WASHINGTON: A new patrol vessel for the Nelson harbourmasters is set to keep seafarers safe over the holiday period. The harbourmasters new 8.5 metre Rayglass Protector boat has replaced Punawhai, the stabi-craft 609 which has been serving the area for seven years. Named by the local iwi as Kaiarataki o Otamaiea, it was blessed by kaumatua in early December to ensure safety on the water. Nelson deputy harbourmaster Josh Hanrahan said it was time to get a new patrol boat as the Punawhai was no longer user friendly.
Kaiarataki o Otamaiea is just a boat that’s “fits the purpose for what we’re doing. It gives us a bit more range and scope”. He said the new boat’s soft sides made it easier to help the public. “You can come alongside and assist people, talk to people.” It was also good for towing. Hanrahan said the problem with the old boat was that it was too short for rough seas during search and rescues. “Dave and myself both had a couple of injuries just being pounded in heavy weather.” The harbourmaster’s role was to make sure water safety was being practised and to educate the public. “Anything that happens on the Nelson regional waters, we’re responsible for, whether it be environmental or any incidents.”
The Kaiarataki o Otamaiea is operated by three deputy harbourmasters and the harbourmaster, Dave Duncan, all working through the summer. Their patrol area is from Cape Soucis to Monaco. The division between the Nelson City Council and the Tasman District Council district is down the Blind Channel. As well as serving the public out on the water, the boat was used to educate school pupils. “We chuck it on a trailer … let kids have a look at it and ask questions. The harbourmasters were aiming to visit more schools in the new year with Kaiarataki o Otamaiea to promote water safety. Hanrahan said the new patrol vessel was a “good improvement, a much safer boat and better in the big sea”. “It has a bit more of a presence on the water as well, looks more official.”
