Navigation Safety Bylaw

This bylaw has been developed to ensure navigation safety for water users in the Tasman District and applies to all waters, including our lakes and rivers.

The bylaw covers all water activities and boating and sets out the local rules, complementing national rules to enhance water safety and ensure that people safely use and share our waterways.

Some of the requirements in the bylaw include:

• Lifejackets must be worn on smaller vessels when underway and on larger vessels if instructed to do so.

• All powered craft are to display vessel identification (ID):

o    For trailer vessels, this is trailer registration or VHF call sign.

o    Non-trailer vessels, this is VHF call sign or a unique name. 

• Vessel ID must be displayed on the vessel, above the water line on each side.

o    Minimum 90mm height.

o    Ask at your local service agent or screen printer.

• Paddle craft (e.g. kayak, stand up paddle board (SUP) or waka) that are further than 200m from the shore must be clearly visible to any other water users:

o    e.g. hi-vis PFD, hi-vis equipment, or lights.

o    It is recommended that paddle tips are contrasting colour to the ocean. 

• All vessels must carry two forms of waterproof communication, e.g. mobile phone, radio, EPRIB, PLB or flares.

• The following categories of vessels operating within Tasman regional waters shall be required to transmit an accurate AIS signal;

o    All commercial vessels of 300 gross tons or more

o    Tugs and barges together measuring 40 metres length overall (LOA) or greater

o    Commercial vessels of over 18 metres LOA

o    Commercial vessels licenced to carry 12 or more passengers

o    Commercial vessels operating with passengers during the hours of darkness or in restricted visibility

o    Commercial vessels licenced as a commercial charter vessel to carry up to 12 passengers.

 The changes are summarised in this flyer (pdf 141 KB)(external link).

Download the Navigation Safety Bylaw (pdf 3.3 MB)

Related pages

• Maritime