The Marlborough District Council Harbours office has introduced three new 5 knot buoys along the coast of the Snout. The Harbourmaster welcomes your feedback on this trial and in particular, comments relating to the effectiveness, location and visibility of the 5 knot buoys.

Stick to the 5 Knot Rule
• Maritime Rule 91 and the Marlborough District Council Navigation Safety Bylaws require all vessels to operate at a speed of 5 knots or less within 200m of the shore.
• In an effort to better manage risks that arise from vessels operating at high speed close to the shore, the Harbourmaster is installing 5 knot buoys in many locations throughout
the Marlborough Sounds.
• 5 knot buoys mark areas in which operating a vessel at a speed in excess of 5 knots creates a risk of harm or injury to other harbour users such as kayakers, paddle boarders, swimmers, divers and sailing dinghies.
• A trial is underway in Picton harbour to demarcate the high risk area between the Picton Breakwater and the Snout.

No vessel should operate at a speed in excess of 5 knots within the high risk area at any time.
For more information please contact the Marlborough District Council Harbours Office on the following:
Phone: 03 520 7400 or harbours@marlborough.govt.nz