Amendments to Maritime Rules to improve safety and consistency with the international maritime framework

Overview

Maritime NZ is proposing to amend the Maritime Rules to improve safety and to be more consistent with the international maritime framework. The proposed amendments will clarify the Rules requirements. The Rules proposed to be amended are:

• Part 53 – Pilot Transfer Arrangements and Ship - Helicopter Pilot Transfers, and
• Part 23 – Operating Procedures and Training.

Maritime NZ is consulting on a proposal to remove Rule 53.4(2)(a) and not remake the exemption. Additionally, Maritime NZ is recommending some other minor changes to Part 53 to improve safety and consistency with the international maritime framework. Other amendments are proposed relating to:

• the approval of equivalent pilot transfer arrangements
• requirements for accommodation ladders, and
• the thickness of side ropes on pilot ladders.

Amendments to requirements for lifeboat drills under Part 23

During work on Part 53, Maritime NZ identified risks for crew due to the current requirements of Part 23. Under Part 23 requires that lifeboats are launched and manoeuvred with crew aboard which is a risk to crew safety. Maritime NZ proposes to amend these Rules so crew are not required to be aboard lifeboats when they are lowered during drills.

Proposed changes

A summary of the proposals is available here: