Get Boat Smart
Rules of the Sea
Rules on the water for ALL boats
There are some rules that apply to everyone on the water, no matter what sort of boat you are operating:
- Keep a proper look-out – watch where you are going at all times
- Keep to a safe speed – this means slowing down in situations where you may find it difficult to see another boat, eg. in waves, rain, or fog, or when there is glare on the water
- Understand and operate within the speed limits – the maximum speed permitted for all boats in New Zealand is 5 knots (about 9 km/h) within 200 metres of shore or any boat with a dive flag, and within 50 metres of any other boat or swimmer
- Know what to do when two boats meet – one boat has the right of way and the other boat is the give way boat:
- When you give way, always try to pass behind the other boat
- Above all, make your intentions clear – make substantial alterations to your direction and be prepared to slow right down or stop if you are in doubt
- If the give way boat fails to give way, you must make every effort to avoid a collision
- Keep to starboard (“drive on the right”) in channels
- Any boat approaching another from behind is considered to be overtaking, and must keep clear of the boat it is passing.
Click here to receive your free copy of Safe Boating in New Zealand DVD – 2 hours long and newly revised – choose the topics you want to view (includes local and national information). Your pack includes:
- Safe Boating: an essential guide – a comprehensive 44-page booklet covering all aspects of how to stay safe on the water (seas, rivers and lakes) – includes “rules of the road on the water”
- Cellphone bag – a ziplock bag to keep your cellphone dry
- Sticker – tips about boating safety – a handy summary
- Look-out! – a quarterly newsletter featuring the lessons to be learnt from boating accidents (a really popular read)
- Distress beacon leaflet
- Boating Education: your quick guide to recreational boating courses leaflet (Coastguard Boating Education).
