New Lifejacket Rules Progress

The Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Bill has passed its Third Reading in Parliament.

The Bill has not received the Royal Assent and is not law yet. The current rules remain in place until the new law takes effect. More information about timing will be provided once it is confirmed.

Once enacted, this will be an important step towards reducing instances of harm in the recreational craft sector.  

Maritime NZ is working with our partners in the Safer Boating Forum, including harbourmasters, regional councils and other partners to help people understand what the change will mean and how to prepare.

When the Bill is enacted, what will change?

Existing basic requirements relating to lifejackets are not changing (unless a specific exclusion applies). This means:

• on all recreational craft; lifejackets must be carried in sufficient numbers for all passengers.
• for all recreational craft, lifejackets that are properly secured and of an appropriate size must be worn at times of heightened risk and when vessels are being towed (water skiing and wakeboarding).
• on all recreational craft, the skipper is responsible for ensuring the safety of everyone on board the craft.

When the Bill is enacted, in addition to the above rules, everyone on board recreational craft 6 metres and under will have to wear lifejackets whenever those craft are underway.

What happens next?

The Bill needs to receive the Royal Assent and will come into effect 28 days later. It is expected to come into force over the coming weeks.

We will continue working with partners to ensure people receive consistent information wherever they are undertaking activities on the water.

-Maritime New Zealand