The skipper is responsible
You do not need a licence to operate a pleasure boat in New Zealand. But the skipper is legally responsible for the boat, everyone on board, and following the Maritime Rules and regional bylaws. Not knowing the rules is no excuse, and breaking them can lead to fines or prosecution.
Maritime NZ recommends a boating education course. Coastguard Day Skipper is a 16-hour introductory course on boat handling, charts, tides and weather, navigation marks, rules and emergencies. Its certificate is internal, not a licence.
Lifejackets
- Every boat must carry a lifejacket of the right size for each person on board.
- From 9 October 2026, everyone on a recreational boat 6 metres or shorter must wear a lifejacket while it is underway (not anchored, tied up, aground or attached to the shore).
- On any size of boat, everyone must wear one in times of heightened risk: crossing a bar, rough water, poor visibility or an emergency.
- Anyone being towed, such as a water-skier, must wear one.
- Lifejackets must meet NZS 5823:2005 or an approved international standard.
- Child lifejackets must have a crotch strap. Inflatables give no flotation until inflated and need servicing every year.
Check that a lifejacket is done up and fits snugly.
- The front zip is done up.
- The buckles are fastened.
- The straps are pulled snug at the sides.
- Lift test: when pulled up at the shoulders, the lifejacket stays below the chin.
Speed, age and towing rules
| Where | Maximum speed |
|---|---|
| Within 200 m of the shore or any structure | 5 knots |
| Within 200 m of a boat showing a dive flag | 5 knots |
| Within 50 m of another boat or a person in the water | 5 knots |
| A powerboat with anyone over the bow or sides | 5 knots |
5 knots is about 9 km/h, a fast walking speed. You must not make a wake that causes unnecessary danger.
- People under 15 may not be in charge of a powered boat that can go over 10 knots, unless someone over 15 is within reach of the controls.
- When towing someone faster than 5 knots, another person aged 10 or older must watch them.
- No towing of water-skiers between sunset and sunrise.
Give way rules
- Crossing: a powerboat gives way to a powerboat on its starboard (right) side.
- Head-on: both boats turn to starboard.
- Power and sail: a powerboat gives way to sailing, paddling and rowing craft, unless they are overtaking.
- Overtaking: the overtaking boat keeps clear. You are overtaking if you approach from within 135 degrees behind the other boat.
- Channels: keep to the starboard side. Stay 500 m ahead of large ships and 200 m from the sides and stern of tankers. Do not anchor in a channel.
Crossing: give way to a boat on your starboard side.
- A is the give-way boat; B is on its starboard side.
- B keeps its course and speed.
Head-on: both boats turn to starboard.
- Boat A turns to its right.
- Boat B turns to its right.
Buoys and beacons (IALA A)
New Zealand uses IALA System A. Lateral marks follow the direction you travel when coming in from the sea.
Port mark: red can; keep it on your left coming in Starboard mark: green cone; keep it on your right coming in
North cardinal: pass to the north South cardinal: pass to the south East cardinal: pass to the east West cardinal: pass to the west
Isolated danger: black with red bands Safe water: red and white stripes Special mark: yellow, X topmark
Do not tie your boat to a navigation mark without written permission.
Calling for help and alcohol
Carry at least two waterproof ways to call for help. An emergency beacon sends your location and is the best way to get urgent help. A VHF radio reaches other boats and shore stations. A mobile phone only helps if it is dry and you are close to land. Flares, a torch, a horn or waving both arms can also signal for help.
If a life is in danger, call 111 for the Police. Report accidents and serious harm to Maritime NZ as soon as possible.
Alcohol and boating do not mix. Sun, wind and motion make its effects stronger, and the body clears only about one standard drink an hour. A skipper who causes unnecessary danger can be prosecuted under section 65 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994.