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Regular updates and news provided by Maritime NZ.
Maritime and Marine Protection Rule amendments effective 1 December 2025
Amendments to Maritime Rules and Marine Protection Rules came into effect on 1 December 2025. The rule amendments were signed by the Associate Minister of Transport on 8 October 2025. These changes update New Zealand’s rules to reflect mandatory changes to international maritime conventions and correct minor and technical errors.
The changes touch on:
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updates to rules for discharge of noxious liquid substances in bulk
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UNSP barge exemption certificates for certain survey and certification requirements
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making the Code for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems mandatory
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limitations on heavy fuel oil use in Arctic waters
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expansion of service providers and accepted satellite equipment to meet the requirements of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
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allowing for the use of electronic record books in some circumstances.
To access the final rule changes in the signed copies of the rules visit:
Latest rule updates
The way Maritime NZ changes rules has evolved since the International Omnibus project started.
In the future, any rule amendments that relate to international maritime conventions will be part of a Regulatory Amendment Package (RAP) process.
RAPs are Maritime NZ’s regular rule amendment process. They happen every year and are a way to make continuous improvements to the rules as part of business as usual for Maritime NZ.