Recommendation Date
Recipient Name
Buller Port Services
Text
Buller Port Services liaise with Tranz Rail to find a permanent solution to minimise the effect of the yard lights on vessels navigating in the port area without compromising the safety of personnel working in the rail operating yards.
Reply Text
As a result of our discussions, and visiting the area affected, Tranz Rail have indicated by letter to myself dated 13 February 1996 that the installation of replacement lighting in the Westport Shunting Yard will be completed 12 weeks from their approval of funding. As an interim measure while Tranz Rail carry out this work, the floodlights on the tower in line with the leading lights are to be switched on only immediately before required. To provide direct communication between Tranz Rail staff and boats using the leads the shunting staff are to be issued with a cell phone, the number of which is to be promulgated to all fishing boats and fishing companies. Buller Port Services Ltd have published a port information brochure with pictorial details of the leads. Included with the pamphlet is a description of the Westport Bar, the terms used when navigating it and the factors contributing to dangerous conditions. This pack which also includes a copy of Marine Notice #18/1995 is handed to each vessel using the port. The Harbour office 24 hour telephone number is advertised in the brochure.
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