Taking your boat overseas

On this page:

Your requirements

Changes to the administrative arrangements

Overview of process from 1 July 2024

Costs from 1 July 2024

Transitional arrangements

Key documents

Other information

Your requirements

Section 21 of the Maritime Transport Act is designed to support the safe passage of recreational craft and their crew when departing for overseas.

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; and
• observe any other relevant maritime rules.

It also requires the skipper of a recreational craft to 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 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.

Changes to administrative arrangements for craft and crew adequacy under section 21

Administrative arrangements to meet the section 21 adequacy requirements for New Zealand registered recreational craft going overseas were previously delivered by Yachting NZ and Yachting NZ Inspectors under delegation from the Director of Maritime NZ (referred to as a CAT 1 Certificate).

From 1 July 2024, Maritime NZ assumed the administration and delivery of these requirements, following Yachting NZ’s decision to relinquish their delegation to perform this function.

There is not intended to be significant changes to the vessel, safety equipment or crew adequacy requirements.

Skippers and crew will experience some changes in terms of the process and documentation to be completed, however these are not intended to be burdensome.

Maritime NZ is confident that the process from 1 July 2024 will be efficient and fit-for-purpose for those seeking assessment under the section 21 requirements. To help ensure this though, we are asking applicants to carefully check and follow updated guidance and processes from Maritime NZ linked below. 

Skippers and crew can contact Maritime NZ directly for more information at RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz

Maritime NZ will be engaging with the sector as it implements the new process. As with all regulatory settings, it will keep the section 21 regime under review when opportunities arise, to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose; again with input from the sector. The associated fee will be reviewed as a normal part of future funding reviews.

Yachting NZ will continue to manage their Category 1-5 inspections for boats competing in yacht races. If you are participating in a yacht race overseas (and your craft’s voyage starts in New Zealand), you will still need to meet the requirements under Section 21, and apply for an International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft). You will also still need a Cat 1 Certificate.

Overview of process from 1 July 2024

From 1 July 2024, those wanting to take their New Zealand registered recreational craft overseas will apply to Maritime NZ for an International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft).

Applying for an International Voyage Certificate

Detailed guidance about the process is linked below. Some key things to know at this time are:

• Applicants can go to key documents  and review the other material on this page
• If applicants have questions about the application process, you can make contact with Maritime NZ through the email address: RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz
• Applicants will be asked to provide a specified batch of material with their application, and send it to Maritime NZ
• A Maritime NZ Vessel Adequacy Assessor will review the application, and if the material meets the requirements, make contact with the applicant to arrange an onsite physical assessment of the vessel
• The purpose of the onsite assessment is to check the adequacy of the vessel and its safety equipment, and there will be one onsite visit per application including an out-of-water vessel assessment
• The physical assessment of the vessel will be undertaken by a Maritime NZ Vessel Adequacy Assessor (these will be people who have the requisite experience in yachts and this kind of travel)
• Applicants will also need to confirm that the crew have relevant training and experience for the voyage and have completed the pre-departure drill checklist (see key documents).
• We will be measuring against similar adequacy standards, so no significant changes are intended to vessel, safety equipment or crew adequacy requirements.
• If the assessment is satisfactory, an International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft) will be issued to the applicant which will be valid for 60 days.
• Applicants will be sent a link for payment. A fixed fee of $490 (GST inclusive) will be charged.
• Applicants are able to contact a Maritime NZ Vessel Adequacy Assessor for further information, including before their application– you can do this by emailing Maritime NZ at RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz

Maritime NZ will be providing an updated process map on this page soon.

Replacement Certificates

An International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft) will be valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If an extension of time is required, and there are no changes to the vessel, its equipment or crew from the original certificate issued, skippers can apply for a replacement certificate which will be issued with a 30-day validity period. The request for a replacement certificate must be submitted to Maritime NZ within the original 60-day period of validity. Beyond this timeframe, the International Voyage Certificate will be invalid. The cost of a replacement certificate will be a lower fee. Email RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz if you need a replacement certificate.

Costs from 1 July 2024

From 1 July 2024, Maritime NZ will charge a fixed fee of $490 (GST inclusive) for the section 21 assessment process for recreational craft and issuing of an International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft). There will be no extra charge for travel related to the assessment. In most instances this may be less than the overall pre-1 July charges. This is reliant on those intending to take a pleasure craft on an international voyage being well prepared for an on-site vessel and safety equipment assessment visit.

In the event a further on-site assessment visit is required due to the craft or equipment not being considered adequate during the first visit or there are other material changes relating to the craft, crew or equipment, a fresh application for an International Voyage Certificate will be required.  

Transitional arrangements

If you were issued with a CAT 1 Certificate for a current voyage prior to 1 July 2024, this will remain valid for 60 days since the date it was issued, regardless of whether the 60-day period extends past 1 July 2024. 

If you need to extend it due to weather windows or crew availability please contact us at RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz

If you have an application already underway with Yachting NZ, we will be in touch or you can contact us at RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz

We do not anticipate delays as a result of these administrative changes.

Key documents

Included in this section are links to some key documents to support your application for an International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft). We recommend these documents are read with reference to the other information on this page, especially the “Overview of the Process from 1 July” section above.

Guidance for your International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft) application: This guidance has been prepared by Maritime NZ, and provides information about the application process and adequacy requirements to be met. We will be updating this document as needed. We recommend you read this guidance before beginning the application process.

Application form for an International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft): This is the form you will need to download for your application. It can be completed electronically or in writing and then emailed with other required information set out in the form to Maritime NZ at RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz. Maritime NZ is currently developing an online application form.

Pre-departure drill checklist: This is the checklist you will need to complete as part of the application process. Please see the Guidance for your International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft) application for more information. Your International Voyage Certificate cannot be issued until the completed checklist has been returned to Maritime NZ.

Other information

Please also refer to other important information below.

Notifying Maritime NZ

All skippers must notify Maritime NZ of their intended departure.

Please click the button below to complete an intention to depart notification form.

Intention to depart notification form

Registration

Registering your vessel will give you the protection of the New Zealand Government. The registration papers will provide proof of identity similar to a passport. New Zealand owned recreational vessels going on an overseas voyage must be registered as a New Zealand ship with the Registrar of Ships under the Ship Registration Act 1992

Register now

Ballast water management

If your vessel can carry non-permanent ballast water, and will be going overseas, you may have to ensure that the ballast water management systems onboard meet international standards.

Find out more on ballast water management

NZ Customs

Information on NZ Customs requirements for vessels departing New Zealand can be found on their website.

NZ Customs