Operating safely on ports

Ports are complex, dynamic, high‑risk environments with multiple drivers of harm.

Maritime NZ is the primary health and safety regulator for work onboard ships and at ports.

Find out more about health and safety at ports and joint initiatives we undertake with New Zealand’s 13 major ports to improve health and safety in this critical sector, including the:

• Port Health and Safety Leadership Group
• Port Sector Insights Picture and Action Plan
• The Approved Code of Practice for Loading and Unloading Cargo at Ports and on Ships (ACOP)
• Other Education and guidance for work on ports.

Other information

Operating in port environments 

In addition to health and safety requirements, people and vessels that visit or work at New Zealand’s ports (whether landside or onboard ship) must comply with security and environmental protection regulations. 

Navigating ports and harbours

The safe management of ships navigating in New Zealand ports and harbours is critical to the prevention of injury to people, loss of life and damage to the marine environment and property.

Security at ports and on ships

New Zealand, like many other countries, has adopted the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The Maritime Security Act 2004 and its associated regulations bring the requirements of the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code into legislation.

Maritime NZ's regulatory approach

Find information about Maritime NZ's regulatory approach including our operational policies and position statements.

Position statements relevant to port operations

Position statements explain how Maritime NZ will apply key aspects of legislation and rules in accordance with our regulatory approach.

Relevant position statements are: 

• How Maritime NZ will regulate health and safety issues under the MTA and HSWA Position Statement PS 06
• Vehicles are secured at specific points for carriage on roll-on/roll-off ships. Position Statement PS 03
• Minimum safe crewing requirements on NZ SOLAS ships operating under the ISM code. Position Statement PS 07
• Port and stevedoring operators must manage risks associated with fatigue. Position Statement PS 17 

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.