With ex-cyclone Fili due to hit New Zealand over the coming days, Coastguard is urging boaties to take care on and off the water.
Metservice is currently warning of coastal floods, heavy rain, gale-force winds reaching up to 100km/h in places and rough sea conditions across much of the North Island.
Coastguard head of operations Rob McCaw urged boaties to take a moment to secure their vessels and closely monitor weather conditions over the coming days.
"The ex-tropical cyclone has the potential to impact a large part of the North Island, creating largely unsafe conditions out on the water for the majority of water-users," McCaw said.
"Best rule of thumb is 'if in doubt, don't go out' and to check your vessel is secure before the storm hits.
McCaw said their volunteers remain on call 24/7 to provide urgent assistance to those in need on the water.
"For on-water assistance call *500 free from your mobile phone or use your local Coastguard VHF channel. For marine emergencies please call 111 or VHF Channel 16."
Coastguard advice for ex-tropical cyclone Fili:
- Regularly check your local marine conditions on both the MetService and the Coastguard app.
- Before the weather hits, check your vessel is on a reliable and secure mooring.
- Avoid being at anchor if at all possible. If you're at sea, ensure you have a plan in place in case the conditions worsen, including identifying areas you can seek shelter.
- Make sure your vessel is weathertight and that your bilge pumps work.
- Marine conditions can be disrupted for a time after the initial cyclone has passed through. Check your local marine weather forecast before heading back onto the water, if in doubt, don't go out.
