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 - sea, river or lake. Keeping safe means understanding the environment, knowing the rules, having all the right equipment and using plenty of common sense. 

The Maritime NZ Safer Boating Guide covers:

  • Getting the basics right
  • Voyage preparation
  • Operating the boat
  • Safety on the water
  • Boating activities 
  • Environment 
  • Boating Terminology
  • Coastguard boating education
  • Boating Checklist

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. 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. 

3. Communications
Take two separate waterproof ways of communicating so Coastguard can help you if you get into difficulties. 

4. Marine Weather
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. 

5. Avoid Alcohol
Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change on the water. You need to stay alert and aware. 

Advanced Sea Survival Courses with SeaWise

SeaWise offers internationally-recognised maritime training and preparation along with associated services with personalised tuition for recreational and professional industry certification. For more information visit www.seawise.info or contact:
Alan Gwyer
+64 21 976 713
wcraft.promo@gmail.com