Security in ports and on ships
Maritime security protects New Zealand’s ports, ships and maritime supply chains from security threats that could affect our economy, borders and national interests.
Maritime NZ is the designated authority for maritime security in New Zealand and for New Zealand-flagged ships travelling overseas.
Learn about our role, the maritime security regulatory framework including the ISPS Code and New Zealand’s maritime security levels.
Our role
Maritime NZ is responsible for implementing and overseeing maritime security requirements for:
- port facilities in New Zealand
- ships which operate in New Zealand waters, and
- New Zealand-flagged ships travelling overseas (for example, New Zealand flagged ships vessels heading to dry dock oversea).
Our role includes:
- managing risks to maritime security to ensure New Zealand’s ports and shipping networks remain secure, resilient and trusted internationally
- setting maritime security levels
- approving ship and port security plans
- auditing security exercises and inspecting security systems
- working with ports, shipping operators and government partners
- contributing to New Zealand’s wider national security system.
Why maritime security matters
New Zealand’s ships, port facilities and maritime supply chains are vital to the movement of goods, people and services.
However, the maritime environment can also be exploited causing harm to people and property and potentially disrupting our supply chains.
Risks to maritime security may include:
- international organised crime (for example, smuggling)
- insider threats within ports and supply chains
- terrorism or violent extremism
- interference with maritime infrastructure.
The Maritime Security Act 2004
The Maritime Security Act 2004 and its associated regulations bring the requirements of the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code into legislation.
The Maritime Security Act makes Maritime New Zealand responsible for ensuring that the provisions of the ISPS Code are complied with by:
- international trading ports in New Zealand
- commercial freight and passenger vessels visiting New Zealand
Maritime security levels
We use maritime security levels to help people understand how likely it is a threat will occur and what security measures to put in place.
Ships and port facilities involved in international trade must undertake security assessments, maintain approved security plans, and have procedures that are consistent with maritime security levels.
There are three maritime security levels which are set by the Director of Maritime NZ.
Level 1: Minimum appropriate protective security measures will be maintained at all times.
Level 2: There is a heightened risk of a security incident occurring and, as a result, appropriate additional protective security measures will be maintained.
Level 3: A security incident is probable or imminent although it may not be possible to identify the target. Further specific protective security measures will be maintained for a limited period of time.