Renewing a Maritime Transport Operator Certificate (MTOC)
As the holder of an MTOC, you are responsible for making sure your Maritime Transport Operator Plan (MTOP) is current and appropriate for your operation. You must also make sure all vessels in your operation are safe. Maritime NZ will work with you to help you continue to operate safely and follow your MTOP.
Six months before your MTOC expires, we will email you everything you need to apply for renewal. If you think you have missed this email, contact Maritime NZ as soon as possible and we will help you.
Three months before your MTOC expires, we will send you a reminder.
Prepare for your renewal
These steps will help your application go smoothly and reduce delays:
- make sure your operator information is up to date
- apply as soon as possible after we email you
- resolve any outstanding non-conformities from your last audit
- pay any outstanding debt or fees to Maritime NZ.
1. Make sure your key information in your MTOP is up to date
You must let us know if any of the following details have changed:
- the name of your operation or trading name
- your contact details as the operator
- the main contact person’s details
- the alternative contact person’s details
- search and rescue contact details
- the vessels used in your operation.
Check the following Director of Maritime NZ approved information in your MTOP is correct:
- full legal name of the operator
- responsible person or people
- primary harbours or ports your vessels operate from
- categories vessels and activities of operation, for example fishing ships - trawling, passenger ships - adventure tourism.
If any of this information is out of date, Maritime NZ will work with you to update it so your operation can continue to meet requirements.
If you need to update any of this information, see Staying compliant in MOSS for guidance.
2. Apply as soon as possible after we email you
Apply early to avoid delays. You will not lose any time from your new MTOC if you apply early. Your renewed MTOC will be dated from the existing expiry date, not the date you apply.
3. Resolve any outstanding non‑conformities from your last audit
If you are not sure about the status of non‑conformities, or have questions, contact us.
4. Pay any outstanding debt or fees to Maritime NZ
If you are not sure whether you owe money, or have questions, contact us.
Application fee
The fee for renewing your MTOC depends on the current status of your operation.
- If you have no changes to your MTOP requiring Director of Maritime NZ approval, no outstanding debts to Maritime NZ, and no outstanding non‑conformities, the renewal fee is $414.
- If you do have any of the following — changes to your MTOP requiring Director of Maritime NZ approval, outstanding debts, or outstanding non‑conformities — the renewal fee is $814.
A renewed MTOC will be valid for another 10 years.
We will confirm the fee amount by email after you submit your application.
If you have questions or need help
Maritime NZ wants MTOC renewal to be as straightforward as possible. If you need more information or have questions, contact us.