Skippers Responsibility

Even though a licence is not required to operate a pleasure boat in New Zealand, ignorance of any maritime rules or bylaws is no excuse for failure to comply.  Non-compliance can lead to fines or prosecution.

If you are the skipper of your vessel you must:

• Ensure you have all the necessary equipment on board for the trip you intend to make.
• Make sure everyone on board knows what safety equipment is carried, where it is stowed and how it works.
• The driver of any powerboat capable of speeds in excess of 10 knots must be 15 years of age or over.
• Know the rules of the road at sea and the local bylaws.
• Never overload your boat with people or equipment.
• Make sure everything on board is properly stowed and secured.
• Always maintain your boat, its motor, electrics and equipment.
• Check everything before you head out.
• Check the marine weather forecast and tide times before you head out.
• Listen for regular updates while you are out on the water.
• Always carry two forms of communication and make sure they are waterproof.
• Avoid or limit alcohol intake on board your boat.
• Always keep a good lookout.
• Divers must display a blue and white letter A (alfa flag) on their dive vessel to signal they are diving in an area. 
• Always tell someone where you are going.
• If you see, or are involved in causing an oil spill you must report the spill immediately on the 24-hour number 0800 NO POLLUTE or 03 546 0200
• All maritime incidents/accidents must be reported to the Harbourmaster and Maritime New Zealand immediately. Report an incident here.

If in doubt, don't go out.