Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city. A center of government, art and culture. And a destination for travelers catching the ferry to the South Island. It also a base for many water-based recreational activities.

These activities are governed by the same maritime rules as the rest of New Zealand. There also subject to control by the Wellington region navigation and safety bylaws.

Hawkes Bay is renowned for its vineyards, orchards and diversity of country, offering many recreational boating opportunities and experiences to visitors and locals alike.

The Hawkes Bay regional council administers the inland waterways and coastal region.

During the summer months the number of lake users rises considerably, meaning new-comers don’t have local knowledge or are ill-prepared for the changes on the lake when sudden changes occur. Even those with Lake experience are often caught out by the size of the waves, which can become dangerous within minutes.

The International Code of Signals (ICS) is a system by which vessels are able to communicate effectively about safety or navigation. Signals can be sent by flaghoist, signal lamp (“blinker”), flag semaphore, radiotelegraphy, and radiotelephony.

This handy tool allows you to convert normal text into morse code. Morse code was in common use at sea from the late 1800′s to the mid 20th Century. It was, and still is a very effective (if not very common) way to communicate on the ocean. Range can be up to 50km on a clear, dark night at sea.