Latest rule updates
Maritime Rules Amendments 2025 (No 3)
These amendments were made on 10 December 2025.
These Maritime Rules amendments replace 9 expired General Exemptions. They make changes to Maritime Rules Parts 32, 41, 40A, 40C, 40D, 40E, 42A, and 43.
The amendments address issues created by expired General Exemptions which are more appropriately dealt with under Maritime Rules.
Changes relating to the following topics are in force from 28 January 2026:
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GE-01-17: Egress or means of escape for passenger accommodation
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GE-02-17: Means of launching the rescue boat on ships operating up to restricted coastal limits
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GE-06-17: Egress or means of escape for passenger accommodation
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GE-07-17: Breathing apparatus set and firefighters’ outfit
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GE-13-20: Anchor chain cables and accessories, testing and marking
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GE-20-20: MF/HF radio in respect of Narrow-band Direct Printing.
Changes relating to the following topics are in force from 31 March 2026:
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GE-05-20: Sea Service and prior certification for Integrated Rating Certificate
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GE-06-20: Training Record Book requirement for a MEC 3 certificate
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GE-08-20: Training requirements – Deck watch rating, Able seafarer deck, Engine room watch rating, Able seafarer engine, and Electro-technical rating.
Maritime Rules Amendments 2025 (No 2) and Marine Protection Rules Amendments 2025
These amendments were made on 8 October 2025. The amendment instruments outline the rules that will come into force on 1 December 2025.
Maritime Rules Amendments 2025 (No 2) and Marine Protection Rules Amendments 2025 make up the International Omnibus Amendments. These changes update New Zealand’s rules to reflect mandatory changes to international maritime conventions. They also correct minor and technical errors.
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The changes touch on:
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limitations on Heavy Fuel Oil use in Arctic waters
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updates to rules for discharge of noxious liquid substances in bulk
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UNSP barge Exemption certificates for certain survey and certification requirements
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making ‘The Code for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems’ mandatory
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allowing for the use of electronic record books in some circumstances
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expansion of service providers and accepted satellite equipment to meet the requirements of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
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expansion of service providers and accepted satellite equipment to meet the requirements of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
Maritime Rules Amendments 2025
These amendments were made on 20 March 2025. The amendment instrument outlines the rules that will come into force on 21 April 2025, 1 September 2025, and 1 December 2025
Seacert
- Introducing a new entry-level skippers certificate,
- Amendments to the Skipper Restricted Limits <500 GT endorsement,
- Some minor and technical improvements to rules.
Non-commercial use of commercial vessels
- Clarifying the requirements for commercial vessels when being used non-commercially for recreation, and
- Introduce minor conditions on securing commercial equipment.
Maritime Rules Part 404 Design, Construction, and Equipment - New Zealand Cape Town Vessels and Foreign Cape Town Vessels
The Maritime Rules Part 404 Design, Construction, and Equipment – New Zealand Cape Town Vessels and Foreign Cape Town Vessels were signed by the Associate Minister of Transport on 9 December 2022.
The Part 404 Rules (Part 404) will implement the requirements of the Cape Town Agreement of 2012 into New Zealand domestic law. When it enters into force globally, the Agreement will set internationally agreed standards for the design, construction, equipment, and operating procedures for new fishing vessels (or those having undergone major conversion) 24 metres in length and over, operating on the high seas.
The Agreement will enter into force 12 months after at least 22 States, with a total number of 3,600 fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over operating on the high seas have acceded. As at this date the Agreement has been acceded to by 17 States with 1925 vessels represented in total, meaning the entry into force criteria have yet to be met.
New Zealand will be progressing the accession process in early 2023.
Part 404 is currently suspended and will be brought into effect twelve months from the date that the entry into force criteria for the Agreement are met.
The Cape Town Maritime Transport Instruments (part 404 MTIs) will become available on the Maritime New Zealand website as soon as possible. Copies of the instruments are currently available by emailing: [email protected] and requesting a copy of the Instrument(s) required.
Maritime Rules (International Omnibus) Amendments 2020
The Maritime Rules (International Omnibus) Various Amendments 2020 were signed by the Minister on 30 January 2021 and come into force on 31 March 2021.
The objective of the Maritime Rules (International Omnibus) Various Amendments 2020 is to update Maritime Rules Parts 21, 22, 23, 24A, 24C, 42A, 46, 48, and 52 to address recent changes to international conventions, codes and other mandatory instruments. There are also amendments to correct existing rules relating to international instruments.
Marine Protection Rules (International Omnibus) 2020
The Marine Protection Rules (International Omnibus) Various Amendments 2020 were signed by the Minister on 30 January 2021 and come into force on 31 March 2021.
The objective of the Marine Protection Rules (International Omnibus) Various Amendments 2020 is to update Marine Protection Rules Parts 100, 122, 131, 143, and 170 to address recent changes to international conventions, codes, and other mandatory instruments. There are also amendments to correct minor errors in existing rules relating to international instruments.
Maritime Rules (Part 90) Amendments 2020
The Maritime (Part 90) Amendment Rules 2020 were signed by the Associate Minister on 9 September 2020 and come into force on 16 October 2020.
The objective of the amendment Rules is to improve efficiency of port operations, and remove barriers to economic growth and economic recovery, while not compromising existing safety requirements.
The amendments concern two aspects of pilotage, and are minor changes designed to improve the operation of specific parts of Maritime Rules Part 90.
Bunker barges
Bunker barges are used in ports around the world to deliver bunker (fuel) to ships. However, under New Zealand’s rules, the operation of some types of bunker barges commonly used overseas was impractical in New Zealand ports.
Previously, bunker barges could not be exempted from pilotage requirements unless they have a cargo capacity of no more than 5000 tonnes. The 5000 tonne limit has been removed, which enables pilotage exemption certificates (PECs) to be granted to Masters of bunker barges of any cargo capacity.
Changes for specific pilotage areas
Changes were made to update a number of pilotage areas and limits set out in Appendix 1 of the Rule.
These changes were proposed to reflect a more risk-based approach to which vessels need pilots in particular harbours, and in doing so improve efficiency of port operations. The changes will have the effect of removing barriers to economic growth and economic recovery, while not compromising existing safety requirements.
Marine Protection (Parts 102 and 131) Amendment Rules 2020
The Marine Protection (Parts 102 and 131) Amendment Rules 2020 were signed by the Associate Minister on 21 April 2020 and come into force on 27 May 2020.
The objective of the Marine Protection (Parts 102 and 131) Amendment Rules 2020 is to:
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clarify and strengthen the requirements on owners of regulated offshore installations to hold insurance or other financial security in relation to the clean-up and compensation aspects of their liabilities towards property damage resulting from a significant oil spill:
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clarify and strengthen the requirements on owners of regulated offshore installations to be in a financial position (usually by holding insurance or other financial security) to implement the marine oil spill contingency plan (OSCP) approved by the Director of Maritime NZ (the Director).