Maritime NZ Rules

Maritime New Zealand (formerly known as the Maritime Safety Authority) are the government regulator for all matters pertaining to Maritime transport and the protection of the Marine Environment. They have functions and responsibilities under several Acts of Parliament.
The primary legislation which sets out their role and functions is the Maritime Transport Act 1994.
It sets out the legal framework for maritime safety and protection of the marine environment, including:

• Licensing of ships and crew
• Investigation of maritime accidents
• Offences, response for oil spills planning and preparedness
• Other aspects of maritime law such as salvage, liability for pollution damage, limitation of liability, and compensation.

The Act also provides for the Minister of Transport and the Governor-General to make maritime and marine protection Rules.
These Rules contain the detailed standards and requirements that the maritime community are required to comply with.

The Maritime Rules Part 22 contain those Rules which pertain to the International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea which apply to all vessels upon the high seas and all waters connected therewith and navigable by sea-going vessels, as interpreted for NZ Domestic purposes.

The Maritime Rules Part 91 contain those rules specific to New Zealand and which apply to all waters within New Zealand and out to the Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ).