Do you know the new waterway rules?

The new Waikato Regional Council Navigation Safety Bylaw came into effect on 1 July 2009, with a number of new rules. Keep yourself and others safe on the water – make sure you know and follow the rules.

Vessel identification rules

• Come into effect on 1 July 2010.

Powerboats 4m and over

• Powerboats 4m and over must display a name or identifying mark, such as:
• radio call sign
• Coastguard membership number
• trailer registration.
• The vessel’s brand, model or make is not considered acceptable.
• Identification needs to be displayed on each side of the vessel with a minimum height of 90mm.

Non-mechanically powered vessels of less than 6m

Non-mechanically powered vessels of less than 6m must be marked with emergency contact details and/or the owner’s name or contact details somewhere clearly visible on or in the vessel.

Read the full clause about vessel identification in the navigation safety bylaw.

Carry at least one form of useable communication

• Skippers must ensure that at least one appropriate means of communication is on board. Two forms of communications are recommended.
• Communications must be operational at all time during your trip, and suitable for the conditions. They must be able to communicate with land based and/or seaborne parties from any point on your trip.
• In boats under 6m, they must be able to be used after submersion in sea water.
• Communications include:
• electronic position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs)
• red flares
• orange smoke (for daylight use only)
• flashing light
• sound signals
• arm signals.

It is recommended that you keep your cellphone in your pocket in a sealed plastic bag or purpose-made waterproof container, so it will useable in a capsize or swamping. You can use it while it is still in the plastic bag.

Read the full clause about communication in the navigation safety bylaw.

Always wear a lifejacket

• Wear a lifejacket in all boats under 6m, unless the skipper decides it is safe not to.
• In boats 6m and over, carry sufficient lifejackets and wear them when the skipper considers it necessary.

Read the full clause about personal floatation devices in the navigation safety bylaw.

This webpage is a guide and does not contain all the information on any specific issue. Please read the full Waikato Regional Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 2009 to ensure you fully understand the requirements. You can view the bylaw here or request a copy on freephone 0800 800 401.