Maritime Carol

The maritime industry is full of changes, there have been so many over such a short time. If we are out of date, we are living in the past, and we must move with the times. Here's how to tell if you are 'out of date': 1.  You refer to MNZ (Maritime New Zealand) as MSA (Maritime Safety Authority). Ten years ago MSA changed to MNZ. 2.  You try to sell a commercial vessel saying it is in SSM (Safe Ship Management). If it actually still has a current SSM Certificate, it is so close to expiring that its hardly worth mentioning. All maritime transport operators are deemed to be in MOSS (Maritime Operator Safety System) anyway. 3. You refer to a vessel as being in MOSS (Maritime Operator Safety System) A vessel isn't in MOSS, the operator is. Vessels are 'in survey' like a vehicle has a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) 4. If you sell a vessel, and don't tell MNZ. If a vehicle is sold, a Change of Ownership form is filled out. If a vessel is sold, MNZ nee...

Logbooks are the official record of events on board ship as well as of the ship movements.  Over the years, I've seen many ship's logbooks - some large, others small, some falling to bits and others totally useless for their intended job. When I started Maritime Compliance I saw the need for customised vessel specific logboooks, so I designed two logbook templates ( single and twin screw).  The cover showcases the vessel and the logbooks are printed and bound by the local printer.  Two books are printed each time which means there is one ready for use when the first one is filled up. When I was given a blurred image for the cover of a logbook, I knew it wouldn't reproduce well, so there was nothing for it, but to get out my sketch pad and pencil once again. Kirikiriroa (above) became that logbook and I had one happy customer. The tugboat was printed in 'Tales of the Riverbank', a local calendar and Silens became a prized bulkhead print. It's gr...

You've booked the trip, paid the money, packed your bags & gear and now its time to board the boat. But how can you make sure its safe and that the skipper knows what she/he is doing? While NZ has a well regulated commercial vessel fleet operating with trained crew and compliant vessels, passengers should also be aware of the following: 1. Even though the charter boat may have a MNZ number on the side, this may not be current. You can check the status of the boat here:   http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/commercial/vessel-search/ 2. If the boat fails to return at the designated time, someone at home should know what boat you are on and where you were going.   The skipper should also complete a trip report to a shore base.   3. A prudent skipper/crew will designate a crew person to assist passengers on board the boat.  If someone falls into the water at this point, someone will be there to rescue them.  Is the skipper or crew present when you board the ...

A Survey Plan is written by the marine surveyor and given to the client. It lists what is required and when, for each vessel in the maritime transport operation. A Survey Plan should be referred to when planning maintenance, costings and GOALS for the coming year. Once the survey is completed, and everything in the Maritime Transport Operator Plan is up to date, the operation can continue providing good service in a safe and effective manner.