Section 21 departure requirements

Under section 21, a skipper (master) of a recreational craft departing for overseas must: 

• satisfy the Director of Maritime NZ that the vessel and its safety equipment are adequate for the voyage; and 

• satisfy the Director of Maritime NZ that the vessel is adequately crewed for the voyage 

• observe any relevant maritime rules and marine protection rules; and 

• notify the Director of Maritime NZ of their intention to depart New Zealand before they leave.  

Please note that before New Zealand Customs gives clearance for the boat to depart for overseas under the Customs and Excise Act, they will need to see evidence that the requirements under section 21 of the Maritime Transport Act have been met. 

Depending on whether your boat is foreign, or New Zealand-flagged, the process under section 21 will be different.