New Offshore Regs (Again)

[Island Time 1,351]

See https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/news/have-your-say-proposed-update-nz-maritime-rules

Thoughts?

Seems to me Maritime NZ are finding it to hard to do what YNZ used to do (cheaper) and are now proposing just not to do it!

[aardvarkash10 1,179]

Just looked at the new certificate requirements as the BIL is in the process of purchasing his "live aboard, offshore cruising final fling" yacht.

I'm not sure if it's a "hard to do" as much as a move to a move liaise faire, hands off, personal responsibility approach in line with current government thinking.

I can see it heading toward a high trust model - as master you complete a declaration, perhaps attach some documentation (current EPIRB serial for example), and sign it off.  Maritime NZ audit 1:20 to assure themselves of compliance.

 

[Zozza 372]

Thanks for this.  Sent off the survey.

[John B 121]

That's a crappy little survey isn't it. 

But bring the changes on. While everyone I've spoken to have found the IVC a simple process ,and the inspector I spoke to quashed my concerns , I think it's needs deregulation.

At least they have loosened up the underwater inspections and give us a longer period than the old within 60 days departure, and I hear that will be freed up more.

And I'd rather put a couple of thousand into the boat equipment than repeating sea survival and med courses we've done twice before but are past their 5 year thresholds.

[Black Panther 1,834]

Talking to an overseas cruiser on our dock. He got ticketed in Whitianga for going 50m in his dinghy without a life jacket.  $200 or an online course on NZ boating rules. He did the course last week and next week he's sailing to Fiji to continue his circumnavigation. 

[Black Panther 1,834]

Same guy is concerned thatMNZ are talking of trying to regulate foreign vessels again. The same section 16 bullshit that got thrown out by the courts  back 8n the 80s.

[Psyche 958]

1 hour ago, Black Panther said:

Talking to an overseas cruiser on our dock. He got ticketed in Whitianga for going 50m in his dinghy without a life jacket.  $200 or an online course on NZ boating rules. He did the course last week and next week he's sailing to Fiji to continue his circumnavigation. 

I would be so tempted to jump in and swim. I see that even rock fishermen drowning has the "he wasnt wearing a lifejacket" catchphrase. Anyone feel like they are treated like 11 year olds being given detention by the prefects?

[Psyche 958]

1 hour ago, Black Panther said:

Same guy is concerned thatMNZ are talking of trying to regulate foreign vessels again. The same section 16 bullshit that got thrown out by the courts  back 8n the 80s.

My friend who took your Polish registration advice has has nothing but a very good time  the islands twice and no one drowned, not even in paperwork!  TBF he has been offshore dozens of times and the motivation was not wanting to flop about in a pool again and spend lots of money doing courses etc that he had done many times. 

[aardvarkash10 1,179]

13 hours ago, Psyche said:

I would be so tempted to jump in and swim. I see that even rock fishermen drowning has the "he wasnt wearing a lifejacket" catchphrase. Anyone feel like they are treated like 11 year olds being given detention by the prefects?

every fisherman swept off rocks costs ACC 5 years of their income.  Ergo, they cost you and me.

[Psyche 958]

4 hours ago, aardvarkash10 said:

every fisherman swept off rocks costs ACC 5 years of their income.  Ergo, they cost you and me.

Look at the positives- no pension to pay out, no more health care costs, reduced greenhouse emissions, less cars on the road and demand for public services, no need for signs saying safety first. They should be saying do the good people of NZ a favour and jump!

[mischief 8]

In NSW, you must wear an appropriate lifejacket when rock fishing in designated high-risk areas, or if you are a child or assisting one, under the Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016. Mandatory, self-inflating lifejackets (Level 100 or higher) must be worn in specific, declared coastal council areas. Failure to comply can result in a $100 fine.  Noticed some signs around Sydney when I was there

[Elenya 60]

On 20/04/2026 at 6:36 PM, Black Panther said:

Same guy is concerned thatMNZ are talking of trying to regulate foreign vessels again. The same section 16 bullshit that got thrown out by the courts  back 8n the 80s.

Mmm not sure hat is the purpose of the proposed rule change. I believe the change clarifies that local maritime rules and bylaws apply to foreign vessels when in those areas e.g harbours, up estuaries etc. 

this is not about the fool hardy attempt to regulate foreign vessels on international voyages as was the previous case.

personaly I am for the proposed changes as they make nz boaters responsible for their own actions on an overseas voyage, and make it clear to visiting foreign vessels to abide by nz rules when in nz.

of course it may all change when MNZ director changes and interprets the rules in a completely different way to the current way, which happens 😀