Commercial vessel licences

You must have a licence in order to operate a commercial service - including any scheduled, non-scheduled or rental service. 

Licences will only be issued when Council is satisfied that the operation;

• Will not diminish the level of safety of other activities in the vicinity
• Will not cause congestion or any unsafe practice at points of embarkation or disembarkation, or at any place en route.

Commercial vessel operation licence

In addition to the national requirements, commercial vessel operators wishing to operate anywhere within the Tasman District territory include;

• All lakes and rivers
• Waters out to twelve nautical miles seaward of the shore of the District 

Are subject to the requirement under the Navigation Safety Bylaw to hold either;

• A commercial vessel operation licence
• or an exemption

The primary objective of this requirement is to preserve the District’s reputation, as a safe and enjoyable place for tourism, boating and watersports.

Accordingly, the requirement is not currently applied to genuine commercial fishing vessels and genuine workboats who do not carry passengers or frequent the more popular parts of the coastline.

If you intend to hire a vessel or other watercraft to anyone, or transport people who have paid for an experience for example;

• Chartered boat
• Water-taxi
• Guided rafting or kayaking
• Guided trout fishing (where a boat is used to access the water to be fished on) 

Please contact the council with your intentions via the Harbourmaster or Tasman District Council

Exemptions

Small-scale operations may apply for an exemption from the requirement to hold a licence for example;

• A campground or motel hiring or loaning small unpowered dinghies, sailboats or paddlecraft as ‘part of the package’ 

No annual charges apply if an exemption is held, but a renewal date of three to five years will be specified. The operator will be required to demonstrate that the equipment is fit for purpose and that appropriate customer briefing and supervision procedures are documented. A very simple plan in most cases, to the satisfaction of the Harbourmaster.

If a motorised vessel of any size is being used for ‘hire and reward’ in any way, then a number of requirements under The Maritime Transport Act 1994 and the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992. Maritime Rules also apply.

Maritime operator safety system

The Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) came into effect on 1 July 2014, replacing the former Safe Ship Management system. MOSS requires maritime operators to develop and maintain their own safety system covering all vessels in their operation. By putting a bigger focus on safety for vessel owners and operators, MOSS will improve safety outcomes.

• Maritime Operator Safety System guidelines 

Commercial fishing vessels are subject to similar requirements, and must be registered with the Ministry of Fisheries.

• Non-motorised vessels, including yachts and paddle craft like rafts and kayaks, are also subject to specialised Maritime Rules or Guidelines in most cases.

Any local enquiries regarding qualifying as a commercial skipper, or to bring a vessel into commercial operation, should be directed;

Maritime New Zealand’s office
Industry Liaison Advisor 
36 Graham Street, Port Nelson
Phone 03 548 2434

• Information for commercial vessel operators