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NZ Boating Rules Practice Questions 2026

New Zealand does not require a licence to skipper a recreational boat, and there is no official boating exam. The skipper is still legally responsible for the boat and everyone on it. These practice questions cover Maritime NZ rules, lifejackets, speed limits, give way rules and buoys, the same topics as courses such as Coastguard Day Skipper.

  • Boating
  • New Zealand
  • 50 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

Pass mark: No official exam or licence for recreational boats. Courses such as Coastguard Day Skipper are voluntary and give an internal certificate. There is no time limit. It is run by Maritime New Zealand (Maritime Rules Part 91) and regional councils (navigation safety bylaws). Practise here for free with 50 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the NZ Boating Rules Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    Do you need a licence to skipper a recreational (pleasure) boat in New Zealand?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. No, but you must still follow the rules

    No licence is needed to operate a pleasure boat, but the Maritime Rules and bylaws still apply.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    Who is legally responsible for the safety of a recreational boat and everyone on board?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The skipper

    The skipper is legally responsible for the boat, the people on board and following the rules.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    A skipper says they did not know about a rule. What does Maritime NZ say?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Not knowing the rules is no excuse

    Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse, and breaking them can lead to fines or prosecution.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    Which boats must carry a lifejacket of the right size for each person on board?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. All recreational boats, whatever their size

    Skippers must carry the correct size of lifejacket for everyone on board, on every vessel.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    Since 9 October 2026, when must people wear lifejackets on a recreational boat 6 metres or shorter?
    1234
    Show answer

    Answer: B. At all times while the boat is underway

    The new rule requires everyone on board a recreational craft of 6 m or under to wear a lifejacket while underway.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    Under the lifejacket wearing rule, when is a boat "underway"?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. When it is on the water and not anchored, tied up, aground or attached to the shore

    Underway means the boat is not at anchor, attached to a dock or the shore, or aground.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    How is boat length measured for the 6-metre lifejacket rule?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Length overall, bow to stern, not counting an outboard motor

    Length overall includes permanent structures but not removable fittings such as outboard motors.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    On a 5-metre boat that is underway, who does NOT have to wear a lifejacket?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A person actively swimming from the boat

    The rule does not apply to someone actively swimming from the craft.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    You are crossing a bar on a 9-metre boat. What is the rule about lifejackets?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Everyone on board must wear one

    In times of heightened risk, such as bar crossings, rough water and emergencies, lifejackets must be worn on any size of boat.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    A person is water-skiing behind your boat. What must they wear?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A properly secured lifejacket of the right size

    Anyone being towed must wear a lifejacket, except when towed at under 5 knots.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    What is important to know about inflatable lifejackets?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. They give no flotation until inflated and need servicing every year

    Inflatables do not float until inflated, and Maritime NZ says they need annual servicing.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    What must every child-sized lifejacket have?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A crotch strap

    Crotch straps are mandatory on child-sized lifejackets so the jacket cannot slip off.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    What standard must a lifejacket meet in New Zealand?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. NZS 5823:2005 or an approved international standard

    Lifejackets must meet NZS 5823:2005 or an approved international standard.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    What is the speed limit within 200 metres of the shore?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 5 knots

    Do not go faster than 5 knots within 200 m of the shore or any structure.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    What is the speed limit within 200 metres of a boat showing a dive flag?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 5 knots

    Divers may surface anywhere near a dive flag, so keep to 5 knots within 200 m.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    What is the speed limit within 50 metres of another boat or a person swimming?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 5 knots

    Keep to 5 knots within 50 m of another vessel or a person in the water.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    About how fast is 5 knots?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. About 9 km/h, a fast walking speed

    Maritime NZ describes 5 knots as about 9 km/h, a fast walking speed.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    A passenger is sitting on the bow with their legs over the side of a powerboat. What is the speed limit?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 5 knots

    Keep to 5 knots in a powered vessel while anyone has part of their body over the bow or sides.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    A 13-year-old wants to drive a boat that can go faster than 10 knots. When is this allowed?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Only with a person over 15 within immediate reach of the controls

    Under 15s may not be in charge of a powered vessel capable of over 10 knots unless directly supervised.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    You are towing a water-skier faster than 5 knots. Who else must be on board?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A person aged 10 or older to watch the skier

    Another person at least 10 years old must watch the person being towed and report any mishap.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    When is it NOT allowed to tow a water-skier?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Between sunset and sunrise

    Towing a person on water skis or similar is not allowed between sunset and sunrise.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    Two powerboats are crossing. Which boat must give way?
    AB
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The boat that has the other on its starboard (right) side

    A powerboat gives way to a powerboat on its starboard side.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    Two powerboats are heading straight towards each other. What should both skippers do?
    AB
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Both turn to starboard (right)

    When meeting head-on, both boats turn to starboard and pass port side to port side.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    A powerboat and a sailing boat under sail are on a collision course. Who gives way, normally?
    AB
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The powerboat

    Powerboats give way to sail, paddle and rowing craft, unless the other vessel is overtaking.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    Two sailing boats meet. One has the wind on its port side, the other on its starboard side. Which gives way?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The boat with the wind on its port (left) side

    A sailing boat with the wind on its port side gives way; if both have wind on the same side, the windward boat gives way.

What to know before the test

  • No licence is needed to operate a pleasure boat in New Zealand, but the skipper is legally responsible for the boat, everyone on board and following the rules.
  • From 9 October 2026, everyone on a recreational boat 6 metres or shorter must wear a lifejacket while it is underway.
  • All boats must carry a lifejacket of the right size for each person on board.
  • The speed limit is 5 knots within 200 m of the shore, a structure or a dive-flag boat, and within 50 m of another boat or a swimmer.
  • People under 15 may not be in charge of a powered boat that can go faster than 10 knots unless directly supervised by someone over 15.
  • New Zealand uses the IALA System A buoyage: red port marks and green starboard marks.
  • Coastguard Day Skipper is a 16-hour introductory course. Its certificate is an internal one, not a licence.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a boat licence in New Zealand?

No. You do not need a licence to operate a recreational boat. You must still know and follow the Maritime Rules and any regional bylaws, and the skipper is legally responsible.

Is there an official boating test?

No. These are practice questions only. Voluntary courses such as Coastguard Day Skipper teach the same topics and may include their own assessments.

What is the new lifejacket rule?

From 9 October 2026, everyone on a recreational craft 6 metres or shorter must wear a lifejacket of the right size while it is underway. Maritime NZ says the offences and penalties for this rule were still being developed.

Is there an alcohol limit for skippers?

Maritime NZ does not give a set alcohol limit for recreational skippers, but a skipper who causes unnecessary danger can be prosecuted under section 65 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994. The safest choice is not to drink.

What is the speed limit near the shore?

5 knots (about 9 km/h) within 200 metres of the shore or any structure, and within 50 metres of another boat or a swimmer. Regional bylaws may add more rules.

Sources

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