Issue date
Maritime New Zealand and Yachting New Zealand will be hosting a webinar at 7pm on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, to answer all your questions about the new process. Click here to pre-register for the event.
Anyone intending to take a recreational boat overseas must complete an International Voyage Certificate (pleasure craft) application through Maritime NZ.
Skippers (Masters) must apply for an International Voyage Certificate (IVC) with Maritime NZ, rather than for a category 1 certificate with Yachting New Zealand as in previous years. This change came into effect on July 1, 2024.
We recommend you submit your IVC application at least three months before you intend to start your journey, even if there are outstanding items such as getting crew training or essential equipment to buy. An application can be submitted up to six months before the intended departure to allow time to plan, prepare and satisfy all requirements.
If your boat is foreign-flagged and you are planning an international voyage, you must still notify Maritime NZ.
Yachting New Zealand will continue to manage category 1-3 inspections for boats competing in yacht races. If you are participating in a race overseas (and your voyage starts in New Zealand), you still need to apply for an IVC with Maritime NZ.
Applicants for an IVC must meet several safety and administrative requirements before they can depart. This process falls under Section 21 of the Maritime Transport Act, which is designed to support the safe passage of vessels and their crew when departing for overseas.
The law requires the Director of Maritime NZ to be satisfied that the following are adequate for the intended voyage:
• the boat
• the safety equipment it carries, and
• the crew.
There are currently no significant changes to the cost or adequacy requirements for the vessel, safety equipment, and crew (note: all fees are subject to review over time). While skippers and crew will experience some changes in terms of the process and documentation and some of the terminology used, these are intended to be manageable.
Our guidance and processes will be reviewed regularly, and changes will be communicated to the boating community.
Click here for more information and to apply for an IVC, or email RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz.
