Nelson Boating Community

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Do you think the pilot maneuvering this vessel can see a paddleboarder?

On Saturday, our marine team had to take action while piloting a vessel (not the vessel pictured) through the cut to avoid a paddleboarder. A paddleboarder was in the middle of that passage and was alerted by a pilot boat in front of the ship, which was being accompanied by two tug boats. The ship also sounded its whistle, and the pilot of the log ship was forced to stop its engine. Our pilot launch went into the middle of the channel and worked to get the paddleboarder safely out of the way.

Vessels under pilotage can’t manoeuvre easily or take avoiding action for smaller craft. When boats enter the channel during ship movements, it creates a real collision risk, not just for you, but also for the tugs and pilots working to safely guide these large vessels through our harbour.

To keep yourself safe, remember these tips before you head out on the water:
• Be aware a ship’s blind spot can extend for hundreds of metres.
• If the pilot vessel or Harbourmaster asks you to move from the shipping channels, you must move promptly.
• Remember that large ships need plenty of room and will be travelling a lot faster than you think, as they enter our harbour. This also means they cannot stop quickly.
• Do not cross the bow of a large ship, they cannot see you. Keep your distance.
• Check harbour movements and we**am feeds to see what’s happening
• Keep your situational awareness up and navigate with caution

You can check shipping movements and live we**ams here >> https://rebrand.ly/WeatherShippingScheduleandWebcams