Deputy harbourmaster Conrad Adams is wrapping up his first summer in the job and said he was impressed by what he had seen.
The majority of southern recreational boaters had an "exceptionally high level of preparedness", many carrying four or five different forms of communication, Mr Adams said.
A lot of work had gone into messaging about safety equipment and communications, which he liked to think was having an impact.
Mr Adams said Southland had previously been overrepresented in relation to serious marine harm, but there had been none this year.
"So everyone deserves a good pat on the back, you know.
"Keep up the good work, I guess you’d say."
One aspect of the harbourmaster job was engaging with the public and making people aware of both national rules and region-specific bylaws, such as the fact people in Southland were required to wear a lifejacket at all times on vessels which were 6m or less, he said.
A mobile lifejacket library which launched in December had come in handy for some parties who were either caught short or did not have the correct size.
Environment Southland’s maritime team also includes harbourmaster Lyndon Cleaver and navigation safety officer Jim Lines.
Over summer, it receives a boost from two tertiary students who join on a part-time basis through funding from Maritime New Zealand.
• LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
