Safety Inspection process
Category 1-3 Safety Inspection & Certification Process
Yachting NZ manages Category 1-3 yacht inspections for boats competing in yacht races in New Zealand or racing from New Zealand to an overseas destination.
Steps to prepare for your Safety Inspection
1. Log into the Yachting New Zealand website
Firstly, log into the Yachting New Zealand website or create a new account.
You need to do this in order to view and submit the application form at the bottom of this webpage.
2. Identify a local YNZ Safety Inspector
View the YNZ Safety Inspector List below to find our current Safety Inspectors, including their operational areas and contact details.
We recommend contacting your preferred inspector first to confirm their availability and arrange a safety inspection at a time that suits you both.
3. Conduct a self-assessment
Use the YNZ Safety Regulations of Sailing 2025-2028 and the YNZ Inspector's Safety Checklist to perform a self-assessment.
This checklist is identical to the one used by inspectors during on-board inspections. Ensure all safety equipment is on board and that the yacht complies with regulations.
Please note: The skipper/master is responsible for the yacht's compliance with the safety regulations at the time of inspection and throughout the certification period.
4. Gather required documentation
Compile the following documents to expedite the inspection process and attach them with your application for the YNZ Safety Inspector to view before the inspection (if applicable):
- Yacht Manual (refer SR Appendix 5)
- EPIRB registration with contact details
- Copy of MMSI Number and VHF call sign
- VHF and/or Radio Operator License
- Gas Code of Compliance or Safety Certification
- Fire Extinguisher Service Record
- Inflatable Life Jacket Service Record
- Liferaft Service Record
- First Aid Certification
- Offshore Personal Safety Certification / Sea Survival Certification
- Stability Index Rating Certificate and/or designer's declaration (refer SR 6.01)
- Vessels with welded joins or canting keels - design specification and welding certificate (refer SR 9.02)
5. Request an inspection via the YNZ website
Complete the Safety Inspection Request Form below and upload electronic copies of the required documentation.
NOTE: If you cannot see the form at the the bottom of this webpage, you are not logged in. Please log in to the YNZ website at the top right hand menu.
6. Payment
Make the payment for the inspection after completing the form at the bottom of the webpage. Proof of payment authorises the inspector to conduct the inspection and issue the Safety Certificate.
7. Confirm an inspection time
Confirm an inspection time with your chosen YNZ Safety Inspector.
Fees 2026
- Category 3 safety inspection cost is $345 incl. GST.
- Category 2 safety inspection cost is $490 incl. GST.
- Category 1 safety inspection cost is $490 incl. GST.
If you are taking your boat offshore cruising you do not require a a Cat 1 certificate. - Note: Additional fees may apply if the Safety Inspector requires more than the standard number of safety inspections: one for Category 3 and two for Categories 1 & 2.
Safety Inspection Request Form
If you cannot view the form below, please log in to our website first.
