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The New Zealand Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code provides measures for the safe management of ships in ports and harbours. It includes measures to prevent serious harm to people and protection for the marine environment.
The code provides a summary of the duties and responsibilities under the law for everyone involved in marine operations in New Zealand ports and harbours. It sets national standards for the management of navigation safety.
A framework for the preparation of Safety Management Systems by regional councils and port operators is also included in the code. These safety management systems will be informed by formal risk assessments for each port and harbour. The aim is to establish a safety system covering all marine operations in each port and harbour; to ensure that risks are kept at a level that is both tolerable and as low as reasonably practicable.
While the code is voluntary, it has strong support from regional councils and port operators and is being implemented throughout all New Zealand's main ports and harbours.
The initial focus is on the areas that have compulsory pilotage, such as the main commercial ports and areas of particular environmental sensitivity, where there are significant large ship movements. Fiordland is one such example.
The code is supported by a number of guidelines of good practice. Copies of theNew Zealand Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code and the associated guidelines can be downloaded below.
New Zealand port and harbour marine safety code [PDF: 579Kb, 37 pages]
Port and harbour risk assessment and safety management systems in New Zealand [PDF: 572Kb, 68 pages]
Providing aids to navigation in New Zealand [PDF: 529Kb, 23 pages]
Good practice for hydrographic surveys in New Zealand ports and harbours [PDF: 452Kb, 19 pages]
Environmental factors affecting safe access and operations within New Zealand ports and harbours [PDF: 1Mb, 70 pages]
Guidelines for aquaculture management areas and marine farms [PDF: 184Kb, 19 pages]
Safety management of power line waterway crossings [PDF: 871Kb, 16 pages]
You can request free printed copies of the guidelines. Please specify which publication(s) you want and include your address details.
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Other initiatives which support or complement the Code being undertaken by Maritime New Zealand and the Ministry of Transport are listed below.
Pilotage is one of the principal tools in the management of navigation safety in ports and harbours. As part of the ongoing implementation of the Code, Maritime Rules Part 90 - Pilotage has been reviewed and updated, taking into account the results of risk assessments prepared by Regional Councils and port companies for their respective harbours.
Maritime Rule Part 90 – pilotage
A review of the legislation governing port and harbour safety has been undertaken by the Ministry of Transport. Amendments have been proposed to the Maritime Transport Act to clarify responsibilities for the management of navigation safety and to provide greater support for the Code. More information on these legislative changes can be found at:
Marine Legislation Bill [Ministry of Transport]
