Safety Advice

Maritime New Zealand - Safe Boating Guide 2011

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 MNZ Safe 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.

Download a FREE PDF copy: Maritime New Zealand Safe Boating Guide 2011 (2.36MB)

The information in this booklet and more safety tips, along with local knowledge of many boating places is available free on DVD. To order contact: recreational.boating@maritimenz.govt.nz

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 life jacket 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 we can help you if you get into difficulties.

4. MARINE WEATHER

New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredicatable. 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 quickly on the water. You need to stay alert and aware.

Download a FREE PDF copy: The Boating Safety Code (1.12MB)

Also available: The Water Safety Code, The Outdoor Safety Code. For more information about safe boating education and how to prepare for your boating activity, please visit www.adventuresmart.org.nz