TideLines: More dinghies

The Police Maritime Unit is holding several unclaimed dinghies, most of which would be identifiable by their owners, says unit chief Sergeant Martin Paget.

His staff this week also recovered a $20,000 inflatable stolen in 1999. It was recognised on the water by its owner, who notified the police. Contact details for the unit are (09) 357 3470, fax (09) 357 3474 and e-mail at: query@waterpolice.co.nz

Harbour ban

The New South Wales State Government plans to ban personal watercraft from Sydney Harbour from October 1. The no-go area will include Middle Harbour and the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers. The Boating Industry Association plans to fight the ban, which follows legislation introduced this year increasing penalties against irresponsible personal watercraft operators.

Marina upgrade

Malaysia is to upgrade existing jetties and marinas, in a bid to increase the level of seagoing tourist business. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik says marinas involved will include those at Port Dickson, Langkawi, Tanjung Aru and Malacca.

Boating boozers

A survey during the midsummer holiday in Finland showed half the boat drivers stopped had been drinking. The sea rescue station at Kokkola stopped 100 drivers and tests showed 50 had been drinking, although only four were above the limit.

Water-Watch

Today's bylaw reminder from the Auckland Maritime Operations Centre is for boat-owners with young families. To operate a powered vessel capable of exceeding 10 knots the driver must be over 15. Written exemptions are available from the harbourmaster for training, competitions or other sporting events.

Activity on the water this weekend includes: Saturday: Winter harbour keeler races (VCC). Sunday: Richmond short-handed race (RYC).

The free Boaties Book, published by the Auckland Yacht and Boating Association, will soon be reprinted. Organisations wanting to have their activity listed should call Hans Swete on (09) 361 2405 or the ARC Enviroline ON 0800 80 60 40