Environmental responsibilities
Environmental rules for recreational boats
Know what you need for your boat to reduce air pollution.
View this short video to find out about environmental rules for recreational boats.
For more information see below:
New environmental rules
New Marine Protection Rules apply to recreational boats used in the sea. Boats that operate only in lakes or rivers do not need to adhere to these rules.
The rules limit the emission of harmful sulphur oxides from fuel use and nitrogen oxides from engines. Both of these harm human health and the marine environment.
If your boat is large or travels to ports overseas other Marine Protection Rules may also apply.
Fuel
All petrol, diesel or gaseous fuel (CNG/LNG/LPG) sold at retail outlets in New Zealand is now low sulphur fuel to limit the emission of harmful sulphur oxides into the environment. All boats must use low sulphur fuel.
Engines
If you are installing an engine over 174 HP on your boat, even if its second hand, you need to make sure that the engine you have installed is compliant with the rules.
If your engine was already installed on your boat at the end of 2022 it doesn’t need to be compliant until 30 June 2032. If the engine was on the boat before 19 May 2005 it probably won’t need to be compliant.
When you replace your engine you can talk to your engine supplier about purchasing a compliant engine and what documents it needs to come with.
