What a fantastic visit we had today from one of our lovely parents. Bruce who works for Maritime NZ came and shared with us many interesting aspects of his job. He also demonstrated to the students all the safety gear he has to use and why it is important.

Please have a look at some of our photos and information we learnt.

Safety gear

• ear plugs
• safety vest
• helmet with ear muffs
• gloves
• steel capped gumboots
• inflatable life jacket. 

Did you know that because blokes don't like to be seen wearing a bright life jacket they can now buy one that is a slim navy blue style. It has a gas bottle inside and when you pull the cord it inflates. Or if you are unable to pull the cord it has a salt tablet which dissolves and activates the gas bottle. 

Kahn had fun trying this out.

Bruce also shared with us how all this safety gear was used when Maritime NZ had to help with the 'Rena' disaster near the beach at Mount Maunganui. The pictures are a before and after of a little blue penguin covered in oil and one after being washed and clean. Lets hope we do not have another disaster like this one. Thank goodness for all the great work Maritime NZ does to help make our coastlines safe for all of us to enjoy.

What a great device this is, A personal locator beacon. It is great to know Luka's family has one with all the adventures they go on.