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Commercial Operators

Seafarers

Recreational boaties

Surveyors and third parties

Operating a SOLAS ship

In New Zealand, Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations apply to passenger and cargo ships greater than 45 metres in length operating beyond Restricted Limits. Restricted limits are defined in Maritime Rules part 20.

These ships tend to trade internationally, triggering a range of international conventions, such as the Maritime Labour Convention.

Operators of this size of vessel are expected to be familiar with relevant conventions and New Zealand regulations implementing convention requirements. It is important operators engage directly with their Recognised Organisation (Class Society) to ensure compliance with these and other ship survey requirements.

Maritime NZ manages entry and oversight requirements of the ISM Code.

Learn more about the regulatory framework for New Zealand SOLAS ships, the survey regime and classification societies and other updates for operators.

Commercial Fishing

SOLAS does not apply to fishing ships over 45 metres. These ships operate under the Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS).  Some international convention requirements also apply to fishers.