Safety equipment

All New Zealand commercial vessels must be equipped with:

• lifesaving appliances and
• firefighting appliances.

These appliances must meet the applicable performance standards in the rules. Safety equipment used on SOLAS ships must have an approval certificate. Equipment that does not meet the performance standards requires a statement of acceptance issued by Maritime NZ.

There are different requirements for the type and quantity of lifesaving (LSA) and firefighting (FFA) appliances for each vessel. Owners of ships that are operating commercially should contact their safety management system (SMS) surveyor to find out what equipment they need. ^*

^* Surveyors may require ship owners to carry additional lifesaving and firefighting equipment above the minimum specified in the Maritime Rules. Any appliances and/or radio equipment that are additional to the minimum equipment required must also meet the survey standards.

The maritime products listed in the following registers meet the requirements for lifesaving and firefighting appliances:

For SOLAS ships, lifesaving appliances that meet the International Life-Saving Appliance Code (as indicated in Maritime Rules Part 42A) are issued a certificate of approval.

Radio equipment is regulated by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment under the Radiocommunications Act 1989. Go to the Radio Spectrum Management website wwww.rsm.govt.nz for information on compliance requirements.

For non-SOLAS ships, firefighting appliances that do not meet the performance standards in Maritime Rule Part 42B are issued a statement of acceptance if equivalence is achieved.