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What rules apply to fishing vessels

Fishing vessels operating in New Zealand must comply with Maritime and Marine Protection Rules. Particularly relevant rules are those covering design and equipment, crewing and watchkeeping, collision prevention and navigation. Operators also need to know whether their operation requires a Safe Operational Plan or a Maritime Transport Operator Plan under the Maritime Operator Safety System. 

Key requirements to understand about Maritime Rules requirements 

Maritime Rules set out requirements for three key areas of your operation:  

  • Certificate of survey: Vessels must carry safety equipment appropriate for their operating limits (Maritime Rule Part 40D and other 40 Series rules). 

  • Seafarer Certification: Skippers and crew must hold the necessary certificates of competency (Maritime Rule Parts 31 and 32). 

  • Operating plan: Depending on your operation, you will need a Safe Operational Plan (SOP) (Maritime Rule Part 40D) or a Maritime Transport Operator Plan (MTOP) under the Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) (Maritime Rule Part 19). 

There are also many other Maritime and Marine Protection Rules that apply, including relating to collision, navigation and MARPOL Annex VI.  Your Recognised Surveyor or a Maritime Officer can help you understand these rules.  

Key Maritime and Marine Protection Rules for fishing vessels 

Maritime Rules Part 40D – Design, construction and equipment – fishing ships: 

  • applies to New Zealand‑registered fishing vessels 

  • sets standards for vessel design and construction 

  • sets requirements for safety equipment based on the vessel’s operating limits. 

Larger fishing vessels may be subject to additional or different design and construction requirements under other Maritime Rules Parts. Check which design Part applies to your vessel with your Recognised Surveyor or Class Society. 

Understanding stability, loading constraints and distribution of catch is particularly important for fishing vessels.  

Fishing vessel stability guidelines
PDF: 2.08, 32 pages
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Crewing, watchkeeping, and certification 

Maritime Ruled Part 31 – Crewing and Watchkeeping: 

  • sets minimum crewing levels for vessels 

  • sets qualification requirements for masters, officers, and engineers 

  • includes requirements for STCW-F Fishing certificates for vessels operating in unlimited waters and vessels of 24 metres and more overall length operating in coastal and offshore limits (beyond 12 nm). 

Maritime Rules Part 32 – Seafarer certification 

  • sets out certificates of competency and service for skippers, officers, and crew. 

Safe Operational Plans and MTOPs 

Depending on the size of your vessel and operation, you will require a Safe Operational Plan (SOP) or a Maritime Transport Operator plan (MTOP) under the Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS). 

  • Fishing vessels 6 metres or less operating within enclosed limits or within 2 miles of the New Zealand coast will generally need an approved Safe Operational Plan.  

  • Larger fishing vessels, or those operating beyond these limits, will generally require a MTOP under MOSS. 

If you are unsure what requirements apply to you, or if you have any questions about a current operation, we recommend talking to your local Maritime NZ Maritime Officer. 

As an operator, you must: 

  • confirm whether your vessel requires an SOP or an MTOP, based on vessel size and operating area 

  • make sure your SOP or MTOP: 

    • reflects all relevant Maritime Rules requirements 

    • addresses key risks in your operation 

    • includes appropriate procedures, equipment, and training for skippers and crew. 

    • stays up-to-date, reflecting these are living documents and should reflect any changes in your operation.  

Collision prevention 

 

Maritime Rules Part 22 – Collision prevention 

  • Contains the “rules of the road” for vessels at sea. 

  • Sets requirements for navigation lights, shapes, and sound signals. 

  • Sets rules for safe speed, look‑out, and conduct in restricted visibility and narrow channels. 

Maritime Rules Part 91 – Navigation safety rules 

  • Sets rules for safe navigation in New Zealand waters. 

  • Includes requirements for vessel conduct in harbours and other restricted areas. 

  • Includes rules on not impeding the safe passage of larger vessels in harbour areas. 

MARPOL Annex 6 – Prevention of air pollution from vessels 

  • The purpose of MARPOL Annex VI is to reduce and prevent air pollution from ships. 

  • Some of the rules apply to smaller ships, for instance boats with powerful engines.  

  • The rules do not apply to ships that only operate in inland waters, such as lakes or rivers. 

Ballast water 

 

  • There are requirements for vessels that undertake international voyages and can carry non-permanent ballast water.