Tidelines: Export seminar to spell out Taiwan tactics

The Marine Industries Association is running a seminar next Tuesday to focus exporters' attention on opportunities opening up in Taiwan, now recognised as holding the number three spot in the world for superyacht construction.

Speakers include Richard Downs-Honey (High Modulus) who will talk on providing smart solutions to improve quality and productivity; Ron Czerniak (Maxwell Marine) whose expertise is in building long-term export relationships internationally and Barry Thompson (Pacific Motor Yacht) looking at the need to focus on quality and growth. One of the objectives of the seminar is to canvas interest among New Zealand companies in attending the Taiwan International Boat Show, which runs from December 14 to 17.

The short sessions run from 10am to 11.30 at the Mia boardroom, 79-85 Westhaven Drive.

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The American Boat & Yacht Council has set up a project to identify and address aspects of marine hazard reduction. Council technical director John Adey says the team will address problems the coastguard has been encountering, including falls from boats, propeller injuries and other accidents "caused by the interface of humans with machines in the maritime recreation environment". The study will determine if there is a need for a standard to mitigate risk and potential for injury or death.

Water-Watch

* Match-racing is added to the winter sailing mix this weekend.

* Today: women's series (Ponsonby Cruising Club); MRX match-racing continues (Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron).

* Tomorrow: Mariner Winter Series (Bucklands Beach Yacht Club); winter racing (Pt Chevalier Sailing Club, Ponsonby Cruising Club and Royal Akarana Yacht Club).

* Organisations planning events on or in the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council on (09) 366 2000. The 24-hour response number for the ARC maritime unit is (09) 362 0397.