Launch trip a treat –
Northern Advocate – 1st December 2012
A look at some history.
Recently, our friends
and ourselves took a trip to the lovely Limestone
Island to check out what’s been happening out there.
After my personal
involvement with Water Safety, an Outboard Boating Club, as a skipper with
Coast Guard and as a volunteer on the Police launch Deodar 2, I have always
wondered why passenger carrying vessels operating in New Zealand waters don’t
give safety briefings before departure. On
my own vessel I always gave safety briefings when other people accompanied us.
Well I have finally
found one that does; Tony Gamley, owner/skipper on
this trips vessel, M.V.Waipapa, gave a very detailed
briefing of his vessels rules and safety equipment and where it all was.
A man overboard
procedure was explained and also on the visual safety list, which was freely
available. He even spoke about the expected behaviour on Limestone Island on
our arrival, to help Department of Conservation and the resident rangers maintain
the island to its high standard.
We had a great trip
over, explored the ruins, captured many photos, ate our packed lunches, loved
the island and will be telling whoever we can to go and see one of Whangarei’s great attractions. The weather was kind on the
day and the trip was most relaxing taking in the varied views of the
interesting inner Whangarei harbour coastline.
Spoil yourselves, take a trip out there as the boat and crew are most
user friendly; you won’t be disappointed and it is supporting ‘something
local’.
Warren Slater
Maunu
