Wednesday, 12 November 2025, 8:47 am
Press Release: Marlborough District Council

Click image to read

Council’s new Navigation Bylaw, which sets out rules and requirements to ensure safe navigation within Marlborough’s waterways, is now in place.

The bylaw was passed at October’s full Council meeting and applies to all vessels operating within the Marlborough region, including commercial, recreational and support craft.

It replaces the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2023.

The new bylaw introduces updated provisions to reflect current safety practices, technological developments and local operational needs, Harbourmaster Jake Oliver said.

“It also brings us into alignment with Tasman and Canterbury,” he said. “The bylaw aims to balance safety and operational practicality for all users. Key features include general navigation safety requirements such as speed limits, lifejacket rules and vessel identification and communication equipment standards.”

There are also controls on activities including water skiing, diving and swimming near wharves.

Oliver pointed out there had previously been a disconnect between some items in the Marlborough bylaw compared to those in other areas which particularly affected people who visited or holidayed in the Marlborough Sounds.

The bylaw was developed following a lengthy review, consultation with Maritime New Zealand and the calling of public submissions. A hearings panel was set up to consider submissions and make recommendations aimed at ensuring the bylaw is the most appropriate way of addressing navigation safety issues.

Concerns raised by submitters were addressed including a continuation of the requirement for all commercial vessels to carry class B AIS (automatic identification system) which was rejected.

The new bylaw states that as well as those vessels of 300 gross tonnage or a tug or barge exceeding 40m in length, and large ships previously required to carry and transmit an accurate AIS signal. All commercial vessels over 18m on length and vessels surveyed for 12 or more passengers or any passenger vessel operating at night or in restricted visibility are required to carry and transmit an accurate AIS signal.

The lifejacket requirement caused mixed reactions from submitters with some opposing mandatory life jacket use arguing for skipper freedom, while others supported the requirements.

The new bylaw states that people on all vessels under six metres of length must wear a lifejacket while boats more than six metres must carry one for each person on board.

Vessels are also required to be identified and carry 2 forms of communications.

The Harbourmaster’s team will be on the water this summer providing support and education to boaties about the new rules.