Anyone intending to take an NZ-flagged recreational boat overseas from New Zealand must now have a Maritime New Zealand International Voyage Certificate (IVC) before they can leave the country, due to safety and administration changes recently introduced by Maritime New Zealand.

Published 1 month ago

New Zealand Registered Vessels

Anyone intending to take a New Zealand-flagged recreational boat overseas must now complete an application for an International Voyage Certificate (IVC pleasure craft) from Maritime NZ, rather than for a Cat 1 certificate with Yachting NZ (YNZ) as in previous years. This change came into effect on July 1, 2024.

Applications must be made through Maritime New Zealand and skippers are advised to allow at least three months between the time of the application and the date of your intended departure.

Foreign Flagged Vessels

While the requirement for International Voyaging Certification (IVC) applies to New Zealand registered vessels, foreign flagged vessels planning an international voyage from New Zealand must still notify Maritime NZ of their intended departure.

Safety and Administrative Requirements

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, and
• the crew.

Yachting NZ will continue to manage Category 1-3 inspections for boats competing in yacht races. If a skipper/captain intends participating in a race overseas (and the voyage starts in New Zealand), you still need to apply for an IVC with Maritime NZ.

There are currently no significant changes to the cost or adequacy requirements for vessel, safety equipment and crew (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.

Maritime New Zealand encourages anyone considering taking their boat overseas to carefully read the guidance and other information on their website.

• Details about the changes, application forms and guidance can be found on the Maritime New Zealand website.  
• Skippers and crew with any questions can contact Maritime NZ at the following email address:  RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz.
• Foreign Flagged Vessels – Notice of Departure Form