Regional safety information
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About regional bylaws
New Zealand is a unique country with regional variations in the environment, water conditions and weather.
Why are regional bylaws important?
Regional bylaws exist to ensure the safety of all water users and to reduce conflicts between the different water-based activities in an area.
Bylaws apply whether you are on a lake, river or the sea, and regardless of whether you are water skiing, swimming, boating, kayaking, jetskiing or taking part in other water activities.
You should check your regional bylaws before you head out.
Find your regional bylaws
How to prepare for your region
1. Find your regional bylaws
Check with the area you are boating in to determine the bylaws that will apply to you:
2. Know your responsibilities
In addition to adhering to the bylaws, you must meet all other requirements of the Maritime Transport Act 1994.
Instant fines can be given for offences against a regional bylaw. For more serious offences, you can:
- be prosecuted under the Maritime Transport Act
- have your vessel detained
- have conditions imposed on the continued use of your vessel.
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Know the rules
‘Rules of the road’ apply to all recreational vessels
Know and understand the rules before heading out.