BOAT RAMP

NEW PLYMOUTH HABOUR BOAT RAMP

The New Plymouth Harbour Boat Ramp caters for three trailers at a time and is safe in all conditions. It is located beside the Lee breakwater across from the NPSUC Clubrooms. At very low/spring tides the ramp can be a problem for the very large trailer boats.

The area to the Starboard side of the ramp (Southside toward the mountain) is very rocky and is not safe for boats in any tide. It is clearly marked with a green marker pole. If in doubt ask a local. There are fuelling facilities in the Moturoa shopping centre about 1km from the ramp.

The port is a all weather and deep, and while the tide may affect retrieving your boat in or out of the water, the harbour provides safe refuge for boats.

Speed in the harbour is 5 knots until you get out past the 'barge wharf' on the breakwater. It is signposted.

WEBCAMS

Current conditions at the ramp can be seen by clicking here on the ramp webcams kindly sponsored by AWE and NZ Community Trust.

VHF CHANNELS

Coastguard channel is 61 and all boats should call when leaving the harbour and upon return. The New Plymouth Sportfishing and Underwater Club operates its own channel "3" during tournaments and outside tournaments is the "chat" channel for the locals.

BOAT SAFETY

Within the club, there is emphasis on everyone enjoying their time out in their boats fishing and diving.

The club has previously run/organised local Coastguard Dayskipper and Boat Master training and would encourage all skippers to at least attain a Day skipper qualification from Coastguard. While not mandatory, membership with Coastguard is encouraged.

Some helpful information can be found at:

• Coastguard Taranaki (click here)
• Coastguard education including online courses (click here) such as Dayskipper, VHF operator and information for Boatmaster
• Maritime NZ boating safety channel on youtube (helpful videos - click here)

A copy of the recommended safety equipment, and also NPSUC's health and safety plan is downloadable on the links below: