**Newsflash**
Have your say on the future of rafting in NZ! Maritime Rule Part 80
– Marine Craft used for Adventure Tourism is under review, and
will be replaced by Maritime Rule Part 80B – Commercial River
Rafting.
Maritime NZ relies on industry feedback to ensure legislation works
for everyone - including guides, operators and passengers. A discussion
document on the rafting industry was released in 2002. This outlined
a review and possible changes to parts of Maritime Rule Part 80, the
legislation that governs commercial rafting in New Zealand.
Rule
Part 80B is now at the informal draft stage. The formal draft will be
released for industry comment during 2007. The actual timing of release
rests with the Ministry of Transport.
Copies
of the informal Draft Rule Part 80B have been circulated to a number
of guides and operators.
If
you would like a copy of the informal draft Rule Part 80B, or would
like to submit feedback contact Maritime NZ:
Email: consultation@maritimenz.govt.nz
Freephone: 0508 22 55 22
All
interested parties who indicate that they wish to be included on the
mailing list will receive a copy of the formal draft Rule Part 80B when
it is released. This will be your opportunity to review the intent of
the rule and to submit any further feedback.
Code
of Practice for the Safety of Commercial Rafting
All
commercial rafting operations in New Zealand are required to comply
with the safety standards set out in Maritime Rule Part 80 administered
by Maritime NZ. Maritime Rules Part 80 – Marine Craft used for
Adventure Tourism establishes a Code of Practice for the Safety of Commercial
Rafting. This Code of Practice covers:
• operational procedures
• equipment
• guide qualifications
• safe operational plans (SOP)
• audit and certification of operators.
At
the core of the Code of Practice for the Safety of Commercial Rafting
is the requirement that all commercial rafting operators develop a SOP
which details how the operator will manage the safety of all people
involved in their rafting operation.
Safe
operating plans (SOP) include details on:
• operator details
• operating conditions
• passenger information
• passenger screening
• trip requirements
• back-up personnel
• equipment
• staff selection, training and supervision
• river conditions and on river management
• new operational situations and changes to existing operational
situations
• emergency planning and procedures
• communications
• accident, incident and mishap recording, reporting and investigation
• implementation and review
The
detail in each SOP may be different, allowing for local conditions and
individual circumstances affecting each rafting operation. All operators
are required to submit their SOP to Maritime NZ for audit and approval.
Each SOP undergoes an initial audit by the Maritime NZ Rafting Safety
Auditor. Note: Initial audits of SOPs in the Queenstown Lakes District
area are undertaken by the Authorised Person appointed by the Director
of Maritime NZ.
Once
an SOP is approved the operator is issued with a Certificate of Compliance.
Every operation must undergo an annual SOP audit to ensure their Certificate
of Compliance remains valid. This ensures that each SOP is being properly
maintained and that each rafting operation continues to comply with
their SOP and the Code of Practice for the Safety of Commercial Rafting.
To
assist in the development of SOPs Maritime NZ provides an education
and liaison role with the rafting industry.
For
further information, or details on developing a SOP contact Maritime
NZ on 0508 22 55 22 or visit
www.maritimenz.govt.nz
