Proposed reforms to 40-Series rules governing domestic commercial vessel design, construction and equipment

The changes to the DCE rules are being consulted on as packages, each including four proposed new Rule Parts and the associated maritime transport instruments (MTIs). The proposed new rules and MTIs will come into force at the same time, after all changes have been consulted on. 

In total, 15 existing Rule Parts will be reformed through this programme. Package 1 was consulted on between August and October 2024 and covered four rule topics: life-saving appliances, fire protection, machinery and ancillary equipment, and anchors and cables. See here for Package 1 consultation page. 

Maritime NZ has now opened consultation on Package 2, which covers a further four rule topics: stability, drainage, freeboard, and subdivision; watertight and weathertight; electrical; and radio equipment. 

Maritime NZ is consulting on the draft rules on behalf of the Associate Minister of Transport who has the authority to make maritime rules. Maritime NZ is consulting on the draft MTIs on behalf of the Director of Maritime NZ, who has the power to make these MTIs where they have been enabled in the rules. 

It is intended that the proposed new rules and MTIs will come into force in 2026. Note that these dates are subject to analysis of submissions received during this consultation, and Ministerial agreement to any changes subsequently made in response. 

The Invitation to Comment (ITC) briefly explains the reform of the DCE rules and provides a summary of submissions on Package 1, an overview of the rules and MTIs included in Package 2, and information on how to provide feedback. 

A snapshot of the key changes is provided in both the ITC and as a stand-alone document, intended to help readers understand how they may be impacted. This document should be read in combination with the proposal summaries and draft rules and MTI for each topic. 

The proposal summaries explain the proposed rule changes for each topic in more detail. They explain Maritime NZ’s understanding of the issues and ‘status quo’ under the current rules and set out the analysis and rationale behind the proposed changes. Any potential impacts from the proposed changes are also identified. This information is intended to meet the Government’s Regulatory Impact Analysis requirements. 

The proposed rules and MTIs detail the exact requirements proposed. The rules set standards and obligations, and the purpose of the MTIs is to prescribe technical detail for how to comply with a rule. As a quick reference, the draft Rules have a blue header, and the draft MTIs have a green header. 

A submission template to support the preparation of your submission includes specific questions for the different topics.