On 1 July 2024, changes to the administrative arrangements for assessing the adequacy of recreational craft departing for overseas came into effect.
 
Those intending to take a recreational craft overseas must meet a number of safety and administrative requirements before they can depart. Section 21 of the Maritime Transport Act is designed to support the safe passage of these craft and their crew when departing for overseas, requiring the Director of Maritime NZ to be satisfied that the craft itself, the safety equipment it carries, and the crew, are all adequate for the intended voyage.

Administrative arrangements to meet the section 21 adequacy requirements for New Zealand registered recreational craft going overseas were previously delivered by Yachting NZ and Yachting NZ Inspectors under delegation from the Director of Maritime NZ. Yachting NZ has decided to relinquish its delegation from Maritime NZ for this function, and from 1 July 2024 Maritime NZ is administering the process and assessments for craft departing for overseas.
 
Those wanting to take their recreational craft on an overseas voyage will now need to apply to Maritime NZ for an International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft). There are no significant changes to the cost or vessel, safety equipment and crew adequacy requirements at this time, and while skippers and crew will experience some changes in terms of the process and documentation, these are intended to be straightforward.

“We acknowledge and thank Yachting NZ and Yachting NZ Inspectors for their expertise, knowledge and work over many years to help ensure the safety of craft and their crew voyaging away from New Zealand shores,” Maritime NZ’s Director and Chief Executive, Kirstie Hewlett says.

 “We’re committed to continuing the effective delivery of this work, and confident that the process from 1 July 2024 will be efficient and fit-for-purpose for those seeking assessment under the section 21 requirements,” says Kirstie.

Maritime NZ will continue to engage with the sector as we implement the new process. As with all regulatory settings, the section 21 regime will be kept under review to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose, with input from the sector. 

Details about the changes are now available on Maritime NZ’s website https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/recreational/boating-basics/taking-your-boat-overseas/

Maritime NZ is asking anyone who is thinking about taking their recreational craft away on an overseas voyage to carefully check and follow the updated guidance and processes now available on the Maritime NZ website linked above.

Skippers and crew can also contact Maritime NZ at RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz.