Boating

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Key information

Boat speed limits

If not in a waterski access lane or waterski area, do not exceed 5 knots (about 9 kilometers per hour):

within 200 metres of shore or a structure;
within 200 metres of a divers flag;
within 50 metres of other vessels or swimmers.

Important boating tips:

Lifejackets save lives. A correctly fitting lifejacket for each person on board must be within immediate reach, or worn if conditions aren’t perfect or you are being towed.
At least two forms of waterproof communication should be carried to summon help if needed.
Unless lawfully using an access lane or reserved area, boats within 200m of shore, a structure or a divers blue and white flag, or within 50m of a person in the water or any other vessel, must not travel faster than 5 knots (about 9 kph).
Movement through ski access lanes and reserved areas by vessels should be anticlockwise, ie keep to starboard.
It takes three to ski – carry an observer at all times. The collision prevention rules apply at sea in all areas including ski lanes.
If close to a collision course with another vessel, the give way vessel should stop or alter course to starboard (right) to avoid collision.

Read the Navigation Safety Bylaw (pdf, 6.4 MB).

Note: Inexperienced boaties should take a Coastguard Boating Education course.

Launch wardens

Honourary launch wardens will be checking on boating safety during the summer. They are there to help and advise you about safety on the water.

Although the Tasman District Council Launch Wardens are there in an educative role, they do have the powers to enforce provisions of Council Bylaws relating to water safety. All Wardens carry ID.

If they ask for your name and address, you are legally obligated to supply information if you are in charge of a vessel.

Launch Wardens are unpaid volunteers, please respect their advice as they have a wealth of experience and the safety of all water users at heart.

Marine forecast

The two most convenient sources of marine forecasts, including the five-day outlook are:

VHF radio - the Maritime New Zealand maritime radio service provides forecasts announced on Channel 16; call at 0533, 0733, 1333, 1733 and 2133 hours
MetPhone – dial 0900 999 + map area number (03)

Other sources of marine forecasts include:

Continuous Coastguard nowcast on VHF channel 22 from Nelson
Nelson Marine Radio on VHF channel 28
Local newspapers, but remember they can be published many hours earlier and are often out of date
Local radio stations, especially in summer National Radio at 5.00am
Metservice website

Area key

Sea area 'Abel’ applies to Tasman Bay.
Sea area 'Stephens’ is usually more applicable to Golden Bay and Farewell Spit.
Sea area 'Grey’ applies to the western side of Farewell Spit.

Habourmaster contacts

Regional Harbourmaster contact details

Phone 03 543 8400

Email the habourmaster

VHF channel 16

Tasman District Council, 189 Queen Street, Richmond, Nelson, 7020, New Zealand

Port Tarakohe Manager contact details

Phone 03 525 8174 or 027 446 3891

Email the port manager

VHF channels 28 or 60

Fuel and water

Fuel and water supplies are available at several wharves and marinas around the district.

Fuel

All marine fuel transfer points (shore to ship) must have a Tier-1 Site Oil Spill Contingency Plan approved by Council’s Regional On-Scene Commander (ROSC), under Maritime Rules.

Maritime New Zealand enforces these rules, and severe penalties apply for failure to have such a plan in place when a fuel transfer occurs.

Visit the Maritime NZ website for more information on oil spills.

If you are ordering a fuel delivery from a mobile tanker, check that they are approved by asking the supplier to produce their approved Tier-1 plan, or contact Graham Caradus (Regional On-Scene Commander) on 03 543 840.

Petrol

There are no permanent marine fuelling points for petrol in Tasman District. Small craft users can obtain petrol using portable containers from standard service stations within easy walking distance of the ramps at Kaiteriteri and Collingwood.

Diesel

There are two diesel marine fuelling points in the district. Port users may use the site at the main wharf at Port Tarakohe using an NPD fuel card.

There is also a pump intended for fishing vessels at Talley’s wharf at Port Motueka. Contact Talley’s on 03 528 2800 to arrange access.

Other fuel oils

Certain mobile tanker operators are approved to transfer Light Fuel Oil at certain wharves in the District. In general however, ships requiring Light Fuel Oil and heavier oils should bunker at Port Nelson.

Water

Potable water is available at the wharves and marinas at Māpua, Motueka and Tarakohe.

Water is also available from the following locations. Those marked with a * are not necessarily from a designated drinking water supply, so should be treated with caution.

Buoyed hose at Kaiteriteri. Contact Wilson’s Abel Tasman Ltd on 03 528 2028. Charges may apply.
Buoyed hose in small cove on northern side of Bark Bay at 40°54.889’S ; 173°03.400’E.
*Note: This water is known to be contaminated with faecal coliforms and should be treated before use. Recommended methods are boiling or batch treating with chlorine at a rate of 3g/m³ (e.g a bottle-capful of Clor-o-gene or Budget Household Bleach per 100L)).
Waitapu Wharf*

Water skiing in Tasman

Everyone wants a fun and safe water skiing experience - this page lists what you can do and your responsibilities.

Water sports

Tasman District is a great place for getting out and about on the water.

Boat ramps

Find information regarding boat ramps and launching lanes in the district.

This page lists events and public works in or near the sea, and in lakes and rivers. For public safety, the harbourmaster can separate groups of water users.

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