SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE
DAILY JET BOAT CHECKS
Shotover Jet mechanical staff carry out checks daily.
The mechanics themselves get assessed throughout the year by either our Maintenance Manager or Workshop Supervisor who audit their checks to ensure compliance.
JET BOAT AUDITS
Our jet boats are audited annually by two independant parties - an internal expert whom has over 10 years' experience and an external Maritime New Zealand authorised specialist.
REFIT PLAN
Every year we put together a comprehensive jet boat refit programme which predetermines when jet boat engines and jet units will be rebuilt. At regular intervals, we strip, fully check and refit all of our jet boats.
CRITICAL PARTS TRACKING
We have introduced a computerised critical parts tracking system which ensures the integrity and safety of critical componentry in our jet boats. Every critical part of the jet boat that could cause failure of a vital function is tracked so we know how and when it is serviced and/or replaced. For example, in addition to daily visual inspections, the tracking system requires crack testing on steering nozzles every 500 hours and that, irrespective of whether there is any damage, the steering nozzle is replaced every 2,000 hours. The system is computerised, and ensures that no critical component is overlooked during the maintenance programme.
RELIABILITY CENTRED MAINTENANCE
In October 2001 we introduced Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM). This is a maintenance methodology used in the airline industry to improve engine efficiency and reliability. RCM allows Shotover Jet to raise the standard for the jet boating industry and assist in the maturing and development of our maintenance processes. The initial training of our mechanical staff started in October 2001 and was carried out by Price Waterhouse, the official licensees for RCM.
DRIVER TRAINING
Every driver takes part in a rigorous training schedule before becoming a commercial jet boat driver at Shotover Jet. Completing 120 hours of training on the water, 70 hours more than the Maritime NZ commercial license requirement, to handle the unique conditions on the Kimiākau (Shotover River).
DRIVER SAFETY
Daily morning river checks are performed on the Kimiākau (Shotover River) to assess river conditions for the day and any changes to the awa (river). Every driver at Shotover Jet is subject to regular monitoring and driver checks to ensure driver and manuhiri (customer) safety and driving to Shotover Jet standards.