New Zealand marine companies have again taken out prestigious international awards with Auckland superyacht builders Alloy Yachts and Yachting Developments winning major trophies at the 2013 World Superyacht Awards at the Boat International Media Group-run ceremony in Instanbul on 4 May.

Peter Busfield, CEO of NZ Marine, says: “Continued success in the major international awards demonstrates that New Zealand superyacht builders are at the forefront of the global industry.

“New Zealand boat builders such as Alloy Yachts and Yachting Developments have an on-going ability to produce workmanship that is recognised by their international peers as the ultimate standard of achievement.

“Their success highlights the strength of our marine industry as a whole and helps ensure that local companies remain in a strong position to secure future orders. It also indicates the strength of the training and depth of experience and talent of personnel throughout New Zealand’s marine industry.

“On behalf of the wider New Zealand marine sector, we congratulate everyone at Alloy Yachts and Yachting Developments for their achievements in the esteemed World Superyacht Awards.”

Loretta Anne, a 47-metre raised pilothouse motor yacht, was launched by Henderson, Auckland-based Alloy Yachts in May 2012 and won her finalists’ category for ‘raised pilothouse semi-displacement or planing motor yachts’ as well as the top award for motor yachts against 31 other finalists to be named ‘motor yacht of the year’.

Designed by UK’s Dubois Naval Architects with an interior by Donald Starkey Design, Loretta Anne is the third yacht that Alloy Yachts has built for a Northern Hemisphere-based owner. With a gross tonnage of 444, she’s capable of cruising at 14 knots and has an estimated range of 3,500 nm. She carries a range of components manufactured by other New Zealand marine industry specialists such as anchors from Manson Anchors and windlasses and mooring capstans from Maxwell. She also carries two custom-built 6.2m tenders built by Lloyd Stevenson Boat Builders in East Auckland and her carbon fibre side boarding ladder was made by another Auckland firm C-Quip.

Tony Hambrook, managing director of Alloy Yachts, says: “We are delighted with the win. Our customer is very experienced with yachts and knew what she wanted. She was heavily involved in the design and features for the latest Loretta Anne. The outcome is very personal and award-winning!”

The winning refit of J Class luxury yacht 39.6 m Endeavour was an 18 month project for Hobsonville, Auckland-based Yachting Developments.

Yachting Developments’ managing director Ian Cook says the extensive refit included the replacement of the complete weather deck, new deck equipment, relocation of steel deck framing, reconfiguration of the accommodation forward and new interior.

“Care was taken throughout Endeavour’s refit to preserve as much of the vessel as practical, yet still enhance performance and improve functionality,” says Cook. “Numerous suppliers were involved in the replacement of the main engine, electrical system, electronics, air conditioning, hydraulics bow thruster and winches. A new carbon fibre mast was built by Southern Spars’ New Zealand custom projects facility and the new interior was built in-house by Yachting Developments tradesmen.

Cook was also delighted to that the Yachting Developments-built 30.49 m composite sailing catamaran Quintessential received special recognition from the World Superyacht Award judging panel.

“Quintessential’s main purpose to entertain friends and family; she has a very welcoming feel and is definitely a luxurious home away from home. We teamed up with Auckland-based Superyacht Interiors New Zealand to create a stunning traditional teak interior and spacious outdoor entertainment/bar area. She also sports a carbon fibre mast from Southern Spars NZ and sails from Doyles NZ.”

Busfield notes that a third New Zealand yacht builder, New Plymouth-based Fitzroy Yachts was also a finalist in this year’s World Superyacht Awards with the Dubois-designed 49.7 m Ohana.

“Once again, the talents of New Zealand’s marine craftspeople see New Zealand-built superyachts rated among the world’s best.”

The 26 to 29 September running of the 2013 Auckland On Water Boat Show is looking like being another beauty with a large percentage of the exhibitors already confirmed by show organisers NZ Marine Industry Association.

With the show’s timing scheduled to facilitate boating enthusiasts’ preparation for summer boating activities, the Auckland On Water Boat Show is the only boating expo in New Zealand which enables boaties to experience a range of vessels on land and on the water during the event.

The show’s CEO Michelle Khan says the popular and long-running annual event once again returns to the world-class facilities of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, part of the Wynyard Quarter in downtown Auckland.

“This year we expect around 200 marine-oriented businesses with the latest and best products and services for powerboat users, sailors, fishermen, kayakers, PWC riders, launch owners, and paddle-boarders to make the most of the opportunity to talk to boaties before the new summer season gets into full swing,” says Ms Khan whose team has already secured bookings for more than eighty per cent of the exhibition sites.

Boats of all sizes will be berthed alongside the Viaduct Marina, while around the Viaduct Events Centre a huge range of trailer boats, yachts, personal water craft and more are on display. Inside the centre and three adjoining pavilions, hundreds more marine technology, engine, navigation and safety experts will share their passion and knowledge of all things ‘on water’.

Larger, more varied displays are expected from a number of exhibitors, says Khan.

“Numerous new boats are being launched and exhibitors have indicated a range of new products perfect for summer boating are also being released at this year’s show.

Khan says the signs are clear that the 2013 event is set to build on last year’s successes after the 2012 Auckland On Water Boat Show wrapped up with boaties enthusiastically purchasing everything from shackles, lifejackets, electronic equipment and fishing rods to motor yachts worth several million dollars in one of the largest displays of the New Zealand marine industry ever seen.

From 26 to 29 September, the Auckland On Water Boat Show opens at 10 am on all four days, closing at 6 pm Thursday through to Saturday and 5 pm on Sunday, 30 September. See www.auckland-boatshow.com for further details about the show or find Auckland On Water Boat Show on Facebook (www.facebook.com/OnWaterBoatShow).

Positive steps have been gained for Auckland’s marine sector – as well as future likely jobs for Aucklanders – with today’s decision by the Auckland Council finance and strategy committee to support infrastructure development at Hobsonville’s Yard 37 marine development.

The council committee decided to commit funds toward the building of a suitably-spec’d transit road for large boat access to and from the Yard 37 precinct to the water.

“The transit road will be capable of carrying a travel lift with a 600 tonne vessel or specialist heavy haulage trucks carrying 70 to 100-metre superyachts or commercial vessels from boat-building facilities in the precinct to the deep water launch facilities alongside,” says Peter Busfield, executive director of the NZ Marine Industry Association.

“This is very positive news for Auckland marine sector which will bring future flow-on benefits to the local economy and New Zealand as a whole.”

The transit road, called Launch Road, will be constructed during 2013.

“Council’s decision gives the marine industry confidence that the infrastructure will soon be in place to enable large superyachts or commercial vessels to be built or refitted at Yard 37.”

Auckland’s marine businesses comprise around 60 per cent of the total marine industry in New Zealand and delivers over $400 million worth of export earnings and just over $1 billion worth of turn-over per annum for the region, as well as employing between 5,000-6,000 people across wider Auckland.

“World-wide, New Zealand’s marine industry training programme is highly regarded. Further opportunities for expansion and development in this sector also deliver tangible benefits to New Zealand in terms of enhancing the skills of our workforce.”

Step into just about any marine environment, anywhere in the world – a superyacht in Monaco, a shipyard in Gibraltar, a spar maker in Holland – and, chances are, you’ll find a kiwi. If not, there will be someone who has worked with a kiwi and come away with a good impression. Such connections have led to successful contracts for New Zealand marine companies.

NZ Marine Industry (NZMI) intends to harness these connections through a new social media network called Friends of NZ Marine. Peter Busfield, executive director of NZMI, is hoping over the next few months and throughout the imminent America’s Cup buzz hundreds, possibly thousands, of kiwis and kiwi friends will be signing up.

NZMI selected the home-base of one of its most dynamic ambassadors, Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ), to launch Friends of NZ Marine on 16 April.

Grant Dalton, managing director of ETNZ, says: “Emirates Team New Zealand is part of a ‘strategic alliance’ – the marine industry, the team, the government – which has as its objective the growth of the New Zealand marine industry as a source of jobs, technology and exports.”

Busfield adds: “Emirates Team New Zealand is the perfect example of what Friends of NZ Marine is all about. It is high profile, has a reputation for the highest quality and it’s made up of a group of people who have many, many connections worldwide.

“It’s a wonderful endorsement of Friends of NZ Marine to have Emirates Team New Zealand onboard. Friends of NZ Marine will be well positioned to take maximum advantage of ETNZ’s presence at the 34th America’s Cup, as well as international boat shows, conferences and the networks of NZMI’s 450 member companies.”

Friends of NZ Marine members will receive quarterly, electronically-distributed updates introducing them to new New Zealand-designed or built boats, technology and equipment. The network will also distribute relevant information from central and local government; for example, the opening of new superyacht berths in New Zealand and cruising destinations around New Zealand for visiting yachts to explore.

As members feed referrals back to NZMI, it will distribute the leads and information to relevant member companies to follow up.

“There are hundreds of New Zealanders closely involved in marine industries around the world,” says Busfield. “Many of these expats and interested persons already have a high regard for the New Zealand marine industry and are acting as good ambassadors already. This will allow us to show our appreciation of these on-going referrals and encourage more referrals to New Zealand marine industry companies.”

Mr Busfield believes the Friends of NZ Marine network will also be active in attracting refit projects to New Zealand as kiwi crews’ overseas share their enthusiasm for New Zealand-based projects and for cruising here. Captain Max Cumming, a New Zealander, oversaw the nine-month refit of Athena at Orams Marine Services in Auckland in 2011. The 90m (295ft) three-masted schooner is the largest superyacht refitted in New Zealand. Athena was a showpiece of New Zealand workmanship at the Monaco Yacht Show last year and will be at San Francisco for the America’s Cup. Captain Cumming says New Zealand was chosen as a refit location by Athena’s previous captain, based on a good experience some years earlier and after gathering quotes from yards in Europe and the USA.

Friends of NZ Marine will work closely with KEA, a New Zealand organisation which links expat kiwis of all vocations, while Friends of NZ Marine will specialise in offshore people who are involved with or who have a love for boats.

Some high-profile international maritime figures have already signed up to Friends of NZ Marine, including superyacht designer Ed Dubois of Dubois Naval Architects, UK; and Ron Holland, a kiwi superyacht designer based in Canada.

Another supporter is American boat designer and blue water sailor, Steve Dashew, who regularly has his rugged, offshore boats built here for himself and for his clients. Dashew says: “We keep coming back to New Zealand for our yachts because of its tradition of quality and the positive experiences we have had over the past 35 years working with the Kiwi yachting industry.”

Owen Rutter, former chairman of the NZ Marine Export Group, is a firm believer in what he calls the kiwi factor – the proliferation of New Zealanders working in marine industries and on yachts throughout the world.

“Many superyachts have kiwis on board, captains, stewards, deckies – it keeps the New Zealand profile high,” Rutter comments. “Those people are an important connection because they’re so enthusiastic about what New Zealand has to offer, not only in skills with refits but as a fantastic place to explore.”

Busfield says the friend concept embraces kiwis everywhere. “Whether a lead comes from a superyacht designer or a kiwi operating a travel lift in Sardinia, we are eager to hear from them and help convert that lead to a project for a New Zealand company.”

Sign up online at www.nzmarine.com to become a Friend of NZ Marine – there is no cost to join!

Two independent commissioners have granted permission for a 94 hectare marine farm off Stephenson Island in the Far North, citing the significant economic benefits it will bring to an “impoverished” part of the country.

Applicant Westpac Mussels Distributors Limited had asked the Northland Regional Council for various resource consents for a proposed 125ha farm off the island in Whangaroa Bay, designed mainly to farm mussels and gather and collect mussel spat.  It also proposed using the area for “occasional depuration and growing of oysters” and raising other shellfish like scallops and paua.

The applications were publicly notified in mid-October 2011, attracting 278 submissions; 14 in support, two neutral and 261 opposed.  (Prior to the hearing – held in Kerikeri in December last year – one submitter withdrew their submission and one changed their position from opposition to neutral.)

In a just-released decision, the two commissioners said there were some minor, or possibly more than minor, adverse effects requiring mitigation and that could only be achieved by modifying Westpac Mussel’s proposal.

These included effects on the outstanding natural character of nearby Cone Island, on the natural character of the margin of Stephenson Island, on small boat anchoring and recreational and Maori customary fishing.

The commissioners granted Westpac Mussels the consents needed for the proposed farm, but for a reduced 94.05ha area, roughly 30ha smaller than had been sought.  The changes are designed to mitigate the effects outlined above and will ensure the farm is at least 200 metres from the edge of Stephenson Island.

Commissioners’ chairman – Napier-based Rob van Voorthuysen – acknowledged that even in its modified form, there would be some residual adverse effects.

In particular, these included on landscape values, “the seabed benthic environment under and adjacent to the farm”, the displacement of dolphins frequenting the area, fishing and small boat anchoring.

“However, we find that the nature and scale of those residual adverse effects are, in our opinion, reasonably minor and not of sufficient scale to outweigh the significant positive social and economic benefits of the proposal.”

The commissioners’ overall decision was that the proposal be allowed to proceed “primarily due to the significant economic benefits that it will bring to an impoverished part of New Zealand”.

Evidence presented to the commissioners by economist Fraser Colegrave showed the farm – once fully operational – was expected to provide fulltime employment for 87 people within the region, with another 21 people elsewhere and boost regional GDP by $5.5 million.

Mr van Voorthuysen said also of particular relevance to the commissioners was the support from the Ririwha Ahu Whenua Trust, which represents the Maori owners of Stephenson Island.

The commissioners noted that any marine farm would probably result in residual adverse effects, irrespective of its location.

“(However) In that regard we consider the proposed location of this marine farm, being in the lee of a highly modified offshore island whose owners strongly support the proposal, is likely to be preferable to alternative locations that are either closer to the mainland or have more unmodified natural backdrops.”

The consents will last for 35 years.  However, the fully developed farm will also require a bond of $132,000 to help enable the clean-up and restoration of the site “should the operation cease at some stage in the future”.

“The applicant intends making a significant investment in the proposed marine farm (which deserves a reasonable security of tenure) and in our view there are no potential adverse effects that would warrant the early cessation of the activity.”

Mr van Voorthuysen said potential adverse effects were “predictable” and had been accounted for in the commissioners’ evaluation of the proposal, but any unforseen adverse effects could be dealt with by way of subsequent reviews provided for in the consent conditions.

The commissioners’ decision can now be appealed to the Environment Court for 15 working days.

Tasman Bay Ring Road Farming Ltd (TBRRFL) have advised Tasman District Council that they intend to proceed to stage two of their permanent mussel farming development in AMA3B, pursuant to Coastal Permit RM050101V1 from Saturday 26 January.

This is an expansion of the existing full-density 50Ha farm site adjacent to the North Cardinal mark in AMA3B (that lies offshore between approximately Kaiteriteri and Motueka). Stage 2 is 2/3rds density occupation of the entire consented area, forming a rectangle bounded at the seaward edge by the existing North cardinal and East Cardinal marks, approximately 1.5NM by 0.5NM along the boundaries.

TBRRFL intend to begin placing anchors from Saturday 26 January 2013, and follow with installation of backbones and growing lines. There are currently 40 lines in place as stage 1. Between 104 and 116 new lines will be installed as stage 2. Backbone lines will be bundled in groups of two or three lines once anchored at one end, prior to connection to their second anchor. These bundles may present a hazard particularly to keeled vessels.

Aids to Navigation

One existing special mark will be relocated. Two additional special marks will be installed. The cardinal marks will not be altered.

This work is likely to take approximately eight weeks. There will be increased workboat and diving activities during this period.

The two existing permanent farming sites operated by Tasman Mussels Ltd will not be altered during this work. The Tasman Bay Ring Road Spat Catching Ltd seasonal spat catching area will also not be affected. Normal operations continue in these sub-zones.

For further information, see

• http://www.tasman.govt.nz/recreation/boating-fishing/marine-farms/  and
• http://www.tasman.govt.nz/council/media-centre/public-notices/navigation-notices/, where a copy of the Coastal Navigation Warning issued on 25 January 2013 by TBRRFL can be viewed. This contains a site plan and co-ordinates.

Advice

1. Vessel operators are advised to avoid unnecessary navigation within the area bounded by the four cardinal marks at AMA3B, Tasman Bay, especially during times of darkness or poor visibility.
2. Users of high-speed and small craft are cautioned against navigating at speed within the area being developed. In particular, the speed limit of 5 knots within 200m of any structure, any vessel showing the dive flag (Code flag A) and 50m of any other vessel should be strictly observed.

New rules restricting the disposal of garbage (or marine debris) from ships, pleasure craft and offshore installations are now in force, with the aim of reducing the amount of marine pollution.

The changes highlight and reflect a general prohibition on garbage discharges, although the rules continue to allow some specified discharges. The changed rules align domestic legislation with amendments to Annex V of MARPOL (the international convention for the prevention of pollution from ships). The amended rules tighten limits on disposal of garbage at sea and apply operational requirements (such as the use of signage on board, garbage management plans and the keeping of record books) to a wider range of ships and offshore installations.

Previously, only plastics were banned outright from being thrown overboard, but this prohibition has been expanded to include ropes, fishing gear and plastic garbage bags, plastic-derived incinerator ashes, cooking oil, dunnage (pallets and associated materials), lining and packing material that floats, papers, glass, metal, bottles, crockery and similar refuse. The changes will reduce the volume of garbage entering the sea, increasing the volume that is discharged ashore or incinerated on board in the short term, but driving a behaviour shift focused on minimising the volume of waste taken to sea.

Further restrictions apply to the discharge of cargo residues and cleaning agents if they are harmful to the marine environment. Livestock carriers that discharge animal carcasses are also regulated, but there is no change to the rules aroundfish or bait discharged during fishing or aquaculture. Food waste rules remain unchanged – food may be discharged if vessels are more than 12 nautical miles from shore or more than three nautical miles if the material is ground up.

Other changes include the requirement to report lost fishing gear if it poses a significant threat to the marine environment or a navigation hazard.

Information about the changes can be found by viewing Marine Protection Rules Part 170 and Part 200 on the Maritime New Zealand website.

New rules restricting the disposal of garbage (or marine debris) from ships, pleasure craft and offshore installations are now in force, with the aim of reducing the amount of marine pollution.

The changes highlight and reflect a general prohibition on garbage discharges, although the rules continue to allow some specified discharges. The changed rules align domestic legislation with amendments to Annex V of MARPOL (the international convention for the prevention of pollution from ships). The amended rules tighten limits on disposal of garbage at sea and apply operational requirements (such as the use of signage on board, garbage management plans and the keeping of record books) to a wider range of ships and offshore installations.

Previously, only plastics were banned outright from being thrown overboard, but this prohibition has been expanded to include ropes, fishing gear and plastic garbage bags, plastic-derived incinerator ashes, cooking oil, dunnage (pallets and associated materials), lining and packing material that floats, papers, glass, metal, bottles, crockery and similar refuse. The changes will reduce the volume of garbage entering the sea, increasing the volume that is discharged ashore or incinerated on board in the short term, but driving a behaviour shift focused on minimising the volume of waste taken to sea.

Further restrictions apply to the discharge of cargo residues and cleaning agents if they are harmful to the marine environment. Livestock carriers that discharge animal carcasses are also regulated, but there is no change to the rules aroundfish or bait discharged during fishing or aquaculture. Food waste rules remain unchanged – food may be discharged if vessels are more than 12 nautical miles from shore or more than three nautical miles if the material is ground up.

Other changes include the requirement to report lost fishing gear if it poses a significant threat to the marine environment or a navigation hazard.

Information about the changes can be found by viewing Marine Protection Rules Part 170 and Part 200 on the Maritime New Zealand website.

Immigration Minister Nathan Guy has announced that tough new rules for all fishing vessel operators who employ foreign crew in New Zealand’s waters take effect from today.

“These new rules come from the Ministerial Inquiry into foreign chartered vessels (FCVs), which recommended that the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment should strengthen its monitoring and enforcement arrangements.

“The changes will mean better protection for employees and closer monitoring of employers. Importantly, each crew member must now have an individual bank account available so that wage payments can be made directly to them in New Zealand,” says Mr Guy.

Other changes include:

• Introducing maximum timeframes for fishing companies to provide information for audits and investigations.
• Any employer who recruits seven or more foreign crew will need to first apply for Approval in Principle to recruit foreign crew.
• Manning agents must only be paid by the employer recruiting crew, not by a crew member seeking a job.
• The Deep Sea Fishing Crew Employment Register will be replaced with the standard immigration labour market test.
• Implementing a fit and proper person test and requiring the New Zealand Charter Party to be the guarantor for crew wages and any costs to the Crown (such as deportation).

Mr Guy says the new rules apply equally to all fishing vessel operators, from the inshore fishing sector through to foreign chartered vessels.

“These rules are contained in a new set of Immigration Instructions, which replace the Code of Practice for Foreign Fishing Crew.

“The Government has asked MBIE and other agencies to act as quickly as possible to implement the recommendations of the Ministerial Inquiry. As part of this, all foreign-owned vessels will be required to reflag to New Zealand after a four year transition period.

“This will mean these vessels will be subject to the full range of New Zealand law, including employment relations and workplace health and safety law.”

More information is available here.

A formal Arrangement covering areas for cooperation in the Southern Ocean has been signed by Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) and the Korea Coast Guard.

MNZ, through the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ), has been working with the Korea Coast Guard to formalise agreement over cooperation on Search and Rescue, oil spill response, and maritime incident response in the region.

A delegation from the Korea Coast Guard is in New Zealand this week. The Arrangement was signed in Wellington today (13 December).and was followed by a visit to RCCNZ in Avalon. On Friday, 14 December in Auckland, they will visit Ports of Auckland, the New Zealand Coastguard’s marine rescue centre and MNZ’s Marine Pollution Response Unit.

MNZ Director and Chief Executive Keith Manch said the idea of an Arrangement was raised by the Korean delegation in May 2011 when New Zealand hosted the first bilateral meeting to discuss Antarctic issues.

“It’s important to understand the challenges of operating in the Southern Ocean with its remoteness and unpredictable conditions. This Arrangement will help boost understanding of how the New Zealand SAR response system works and the support and response resources available,” Mr Manch said.

“Relationship-building with Korea on maritime safety issues is an important step to improving safety in a region where New Zealand has extensive SAR coordination responsibility. Good communication is the foundation of this Arrangement.”

Korean vessels have been involved in two incidents managed by RCCNZ in recent years. The Insung No 1 sank in the Ross Sea in December 2009, with the loss of 21 crew, and in January this year the Jung Woo 2 caught fire in the Ross Sea, killing three people, with 37 rescued.

This year six Korean vessels are expected to enter the Ross Sea toothfish fishery, and the Korean icebreaker Araon will also be in the area, accompanying a supply ship supporting the construction of Korea’s Jang Bogo station, and tourist vessels in the Ross Sea region.

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) is inviting industry to have its say on a series of regulatory changes to seafarer certification planned for implementation next year.

Both the planned Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) and Operational Limits (QOL) framework – to be known as SeaCert – come into effect on 1 July 2013.

MNZ Director Keith Manch says the new framework will stay relevant despite a changing industry.

“As we move into 2013, MNZ will be increasingly intelligence-led, with a strong focus on risk and the achievement of safety, security and environmental outcomes.”

The four rules which have been released for consultation are:

• Part 20: Operating limits
• Part 31: Crewing and watchkeeping
• Part 32: Seafarer certification
• Part 35: Training and examinations.

These rules give effect to the SeaCert framework, which since April 2009, has already had substantial public and industry input. The aim of this consultation is to ensure that the rules accurately reflect what is intended by the policy.

“When it comes to compliance, we have a range of tools available – from liaison to enforcement. Our goal is to ensure that we use the right tool, at the right time, to achieve the best possible compliance outcomes,” said Mr Manch.

Have your say

The consultation period is open until 25 January 2013.  The proposed rules, their invitations to comment, a revised version of the SeaCert framework, and a table of changes since the 2011 QOL framework, are all available on the consultation page for feedback.

Seafarer certification (Qualifications and operational limits) Consultation

We encourage you to participate by sending us your views by clicking the above link, to help ensure New Zealand has a world-class certification system that is easy to understand and administer.

Key issues

Part 20: Operational limits

A new specified limit has been introduced to cater for very restricted operations close to shore, and three new defined limits have been added to the existing defined inshore limits.

The coastal limit has been redefined at a uniform 50 nautical miles from the coast of New Zealand and the Chatham Islands, with the offshore limit extended to the outer limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone. The ‘unlimited’ limit will extend from this new offshore limit.

Seasonal commercial operations will be able to apply for a temporary extension to a defined limit, and local authorities and port companies will be able to obtain extended limits.

Part 31: Crewing and watchkeeping

The original Part 31 was in three parts, which have been consolidated into a single rule that mirrors the structure for the proposed new Part 31: Seafarer certification. This is better aligned to international conventions and standards. The new rule covers general crewing and other requirements, such as fitness for duty, hours of rest, foreign certificates and minimum safe crewing documents.

Part 32: Seafarer certification

This rule part sets out the final seafarer certification system – SeaCert – which has assessment of competence at its heart. It will be necessary to demonstrate competence to gain and maintain a certificate, and to move to a higher certificate. Certificates will clearly set out associated privileges – what you can do and where you can go.

Seafarers working in restricted limits will be most affected by the new SeaCert framework, with improved entry to commercial operations and clearer career progression.

SeaCert also aligns with international standards, particularly STCW-10 (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) and STCW-F, maintaining New Zealand’s ongoing ‘white list’ status.

Part 35: Training and examinations

Part 35 sets out the roles of various agencies as they relate to New Zealand’s seafarer training and examinations. Part 35 has been revised to align with the requirements in Part 32. This includes requirements around course approvals by MNZ; and MNZ’s regulatory oversight of training providers, which complements the roles of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and industry training organisation Competenz, and training providers.

Taken together, these maritime rules form a complete package that will enable seafarers and employers in the commercial shipping and fishing sectors to benefit from:

• the removal of unnecessary barriers to entry and career progression
• competency-based rather than prescriptive experience requirements
• recognition of all relevant sea-going experience
• qualifications that match contemporary industry needs
• a simpler, more logical certification structure.

For further information contact:
Maritime New Zealand Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318

The crew of a 13.7 metre (45ft) yacht en route from Fiji to Opua spent an anxious night manually pumping water out of the vessel after it began taking on water and lost power, 54km east of North Cape.

The Freedom Hunter, a sloop with three people on board, is being escorted to Mangonui, after the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) dispatched the New Zealand Coastguard vessel Bay Rescue from Kerikeri with pumping equipment.

The yacht first alerted Maritime Radio it was taking on water at around midnight, and RCCNZ tasked Northern Emergency Services Trust (NEST) helicopter from Whangarei to make an attempt to winch pumping equipment to the crew but conditions did not allow this to happen.

A French yacht, Confiance, later rendezvoused with the Freedom Hunter, shadowing it during the night.

RCCNZ search and rescue mission coordinator John Ashby said the crew were tired but relieved.

“It would have been a frightening experience for the crew, and hard work to keep pumping manually for more than eight hours,” he said. “The plan now is to get the yacht to Mangonui and assess it for damage.”

The vessels are likely to reach Mangonui around 1pm.

It is not known what caused the yacht to take on water.

The Freedom Hunter is a New Zealand yacht. No information is available about the crew.