Skippers Responsibility
- 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.
