Maritime NZ

05/06/2026

From all of us at Maritime New Zealand, we would like to congratulate a valued member of our extended community who has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Captain Alex van Wijngaarden received this honour in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognising more than 40 years of service to the maritime industry.

Captain van Wijngaarden has made a significant contribution to the wider maritime sector, particularly as both a responder and a trainer.

Since 1996, he has served as one of our National On Scene Commanders and has played a key role in leading responses to several major maritime incidents, including the Rena (2011) and Jody F Millennium oil spill (2002), the sinking and subsequent oil spill of Sea Fresh 1 in 2000, and the grounding of D**g Won 529 in 1998.

In addition to his operational work, Captain van Wijngaarden has played an important role in training maritime responders. Over the course of his career, it is estimated that he has helped train hundreds of maritime responders, particularly in leadership roles.

Long-time maritime response colleague Mick Courtnell said that this recognition reflects the time, effort, and dedication Alex has given to maritime response both nationally and in Marlborough.

“Alex’s contribution through training responders and sharing his knowledge will have a lasting impact on the sector and our people at Maritime NZ.

“He is a true legend of our industry,” Mick said.

05/06/2026

A personal thanks from our Rescue Coordination Centre to crew of a bulk carrier.

The carrier, MV KEN HARU was contacted by RCCNZ after a distress call was made by a solo French sailor late last month. At the time he was about 200 nautical miles east of Norfolk Island.

His vessel, Jumanji, had been dismasted and he was injured.

The MV KEN HARU was the closest vessel to the Jumanji, about 30 nautical miles away. It diverted to the stricken vessel, carried out a rescue and then looked after the sailor until the vessel arrived in Auckland.

This week, Mike Clulow our Operation’s Manager was up in Auckland and able to personally thank the crew for their efforts.

A family member of the sailor also reached out to RCCNZ. Thanks to the crew of the Ken HARU and reflecting on how those in the maritime sector work to help each other out, when in need.

03/06/2026

Heading out on the water?

Make sure you understand the risks with the trip you are planning and check to see if there are any navigational safety warnings for where you are planning on heading to or through when out on the water.

You can check these out via the Maritime NZ website or hear them through relayed broadcasts on via VHF 16 and broadcast on the associated VHF working channels around the coast, plus on MF/HF radio and all approved satellite systems carried on board large commercial ships.

On 3 June, a log carrier lost logs overboard off East Cape. Warnings related to this are currently being broadcast to boats in the area.

If you are a recreational craft water user heading out, good passage planning and understanding the risks is a key way to keep safe on the water.

Check out the current navigational safety warnings here - https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/navigational-warnings/

01/06/2026

Solo yachtie safe after RCCNZ coordinated rescue response in challenging conditions ⛵

A solo yachtie is back safely on shore after a complex response coordinated by our Rescue Coordination Centre off North Cape in severe weather conditions during a trans-Tasman yacht race.

The map shows the yachtie’s route back to NZ.

RCCNZ was first alerted by race organisers on Sunday afternoon, who raised concerns after the sailor reported water coming into his boat. When his pumps failed, the yachtie declared a mayday around 5pm and activated his distress beacon.

Weather in the area was extreme, with gale force winds and large swells. RCCNZ worked with two commercial vessels and contacted another yacht to stand by, while Coastguard NZ prepared to assist closer to shore.

Despite the conditions, the sailor was able to manage the water coming into his vessel and made his way back towards New Zealand. He reached Doubtless Bay this morning and was met by Coastguard NZ. He is safe and uninjured.

We would like to thank everyone involved in this response for their support and readiness to assist in difficult conditions.

This is an example of preparation making the difference. The yachtie had the right gear on board, including a distress beacon and a raft, and knew when to call for help.

If you’re heading offshore, go prepared and stay connected – having a beacon and ways to call for help could save your life.

29/05/2026

Consider cold water survival this King’s Birthday weekend 👑

With colder water and shorter days, things can turn serious fast. Before you head out, think about how you’d cope if you ended up in the water - cold water shock can hit within minutes, even for strong swimmers.

A few simple choices can make a real difference:

🧥 Wear warm layers to help slow heat loss if you end up in the water
🦺 Wear a lifejacket, every time
🚫 Skip the alcohol – it might feel warming, but it actually speeds up heat loss and reduces your ability to respond

If the worst happens, focus on floating first and try to stay calm while you get your breathing under control. Then get onto something that floats and stay with your boat if you can.

A bit of planning goes a long way.

26/05/2026

⚓ Blessing of the Fleet ⚓

Over the weekend at the Seafarers Memorial Pier in Nelson, the Blessing of the Fleet was held. This event brings together families, industry members, and our wider community to reflect, remember, and celebrate Nelson’s seafaring heritage.

The Blessing of the Fleet honours those we’ve lost while recognising the resilience, challenges, and contributions of today’s seafarers.

Maritime NZ remains committed to working alongside the commercial fishing sector to support safer operations on the water. We know that risks at sea are ever-present, and strong collaboration across skippers, crew, and industry leaders is key to preventing harm. By sharing knowledge, learning from experience, and taking a systems approach to safety, we can continue to improve outcomes for everyone working at sea.

• Our goal is simple — that everyone heading out on the water returns home safely after every trip

20/05/2026

We’re proud to support these seminars and help share key bluefin tuna safety messages—so everyone can head out better prepared and return home safely. Stay informed, plan ahead, and make safety your top catch this season 🎣 https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/recreational-craft/on-the-water/rules-and-safety/tuna-fishing/

🎣 Heading out for bluefin tuna this season? Make sure you're set for success.

We’ve teamed up with New Zealand Sport Fishing Council Inc to bring you a series of pre-season seminars to help our fishing community stay safe, prepared, and ready to make the most of the season.

Here’s what’s on offer:
🐟 Tips on bar crossings and essential water safety
🐟 Expert advice on techniques, gear and prep from bluefin pros
🐟 A chance to connect with fellow fishos in a relaxed, supportive setting

📍 Find a seminar near you:
21 May – Burnsco Manukau, Auckland
26 May – Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club, Whitianga
27 May - Tairua Pauanui Sports Fishing Club
30 May - Whangamatā Ocean Sports Club
3 June - Titirangi RSA, Auckland
3 June - Nelson Marine Centre, Richmond
4 June - Christchurch (Ballingers) Hunting & Fishing
6 June - Hawke’s Bay Sports Fishing Club
16 June - Hunting & Fishing Queenstown
17 June - Waikato Sport Fishing Club, Hamilton
18 June - Wanganui-Manawatu Sea Fishing Club
23 June - New Plymouth Sportfishing & Underwater Club
25 July - Tatapouri Fishing Club, Gisborne

🎟️ Book your spot: https://collections.humanitix.com/southern-bluefin-tuna-pre-season-seminar-series

Let’s make this season a safe and successful one – together.

15/05/2026

🌊 Your safety at sea is in your own hands

Primary school students in Samoa took part in a maritime safety awareness programme yesterday, promoting essential skills to stay safe on the water.

Delivered by Samoa’s Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI), in partnership with our Pacific Maritime Safety Programme (PMSP), this initiative is part of the wider “Your safety is in your own hands” (O lou saogalemu i ou aao) campaign.

The campaign began with Phase 1 in February 2024 targeting ‘Alia operators and their families, followed by Phase 2 targeting small craft fishers. Yesterday’s event marked the launch of Phase 3 of the programme, which will focus on school communities.

The awareness programme included two competition categories – a poetry competition, focusing on the importance of saving lives at sea and encouraging safe practices on the water; and an art competition, where participants were invited to design a logo symbolising maritime safety in Samoa.

Students also learned about staying safe through presentations and lifejacket demonstrations led by MWTI.

The PMSP is a New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) programme, funded through the International Development Cooperation programme and delivered by Maritime NZ.

12/05/2026

🚢 Maritime Safety Update: Lifting Logs in Grapples 🌲

We’ve released a new maritime safety update highlighting the serious risks of logs falling from grapples or grabs over excavators working inside vessel holds during loading.
When cranes lift and load logs into a vessel, any failure of the grapple, grab, or crane wire can result in equipment and logs dropping directly onto the excavator below. ⚠️

It’s important to know that an excavator’s Falling Object Protective Structure is not designed to withstand the weight of a fully loaded grapple, meaning excavator operators could face severe harm.

We’re encouraging the sector to put strong engineering and technical controls in place to keep workers safe. The sector must also ensure it has ongoing reliable ways to monitor the effectiveness of its risk controls.

👉 For more information, visit our website. https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/commercial-operators/all-commercial-operators/safety-updates/loading-logs-onto-vessels-using-grapples-or-grabs/

08/05/2026

Looking for the best Mother’s Day gift? 🎀

Coming home safely after a fun day on the water is the best present you can give her this weekend. 🛥️

Check the marine weather forecast, wear a properly fitted life jacket and always have two forms of waterproof communication with you. ✔️