Skipper responsibilities

Read about your responsibilities as a skipper and understand the boating rules to ensure the safety of all those on board.

1. Know the maritime rules 

Every boat, no matter how big or small, must have a skipper. 

 

The skipper is legally responsible for: 

  • the safety of the boat 

  • the safety of everyone on board 

  • complying with all relevant Maritime Rules and regional bylaws. 

 

You do not need a licence to operate a pleasure boat in New Zealand, but you must still follow the rules. Ignorance of Maritime Rules or bylaws is not an excuse. Failure to comply can lead to instant fines or prosecution. 

Before you undertake any boating activity, we recommend you complete a boating education course and learn the “rules of the road on the water”.  

2. Always carry or wear lifejackets  

Maritime law requires all skippers to carry enough lifejackets of the right size and type for everyone on board, and when they must be worn.  

We recommend people always wear a lifejacket when underway, especially children and non‑swimmers. Lifejackets must also be worn whenever there is an increased risk to safety. 

You should also check the bylaws for the region you are boating in about lifejackets. Some bylaws go further than Maritime Rules, making the wearing of lifejackets compulsory for all on small vessels. 

The regional council for the area you are boating in may also have bylaws for other things (please see below).  

3. Know or check the local bylaws 

Many regions have bylaws covering navigational safety, speed limits and the carriage of communication devices while boating.  

The MarineMate app (free for Android and iPhone) provides regional bylaws and other local information on your smartphone.  

4. Avoid alcohol 

Safer boating and alcohol do not mix. Conditions can change quickly on the water and everyone on board needs to stay alert and aware. 

5. Stick to safe speeds 

You must travel at a safe speed. Slow down in situations where it is harder to see other boats, such as in waves, rain, or fog, or when there is glare on the water. 

Understand and operate within the speed limits. The maximum speed for all boats in New Zealand is 5 knots (about 9 km/h): 

  • within 200 metres of the shore 

  • within 200 metres of any boat displaying a dive flag 

  • within 50 metres of any other boat 

  • within 50 metres of any person who is swimming. 

Some regions have bylaws creating specific speed limit requirements for their area. 

6. Reporting of accidents 

You must report any accident, incident, or serious harm injury to Maritime NZ as soon as possible after it occurs. Reporting allows lessons to be shared across the boating community. 

You can also report any instances of unsafe boating you see to Maritime NZ. If someone’s life is in danger, contact NZ Police on 111.