“Yeah, a flag on a float is a good idea,” say most divers and any boat users who have ever thought about it!

No longer is this an option of little consequence to divers. There are so many stories of ‘near misses’ that we dread the one where the propeller does not miss while knowing that its chances of happening are increasing each summer. More boats cruise the coastlines, while more and more divers are swimming from shore with most towing a float. The aim is to see every one of those floats with a flag attached.

The danger has been compounded with a greater number of boats and divers now sharing the same water out at sea. If you think for a moment where shore-based divers swim whether it is to spear fish or collect scallops, it is so often anywhere out to around 200m of the shore line, and that is the same stretch of water that many boats use as they travel up and down the coast.

Those boats travelling at more than 5 knots within 200m of shore are often unaware they are breaking maritime rules. That ignorance can also be matched by a failure to “keep a good lookout” and a disturbing lack of knowledge as to their responsibility when nearing a dive flag whether it is on a boat or float. Consider this. A Jet Ski distributor recently told us, “I always slow to 5 knots when passing within 50 metres of a dive flag.” When it was mentioned that it is 5 knots within 200m he went quiet and then asked, “Is it really 200m?” Judging by near misses you have to wonder how many other boat users think this also.

The message about speed and distance from dive flags is an ongoing exercise and needs responsible divers using flags on diving boats and towed floats. These days we seldom see diving boats without a flag. Its safety value to divers and other boats is recognised. The same awareness now needs to happen with floats.

If you have not already done so, pick up a Flag+Float sticker or two from your local dive shop and attach one to the rear window of your vehicle and give the extras to other people with whom you dive. No excuses! Safety out on the water is the responsibility of us all.

                                       

What Spearfishing NZ aims to achieve....

Welcome to Spearfishing NZ’s web site. If you have an interest in spearfishing you should find information here to support that. Our aim is to look after and reflect the interests of all spearfishers and spearfishing clubs throughout NZ. Where such clubs have a web site of their own we encourage you to follow the links we have to them. Often you will find some great local fishing stories and photos amongst their pages.

Spearfishing is one of the most conservative forms of fishing. It is highly selective and sustainable because it can take only those fish intended to be caught while certain reef species that are resident fish, slow to grow, often inedible and sometimes protected are not taken. The Species section on this site identifies fish in both categories. We are keen to receive identification photos to be considered for inclusion either as replacements for existing photos or as new species.

Spearfishing organisation in this country dates back to the 1950’s when New Zealand Underwater Association’s clubs started to run competitions. In subsequent years the numbers engaged in spearfishing whether to get fresh fish for the dinner table, competitions, or blue water hunting for large pelagic species, has steadily increased in number. Properly employed, the selective and sustainable nature of this fishing method underpins the enthusiasm spearfishers have for their sport.

We specially draw to your attention the following:Spearfishers acknowledge the rights of all users of the ocean to share the resource.

1. ‣Diver’s Flags prominently displayed are as much a safety measure for others as they are for the diver’s own safety.
   

2. ‣Fishing around schools of fish at the same time as other recreational fishermen requires care and consideration as will be found in the Code of Practice that is included in the Rules Section.
   

3. ‣Applications for NZ Record fish can be checked against existing records
   

4. ‣Spearfishing contacts known to us in areas around NZ are included.
   

5. ‣Spearfishing Events for both men and women along with Competition Results are available.
   

6. ‣Current sponsors would like to hear from you if you have seen their site as a link from Spearfishing NZ