Sally Garrett

Taking your boat overseas

If you are the master of a pleasure craft that you intend to take overseas, there are a number of safety and administrative matters that must be taken care of before you can depart.

Under section 21 of the Maritime Transport Act, masters of all pleasure craft must notify the Director of Maritime New Zealand of their intention to depart New Zealand before they leave.

Additionally, New Zealand flagged vessels must also:

  • satisfy the Director that the vessel and its safety equipment are adequate for the voyage; and
  • satisfy the Director that the vessel is adequately crewed for the voyage; and
  • observe any other relevant maritime rules.

The skipper of a recreational craft is also to notify the Director of Maritime NZ of their intention to depart New Zealand before they leave. 

Please note that before New Zealand Customs gives clearance under the Customs and Excise Act, they will need to see evidence that the requirements under section 21 of the Maritime Transport Act have been met. 

To meet the requirements of Section 21 above, those wanting to take their New Zealand registered recreational craft overseas will need to apply to Maritime NZ for an International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft).

For information on how to apply for an International Voyage Certificate please go to the Maritime New Zealand website here: https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/recreational/boating-basics/taking-your-boat-overseas/

If you are the master of a New Zealand registered pleasure craft that you intend to take overseas as part of a yacht race departing New Zealand, you will need to hold an International Voyaging Certificate, issued by Maritime New Zealand and a Category 1 Safety Certificate issued by Yachting New Zealand, accessible here: https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/racing/safety/safety-inspection-process

Requirements before departing New Zealand for any place outside New Zealand 

 
  • All vessels must hold a registration under a flag state. New Zealand flagged vessels register with the Registrar of Ships Maritime New Zealand.
  • All vessels are to notify the Director of Maritime New Zealand by completing a Maritime New Zealand intention to depart notification form.
  • Completed Customs Outward Yacht Report form and establish where you must present the vessel for outward clearance. Customs New Zealand.
  • International Voyaging Certificate (and a Category 1 Safety Certificate if departing New Zealand as part of a yacht race)
 

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