Taking your boat overseas? You need to apply to Maritime NZ for certification

All NZ Registered vessels must now be certified by Maritime NZ - apply three months in advance © Maritime NZ

Anyone intending to take a New Zealand registered recreational craft overseas must now complete an application through Maritime NZ.

Please allow at least three month from the time of the application to your intended voyage.

Skippers (Masters) must apply for an International Voyage Certificate (IVC) with Maritime NZ, rather than Yachting NZ (YNZ) for a CAT I Certificate as in previous years.

This change came into effect on July 1 2024.

Applicants for an IVC must meet several safety and administrative requirements before they can depart. This process falls under Section 21 of the Maritime Transport Act, which is designed to support the safe passage of vessels and their crew when departing for overseas.

The law requires the Director of Maritime NZ to be satisfied that the following are adequate for the intended voyage:

• the boat
• the safety equipment it carries
• the crew

The new registration and inspection process also applies to race fleets - photo © Richard Gladwell

There are currently no significant changes to the cost or vessel, safety equipment, and crew adequacy requirements currently. (Note that all fees are subject to review over time.)

While skippers and crew will experience some changes in terms of the process and documentation and some of the terminology used, these are intended to be straightforward.

We encourage anyone considering taking their boat overseas to carefully read the guidance and other information on our website.

Skippers and crew can also contact us at

Maritime NZ International Voyage Certification - NZ registered vessels - photo © Maritime NZ

Video: www.facebook.com/share/v/14h5oxNqoR