Biosecurity New Zealand has issued an updated Craft Risk Management Standard-Vessels document, which specifies the biosecurity risk management and information requirements that must be met when entering New Zealand waters by private yacht.

Published 1 year ago

All New Zealand biosecurity requirements for the topside of vessels and for biofouling are contained in this updated Craft Risk Management Standard (CRMS) for Vessels (2023) which came into force on 13 October 2023.

The updated document specifies the biosecurity risk management and information requirements that must be met when vessels enter New Zealand territory.

Upon arrival, verification that these requirements have been met may be carried out (verification may include inspections). The requirements have been reviewed and updated since the last review in 2018, to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

Some of the key changes which relate to yachts and private recreational vessels include:

• New minimum reporting requirements for vessel biofouling inspections;
• The number of days a short-stay vessel can stay in New Zealand has increased to 28 days (previously 21 days);
• Changes to risk periods for species of the Lymantria complex (formerly referred to as Asian Gypsy Moth) to align with changes to international regulations;
• Simplification of the allowable biofouling thresholds.

A spokesperson for Biosecurity New Zealand told Noonsite that as most yachts will meet long stay requirements, the regulations will not change much for private recreational vessels.

“However, if a vessel comes from risk areas of Asian Gypsy Moth (Lymantria complex) – please be aware that there are changes to the risk periods,” said Dr Yasmin Gabay, Senior Adviser, Invasive Species with Biosecurity New Zealand.

“We have also added the minimum requirement information for inspection as part of the standard. This details the minimum information that should be in a dive report when coming to NZ.  This requirement will come into effect in March 2025, as MPI allow time for industry to adjust to the new requirement, before enforcing.”

The new standard contains both the requirements from the craft risk management standard Biofouling on Vessels Arriving to New Zealand (2018) and the requirements from the old craft risk management standard Vessels (2018).

Any questions about the standard Vessels or to discuss how to manage your vessel, please email: standards@mpi.govt.nz.

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Related Links:

• Craft Risk Management Standard – Vessels
• Yachts and Recreational Vessels – MPI New Zealand
• Craft Risk Management Standard – FAQs

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