SAFETY FIRST

The safety of people taking part on our voyages is something we take seriously. We have an impeccable safety record having operated for over 50 years at sea in what is an ever-changing ocean environment.
Participation on a voyage involves physical effort and exposure to greater than usual risk. The Trust minimises risks by being a responsible and professional organisation with high standards of safety and discipline. 
We have close relationships with other organisations and experts whom we work with as required including Coastguard NZ, NZ Police, Maritime NZ, Healthline, and our honorary medical advisor Dr Marcus Stone.

REGULATION & COMPLIANCE

We have a comprehensive Maritime Transport Operator Plan (MTOP), certified and audited regularly by Maritime New Zealand in accordance with The Maritime Transport Act 1994 (MTA) and The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) is the government organisation responsible for regulating marine legal requirements in New Zealand waters.

Under the Health & Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2016, we are “an activity requiring a marine document”, as such we do not need to obtain a safety audit certificate.

SAFETY ON BOARD

We have six permanent crew and up to seven volunteers on each voyage who are responsible for managing safety on board. Crew are trained and certified to a high standard in accordance with Maritime Rules and industry practices. All crew and volunteers go through police checks and screening.

Our permanent crew are highly trained in medical First Aid and Medical Care, and we have a designated Medical Officer onboard. We also have shore support when required. 

In order to ensure all on board understand the risks and to help keep everyone safe, on each voyage we run safety drills and training including mustering of all crew and passengers before sailing to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. 

SAFETY EQUIPMENT ON BOARD

Our MTOP also includes a comprehensive planned maintenance system including periodic maintenance and safety checks to ensure all equipment is safe and ready for use. This includes external auditing, service, and certification of safety equipment. 

We use modern, well maintained safety and emergency equipment which is regularly checked and upgraded as required.

WEATHER EVENTS

We live and breathe the weather on the ship. Every day we observe forecasts and adjust our sailing plan accordingly. We never take risks when it comes to weather and the safety of a voyage. If there is a severe weather warning such as cyclone, tsunami or other major weather warning, our crew are highly trained and experienced and will seek appropriate, safe anchorage for the ship.