If you are the master of a pleasure craft that you intend to take overseas, there are a number of safety and administrative matters that must be taken care of before you can depart.
Under section 21 of the Maritime Transport Act, masters of all pleasure craft must notify the Director of Maritime New Zealand of their intention to depart New Zealand before they leave.
Additionally, New Zealand flagged vessels must also:
- satisfy the Director that the vessel and its safety equipment are adequate for the voyage; and
- satisfy the Director that the vessel is adequately crewed for the voyage; and
- observe any other relevant maritime rules.
The skipper of a recreational craft is also to notify the Director of Maritime NZ of their intention to depart New Zealand before they leave.
Please note that before New Zealand Customs gives clearance under the Customs and Excise Act, they will need to see evidence that the requirements under section 21 of the Maritime Transport Act have been met.
Updated 1 July 2024
Changes to administrative arrangements for craft and crew adequacy under section 21
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 (referred to as a CAT 1 Certificate).
From 1 July 2024, Maritime NZ will assume the administration and delivery of these requirements.
Those wanting to take their New Zealand registered recreational craft overseas will apply to Maritime NZ for an International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft).
For information on how to apply for an International Voyage Certificate please go to the Maritime New Zealand website here: https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/recreational/boating-basics/taking-your-boat-overseas/
Any enquiries can be sent to:
RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz
Transitional arrangements
If you were issued with a CAT 1 Certificate for a current voyage prior to 1 July 2024, this will remain valid for 60 days since the date it was issued, regardless of whether the 60-day period extends past 1 July 2024.
If you need to extend it due to weather windows or crew availability please contact Maritime NZ at RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz
If you have an application already underway with Yachting NZ, Maritime NZ will be in touch or you can contact us at RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz
Yacht racing events
Yachting NZ will continue to manage Category 1-3 yacht inspections for boats competing in yacht races. If you are participating in a yacht race overseas (and your craft’s voyage starts in New Zealand), you will still need to meet the requirements under Section 21, and apply for an International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft). You will also still need a Cat 1 Certificate.
Requirements before departing New Zealand for any place outside New Zealand
-
All vessels must hold a registration under a flag state. New Zealand flagged vessels register with the Registrar of Ships Maritime New Zealand.
- All vessels are to notify the Director of Maritime New Zealand by completing a Maritime New Zealand intention to depart notification form.
- Completed Customs Outward Yacht Report form and establish where you must present the vessel for outward clearance. Customs New Zealand.
