Bylaws summary
Posters
Boating safety and bylaw posters that emphasise some of the important rules for recreational boating are linkled to the title below. If you would like larger copies of these for your boating club or shop feel free to print them or contact us.
Bylaw summary
Lifejacket/personal flotation devices
All craft must carry the correct number and the right size for everyone on board. They must be worn on vessels under 6 metres in length unless the Skipper of the boat decides it is safe to take them off. In larger vessels they must be worn in risky conditions such as going through breakers, bad weather, low visibility and during emergencies.
Swimming and diving near wharves
Prohibited within 50 metres of wharves regularly used for berthing and unberthing vessels.
Within Wellington harbour all vessels under 500 tons must keep clear of shipping over 500 tons.
Vessels to be serviceable
All vessels moored or anchored in the harbour are to be seaworthy. If not, they can be removed by the harbourmaster.
Vessels to be adequately secured
Anchorage in navigation channels or approaches to wharves or jetties is prohibited.
All vessels must display their correct navigation lights at night, and in Wellington and Porirua harbours that means an all round whilte light for kayaks, rowers and waka ama.
Vesels on Wellington harbour at night should monitor VHF Ch 14 and all vessels passing through the entrance at night or in restricted visibility are required to Wellington Harbour Radio (Beacon Hill).
Means of attracting attention
All vessel must have some means of attracting attention if they get into distress, the method need to be appropriate for your type of vessel and where you are operating, if you are crossing Cook Strait there are options like VHF radio, flares and EPIRB but if only in a small dinghy close to shore a loud whistle may be sufficient. If you got into trouble in your boat, how would you let people know?
Any vessel that has divers in the water must ensure that they are flying Flag A. The flag must be at least 60cm x 60cm and where it is clearly visible to other vessels. This is to ensure other vessels are able to stay safely clear of the divers.
Obstruction
Do not obstruct access to any wharf, landing place, boat ramp, slipway or mooring. These include things like fishing nets and floats.
Collisions
Report any collision to the GW harbourmaster in writing within 48 hours of the accident.
Navigation buoys and beacons
Do not tie up to, damage or interfere with any navigational aids.
Age
A person must be 15 years or over to navigate any powered vessel capable of speeds over 10 knots e.g. personal water craft (jetskis).
Speed
Maximum of five knots when:
- within 50 metres of another vessel, craft or person in the water
- within 200 metres of shoreline, or buoys marking this distance from shore
- within 200 metres of vessel/craft flying the white and blue diving signal flag
- someone is sitting with their legs/arms hanging over the edge of the boat (bow riding).
Lookouts
A lookout is required when towing any person. The lookout must be 10 years or older.
Water skiing
No skiing between sunset and sunrise (hours of darkness).
Special events
Event organisers can apply to the GW harbourmaster for temporary reservation of sea areas for events and for the temporary suspension of bylaw requirements, for safety reasons and to avoid conflict.
Swing moorings
Require a resource consent, must be annually inspected, must be used regularly and must be marked when not occupied by a vessel.