourmasters and other affected parties.
"Removing the Direction simplifies the regulatory picture for maritime safety for the Channel," she says.
Marlborough Harbourmaster, Jake Oliver says national regulatory powers and the statutory powers he holds will manage risks the Direction was designed to address.
"I want to assure the Marlborough community that safe passage for vessels in the Tory Channel/Kura Te Au is a top priority for me as Harbourmaster. For large vessels, (such as those over 187m in length) the onus is on the operator to demonstrate that this can be done without impacting maritime safety standards. I will continue to advocate for the high standards of safety that the public expects, and a risk and evidence based approach to decision making."
"We will work closely with Maritime NZ around its protocols for new vessels over 187m planning to enter Tory Channel/Kura Te Au," she says.
This lifting of the Direction does not prevent the Harbourmaster's statutory power for taking action when safety issues arise within the region's waters.
The Marlborough Harbourmaster and Maritime NZ have a strong working relationship and are both focused on ensuring vessels can safely traverse the Cook Strait, Marlborough Sounds and the Tory Channel/Kura Te Au.
