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Commercial Operators

Seafarers

Recreational boaties

Surveyors and third parties

Working with other countries

Maritime NZ engages directly at a regulator‑to‑regulator level.  
Direct engagement with our counterparts enables us to remain aligned with global trends, influence regulatory best practice and ensure New Zealand’s maritime system remains safe, competitive and responsive to international developments.

Bilateral and technical relationships complement our work through the multilateral system, allowing us to:

  • support greater consistency in the way IMO rules are interpreted and applied
  • share lessons on effective regulatory practice and improve overall standards
  • identify opportunities for innovation in safety, environmental protection, and compliance approaches
  • collaborate on emerging issues such as new technologies and workforce capability
  • build stronger partnerships that help ensure shipping operating in our region meets high and predictable standards.

Maritime New Zealand actively builds relationships with international counterparts through engagement in multilateral forums such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), as well as through participation in regional meetings, such as the Asia Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies (APHoMSA) and the Pacific Search and Rescue Steering Committee (PACSAR) Conferences.

We also engage at various levels with representatives from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). We continue to have a close working relationship with the AMSA on areas of common strategic and operational importance.

Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding

New Zealand is a member of the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (Tokyo MOU), one of the most active and influential regional Port State Control organisations in the world. It comprises 22 Members across the Asia-Pacific region and provides a coordinated framework for monitoring and enforcing international maritime standards.

The Tokyo MOU’s primary objective is to establish an effective and consistent Port State Control regime in the region. It does this by facilitating cooperation between Members, harmonising inspection practices, sharing information and targeting higher‑risk vessels. Through these measures, the Tokyo MOU helps eliminate substandard shipping, enhance maritime safety, protect the marine environment and safeguard decent conditions for seafarers.

Cooperation with regional partners strengthens inspection effectiveness, promotes a level playing field for compliant operators and reduces the risk of unsafe or environmentally harmful ships operating in New Zealand waters. It also supports New Zealand’s ability to influence regional standards and contributes to collective maritime safety and environmental protection across the Asia-Pacific.