Regulatory Amendments Package 3 (RAP 3) consultation
The proposals aim to improve safety, support the maritime workforce, and make the Rules clearer and easier to apply in practice.
Overview
RAP 3 includes:
- in-principle changes to Seafarer Certification (SeaCert), and
- proposed changes to the Maritime and Marine Protection Rules.
We encourage anyone affected by the proposals, or with an interest in the maritime system, to review the material and make a submission.
Proposed changes and who will be impacted
The tables below show the key proposals in RAP 3 and the groups that will be impacted by the changes.
The table below outlines proposed in-principle changes to SeaCert. These proposals are at an early stage and we are not proposing changes to the Rules in the short-term. Instead, we are testing a proposed approach, including possible future changes to operating limits and how sea service is recognised. Your feedback will help shape the direction of the work.
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In-principle changes to SeaCert |
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Proposal area |
What we are seeking input on |
Who is impacted |
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Operating limits for seafarers |
We are seeking input on using the flexibility provisions in the relevant international maritime conventions New Zealand is signed up to (STCW and STCW-F) to revise or create new national certificates with privileges within Coastal and Offshore operating limits, which map approximately to ~12 – 200NM from shore. |
Seafarers, vessel operators, maritime schools, and training providers operating in near-coastal or limited waters. |
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Recognising STCW-F sea service |
We are seeking input on creating pathways for fishing (STCW-F) sea service to be recognised for specific non-fishing (STCW) certificates. |
Seafarers working on fishing vessels, vessel operators, maritime training providers, and maritime schools. |
The table below outlines our proposed changes to Maritime and Marine Protection Rules. It includes:
- a summary of the proposed rule change, and
- who or what will be affected by the proposed rule amendments
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Proposed changes to Maritime and Marine Protection Rules |
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|---|---|---|
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Proposal area |
What we are proposing |
Who is impacted |
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Updates to the Skipper Two Nautical Miles (S2NM) certificate |
We propose minor changes to the S2NM certificate to make the certificate easier to implement. The changes are small and do not alter the S2NM certificate’s intent. |
Seafarers interested in the S2NM certificate, training providers, and maritime schools. |
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Fuel changeover requirements for ships entering NZ waters |
We are proposing multiple options to create a national requirement for foreign ship fuel changeover. We are also seeking the sector’s input on the uptake of scrubbers. |
Harbourmasters, regional councils, port companies, pilots, operators of foreign-flagged ships (including cruise ships), and others operating near major shipping routes. |
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Carbon intensity requirements for domestic ships |
We are implementing the Government’s decision for domestic voyaging ships to use the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) to meet carbon intensity requirements. Maritime NZ is also interested to hear stakeholder’s views on having the option to comply with MARPOL CI requirements in the Rules. |
Operators of domestic voyaging ships (400 GT and over), ferry operators, fishing operators, recognised organisations, surveyors, and others involved in ship compliance. |
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Implementing updates to international maritime conventions |
We propose updating New Zealand Rules to reflect international maritime conventions that are already in force globally. |
Operators of NZ-flagged and foreign-flagged SOLAS ships, recognised organisations, surveyors, and maritime compliance specialists. |
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Minor technical rule fixes |
We propose making minor technical and formatting fixes across several Maritime Rules to correct errors and clarify existing requirements. |
Domestic commercial ship operators, seafarers, pilots, and operators of foreign ships in NZ waters. |
Supporting documents
The consultation documents provide further background and information on the proposed rules amendments.
The Invitation to Comment document explains the reasons for the proposed rules changes, an overview of the changes themselves, and information on how to provide feedback. There is also a set of consultation questions (also available in the form below) to help you with providing feedback.
Consultation dates
Consultation is closed.