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Safety Advice

Maritime New Zealand - Safer Boating Guide

This useful booklet gives you loads of essential information you will need to know for an enjoyable and safe time on the water. Did you know that nearly half of all Kiwis head out boating each year? Get expert advice on preparing your boat, checking your gear and understanding the rules of the water.

The Maritime NZ Safer Boating Guide covers:

  • Boat buying: what to look for
  • Skipper responsibilities
  • Lifejackets
  • Boat preparation
  • Safety gear checklist
  • Rules of the road
  • Weather apps
  • Communication tools
  • New Zealand VHF coverage
  • Safety and emergency procedures
  • Boating Terminology
  • Reporting accidents 

If you are a responsible skipper the water will be a safer place for all of us to enjoy. 

The Boating Safety Code

Know before you go - 5 simple rules to help you stay safe

Before you go boating on our seas, lakes and rivers, get familiar with New Zealand's Boating Safety Code, no matter what kind of boat you use. 

  1. Lifejackets
    Take them - Wear them. Boats, especially ones under 6m in length, can sink very quickly. Wearing a lifejacket increases your survival time in the water.
  2. Communications
    Take two separate waterproof ways of communicating so Coastguard can help you if you get into difficulties.
  3. Weather Forecast
    New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the local marine weather forecast before you go and expect both weather and sea state changes.
  4. Avoid Alcohol
    Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change on the water. You need to stay alert and aware. 
  5. Skipper Responsibility
    The skipper is responsible for the safety of everyone on board and for the safe operation of the boat. Stay within the limits of your vessel and your experience. 

Free apps and online advice

Use these great FREE apps to help you keep safer on the water.

Safer Boating - Safe boating tips.

YouTube - search 'boating safety in NZ' 

MetService - Marine forecasts and tide information.

MarineMate - Local bylaws, boat ramps and boating info.

Coastguard app - The go-to app for every water user to have in their pocket. Check your local marine weather forecast, up-to-the-minute wind speeds and direction and log your trip at the touch of a button!