Operating in New Zealand waters (foreign flagged vessels)
For New Zealand Emergency Services
For emergencies requiring Police, Fire, or Ambulance, call 111.
You should also inform the local harbourmaster’s office.
Reporting requirements
Masters of vessels visiting New Zealand must report, to Maritime NZ, any equipment failures or potential issues that may affect the performance of the vessel before entering New Zealand waters.
Any non-compliance with any relevant convention must be reported to Maritime NZ without delay.
Any accident, incident and mishap causing serious harm within New Zealand waters must be reported to Maritime NZ as soon as practicable.
Port State Control
New Zealand undertakes Port State Control (PSC) inspections on foreign ships as a Tokyo MOU member. Our PSC inspectors inspect a foreign ship’s standards in relation to:
- crew welfare
- environmental protection
- safety, and
- Security.
Due to resources required to conduct a Passenger ship PSC inspection, these are planned for the entire cruise season ahead of time. Maritime NZ works closely with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to ensure all identified ships visiting the Australasia region are inspected either in New Zealand or Australia.
If, due to operational requirements, a ship would prefer a PSC inspection be conducted in a New Zealand port, you may request a PSC inspection in New Zealand by contacting Maritime NZ. Whilst all efforts will be made to accommodate these requests, requests may be unable to be accommodated due to operational and other factors.
Navigating ports and harbours
The safe management of ships navigating in New Zealand ports and harbours is critical to the prevention of injury to people, loss of life and damage to the marine environment and property.
It is important for cruise operators to liaise early with port operators and authorities regarding the movement of cruise vessels in confined waters, anchorage and berthing options. Your Shipping Agent should assist you with this engagement.
Find out more about the pilotage and pilots in New Zealand waters.
Port arrangements (ship to shore)
It is important for cruise operators to liaise early with port operators and authorities regarding anchorage, berthing, shore power and passenger landing options.
Not all New Zealand ports can facilitate berthage for all sizes of cruise vessels.
Your Shipping Agent should assist you with this engagement.
Security on ships
New Zealand, like many other countries, has adopted the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The Maritime Security Act 2004 and its associated regulations bring the requirements of the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code into legislation.
Environmental requirements
All ships in New Zealand waters must comply with applicable environmental regulations to ensure the sustainable use and protection of our oceans.
Quarantinable diseases
Maritime NZ, together with Health New Zealand and Customs, developed the Vessel Management Framework to provide guidance for port and vessel operators, unions, agents, government officials, and the National Public Health Service whenever crew or passengers (international and domestic) at a New Zealand port are suspected of having, or test positive for, a quarantinable disease.
This guidance is based on good practice and aims to enable regular vessel and cargo operations to continue wherever possible.