Maritime NZ

Maritime NZ We're New Zealand's national maritime regulatory, compliance and response agency. CLEAN: Our marine environment is clean and protected.

SAFE, SECURE, CLEAN

All of New Zealand benefits when our maritime environment is safe, secure and clean. As the national maritime regulatory, compliance and response agency, Maritime NZ’s vision is: a maritime community that works and plays safely and securely on clean waters. Our mission is: to strive to be a professional, evidence-based, intelligence-led, risk-focused regulatory, compliance and

response agency. SAFE: Our maritime system supports, encourages and requires strong safety standards and behaviours. SECURE: Our maritime system protects people and goods from unlawful actions as they move across domestic and international waters.

In winter, the odds are against you at sea. Freezing water can overwhelm your body in minutes. Winter is the perfect sto...
18/08/2026

In winter, the odds are against you at sea. Freezing water can overwhelm your body in minutes. Winter is the perfect storm for things going bad quick. If in doubt, don’t go out.

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand facilitated the medical evacuation of a patient from a fishing vessel 12 naut...
16/08/2026

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand facilitated the medical evacuation of a patient from a fishing vessel 12 nautical miles east of Great Barrier Island last Tuesday.

The Royal New Zealand Navy patrol vessel, HMNZS Taupo, was operating in the area, and responded to the call for support. At the same time, a helicopter from Northern Rescue Helicopters in Whangarei was dispatched to help.

The patient was transferred from the fishing vessel to HMNZS Taupo, via a rigid hulled inflatable boat, to better enable the patient to be winched up to the helicopter. Once uplifted, the patient was transferred to Whangarei for further medical care.

These sorts of operations happen about 50 times per year and require teamwork, inter-agency collaboration, and risk mitigation to be safe and successful.

A big shout out to Maritime New Zealand’s Search and Rescue Officers, HMNZS Taupo, Northern Rescue Helicopters, and the crew of the fishing vessel, who all worked together to enable a safe and successful rescue.

In winter, the odds are against you at sea. Shorter days mean less daylight and less time to get home safely. Don’t bet ...
11/08/2026

In winter, the odds are against you at sea. Shorter days mean less daylight and less time to get home safely. Don’t bet on your life this winter boaties. If in doubt, don’t go out.

No one sets out to spill fuel or oil into the sea, but accidents happen. All too often.In one example, an engine oil fil...
06/08/2026

No one sets out to spill fuel or oil into the sea, but accidents happen. All too often.

In one example, an engine oil filter was mistakenly left on deck after maintenance. It was subsequently knocked over (or fell), resulting in oil leaking overboard. The filter had been forgotten rather than properly disposed of.

That is why it is so important to take care when refuelling or handling oil. Stay vigilant from the moment you start until the job is completely finished and all caps, hoses and containers are secured. Whether it is an overfilled tank, a blocked breather, a slipping jerry can, or the improper disposal of oily waste, small oversights can have significant consequences.

Every spill takes time and money to clean up and can cause lasting harm to our marine environment. A little extra care can make a big difference.
If you see or cause a spill, please report it immediately to your local council’s pollution hotline. Prompt reporting helps minimise environmental impacts and enables a faster response.

⛵The latest SeaChange is out now!In this issue:⚓ Have your say about major changes to vessel design, construction and eq...
05/08/2026

⛵The latest SeaChange is out now!

In this issue:

⚓ Have your say about major changes to vessel design, construction and equipment rules
🚁 Search and rescue awards highlight those who go above and beyond
🌊 “It is important we work together to prevent harm on the water”
📃 2026/27 Statement of Performance Expectations
💲New late payment interest regime
🛶Multi-agency search and rescue effort locates two fishermen after being reported overdue
🚤Jet Boating New Zealand Conference
🏊 Managing the risk of person overboard
🤝 New Zealand strengthens ties with the Philippines
⛽ A reminder to take care when refuelling
❓ What’s new?

Read it now at https://mailchi.mp/mnz/seachange-issue-127-july-2026?e=1d056e804d

Cargo securing safety the focus of regional inspections From 1 September to 30 November 2026, Maritime NZ joins other me...
03/08/2026

Cargo securing safety the focus of regional inspections

From 1 September to 30 November 2026, Maritime NZ joins other members of the Tokyo MOU undertaking a concentrated inspection campaign focused on cargo securing.

Safe cargo securing protects crew, ships, cargo and the marine environment. Maritime NZ’s participation in the campaign supports a regional approach to safer shipping.

Port State Control Officers across the Asia-Pacific region will include these checks as part of routine inspections, using a questionnaire to assess whether cargo units and transport units are loaded, stowed and secured in compliance with international safety requirements.

Many people who drown don’t plan to enter the water. They slip, fall, are swept in, or lose balance. Panic, cold-water s...
24/07/2026

Many people who drown don’t plan to enter the water. They slip, fall, are swept in, or lose balance. Panic, cold-water shock, and not wearing a correctly fitted lifejacket are some of the main dangers. These hazards apply all recreational craft users too.

Knowing how to float first increases your chance of survival if you find yourself in the water unexpectedly.

Swipe through to learn how to float first this Drowning Prevention Day.

Have your say about major changes to vessel design, construction and equipment rules.Maritime NZ is proposing important ...
20/07/2026

Have your say about major changes to vessel design, construction and equipment rules.
Maritime NZ is proposing important changes to the Maritime Rules for vessel design, construction and equipment. These proposals have been developed with extensive input from people working in the sector and they are now open for public consultation.

The proposed changes are being consulted on as packages, each including four proposed new Rule Parts and the associated maritime transport instruments (MTIs). In total, 15 existing Rule Parts will be reformed through this programme. The proposed new rules and MTIs will come into force at the same time, after all changes have been consulted on.

The proposed changes in package three relate to:
• Survey and Certification
• Lifting Appliances, Loose Gear, and Working Gear
• Accommodation, Access, Escape, and Personal Safety
• Navigation Systems and Equipment.

These documents along with the submission form are available on the Maritime NZ website https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/about-us/consultations/dce-40-series-package-3

If you have questions or need help, please email [email protected]

Maritime NZ has changed who carries out mid-term audits of safe operational plan operations for small fishing boats and ...
16/07/2026

Maritime NZ has changed who carries out mid-term audits of safe operational plan operations for small fishing boats and small dive boats, and has published new guidance.

Authorised Persons now carry out these mid-term audits, replacing Maritime Officers. Mid-term audits remain free of charge, with the cost already covered by Maritime Levy charges.

We would like to remind vessel owners operating under these safe operational plans that audits are required every two years and can be booked by contacting an Authorised Person.

New guidance has been published to help vessel owners prepare or update their safe operational plans. There are Quick Guides and associated safe operational plan templates.

The templates have been designed to help you record the information required by Maritime Rules. They are not compulsory, however, and the information can be provided in a different format.

https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/commercial-operators/small-domestic-vessels-under-500gt/your-safety-system/safe-operational-plans-sop/

As we look forward to the Matariki long weekend, we’d like to share a reminder about how you can prevent plastic polluti...
09/07/2026

As we look forward to the Matariki long weekend, we’d like to share a reminder about how you can prevent plastic pollution while out fishing.

Did you know that plastic makes up more than 60% of the litter in our waterways?
Since 1 November 2025, the Sustainable Coastlines Litter Intelligence programme has counted more than 20,000 pieces of litter across 87 beach and freshwater surveys. 62% of these were made of plastic and over 800 were associated with fishing activity, including fishing line, nets, rope, buoys, and other fishing gear.

More at: https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/news-landing-page/2026/june/going-fishing-top-tips-to-help-keep-plastic-out-of-our-ocean/

Address

Level 11, 1 Grey Street
Wellington
6011

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+6444730111

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