Look-out and watchkeeping

Maritime NZ’s position statement on how the law applies to keeping a lookout at anchor and while underway is in place to help people understand their obligations, and to help prevent incidents that cause harm to people, property and our environment.

Watchkeeping guidance for commercial fishing vessels

Good watchkeeping helps keep everyone on a vessel safe and helps ensure they make it home safely. This guidance contains advice for fishers about good watchkeeping practices, how to manage safety risks, and your obligations under the law.

The guidance documents below cover the duties of PCBUs (owner‑operator guide) and workers (crew guide) under HSWA. Circumstances will vary from boat to boat, and you should consider how the guidance applies to your situation. For example, sometimes skippers are also the owner‑operator, and sometimes they are not. Everyone involved in watchkeeping should be familiar with both pieces of guidance because they provide useful information on good watchkeeping practices and legal requirements.

Keeping a watch – guidance for crew

This guidance for crew describes practical steps crew members can take to stay safe when they are on watch, and their health and safety rights and obligations.

Watchkeeping guidance for owner-operators (PCBUs)

This guidance for owner-operators (PCBUs) provides information about safe watchkeeping practices, including practical examples of things they can do to manage risks, and sets out key obligations under the law.