Understanding your regulatory framework
For New Zealand-flagged SOLAS vessels, maritime rules set out requirements for three key areas of your operation:
- Survey: Vessels must be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of SOLAS and relevant IMO Codes (Part 40B maritime rules).
- Seafarer Certification: Skippers and crew must hold the necessary certificates of competency (Maritime Rules Part 31 and 32)
- Safety Management System: ships of 45m or more operating beyond restricted limits are required to operate under the International Safety Management Code (Maritime Rules Part 21)
There are three additional areas operators of New Zealand flagged SOLAS ships should be familiar with:
- Registration and cabotage: there are a range of options available to operate ships on the New Zealand coast.
- Mandatory conventions: there are also many other maritime and marine protection rules that apply, many of these incorporate the requirements of international conventions. Your Recognised Organisation can help you understand these, they will also survey your ship and issue the relevant certificates required.
- New Zealand SOLAS ships are subject to annual flag State inspections carried out by our Maritime Inspections team.
Health and safety
Access information about the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA).
Environmental requirements
All ships in New Zealand waters must comply with applicable environmental regulations to ensure the sustainable use and protection of our oceans.
Investigation insights and maritime updates
Investigation insights and maritime updates provide practical information that crew, skippers and operators can use to keep people, property and the marine environment safe.
Maritime NZ's regulatory approach
Find information about Maritime NZ's regulatory approach including our operational policies and position statements.
Position statements explain how Maritime NZ will apply key aspects of legislation and rules in accordance with our regulatory approach.