Get your safety product approved
Manufacturers and retailers can apply to Maritime NZ to have products approved and included on the lifesaving and firefighting appliance registers.
A successful application for lifesaving appliances results in a certificate of approval issued by the Director of Maritime NZ.
A successful application for firefighting appliances results in a statement of acceptance issued by Maritime NZ.
Requirements
There are different requirements for lifesaving and firefighting appliances depending on the vessel type.
Before you apply for approval, check that your product meets the relevant standards and expectations in the Maritime Rules.
|
Type of vessel |
Applicable Maritime Rule(s) |
Product standard rules |
|---|---|---|
|
Passenger |
40A, 40C, 40D |
42A Lifesaving appliances 42B Firefighting appliances |
|
Non-passenger |
40A, 40C, 40D |
42A Lifesaving appliances 42B Firefighting appliances |
|
Fishing |
40A, 40C, 40D |
42A Lifesaving appliances 42B Firefighting appliances |
|
Recreational |
91 |
91 Navigation safety rules |
|
Jetboating |
82 |
82 Commercial jetboating operations |
To have your product included on an approved register, you need to provide:
- a completed safety‑equipment approval application form with all requested information
- a certificate showing the standard the product has been tested
- a quality‑assurance certificate from the manufacturer
- a brochure showing the product
- evidence that you are an approved distributor for the manufacturer.
Maritime NZ may ask for further information before approving any product.
Radio equipment is regulated by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) under the Radiocommunications Act 1989. For compliance requirements, see Radio Spectrum Management.
2: Application form and documentation
Complete the form and gather your supporting documents.
3: Send us your application
You can send your application and supporting documents to Maritime NZ by courier, post, or email.
4. Confirmation we have received your application
Maritime NZ will send you an email or letter confirming that we have received your application.
5. Application assessment
Maritime NZ will assess your application. You may be asked for further information.
6. Issue of certificate or statement
If your application is successful, Maritime NZ will issue a certificate of approval or a statement of acceptance.
7. Application fee
Once the assessment is completed and your certificate or statement is issued you will receive an invoice. Product approvals are billed at an hourly rate of $245
Manufacturer responsibilities
The manufacturer is responsible for manufacturing and quality control of certified products.
Product testing
Fire‑retardant material testing laboratories
Fire‑retardant material testing laboratories test against the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standard and hold valid NZS ISO/IEC 17025 or NZS 14001 certification as a laboratory.
Testing laboratories must be approved by Maritime NZ.
Lifejacket standards
Lifejackets must meet the requirements set out in Maritime Rules Part 42A. For most lifejackets, this means they comply with New Zealand Standard NZS 5823:2005, which is often printed or stamped on the jacket. Maritime New Zealand also recognises other personal flotation device testing standards that it considers equivalent to the standards listed in Maritime Rules Part 42A.
They are:
- Type 401 - Semi Rigid - National and international standards* that substantially comply with type 401: ANSI/UL 1123 and 1177 type I PFD offshore life jacket; AS 4758 level 150; ISO 12402-3; EN 396.
- Type 402 - National and international standards* that substantially comply with type 402: ANSI/UL 1123 and 1177 type II PFD near shore buoyant vest; AS 4758 level 100; AS 1512 PFD type I; ISO 12402-4; EN 395.
- Type 403 - National and international standards* that substantially comply with type 403: ANSI/UL 1123 and 1177 type III PFD; AS 4758 level 50; AS 1499 PFD type 2; AS 2260 PFD type 3; ISO 12402-5; EN 393.
- Type 405 - National and international standards* that substantially comply with type 405: ANSI/UL 1123 and 1177 type III PFD; AS 4758 level 50; AS 1499 PFD type 2; AS 2260 PFD type 3; ISO 12402-5; EN 393.
Product servicing
Firefighting appliances servicing
Testing of firefighting appliances is carried out by a JAS‑ANZ accredited body, classification society, EC type‑approval body, or overseas administration.
Maritime NZ does not have authority under the rules to approve these test facilities.
Liferaft and lifejacket servicing
New Zealand liferaft and lifejacket servicing stations listed in this register have met the standard required to service, repair, and repack named brands of commercial liferafts and lifejackets.
Servicing stations must be approved or accredited by Maritime NZ.
Contact us
If you have any questions about safety equipment for commercial ships, contact Maritime NZ.