Undergoing a safety inspection has evolved significantly from the late John Lidgard’s experience prior to the start of the first Auckland to Suva yacht race in 1956. In his memoirs It’s in the Blood he described the process thus:
Yacht designer Bert Woollacott was the inspector. A fine old gentleman and designer of several of the starters, he looked down at us from the wharf and said, “You would have your tools, wouldn’t you John?”
“Yes Bert.”
“OK,” he said, and he was off to the next boat.
Safety gear as we know it today was non-existent but safety equipment and the inspection process have changed considerably since then.
Yachting NZ bows out
Up until 30 June 2024, Yachting New Zealand (YNZ) was delegated authority by the Director of Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) to undertake inspections using the World Sailing racing-derived safety rules and issue Category 1 safety certificates for departing recreational vessels. The certificate was a prerequisite to obtaining Customs clearance for departure from New Zealand. Angus Willison’s article What Cat 1 Inspectors Want in Boating NZ, March 2024 detailed the process and requirements.
The requirement for assessments derives from the Maritime Transport Act 1994, Section 21, where, in summary, the Director of MNZ is required to be satisfied that the vessel, the safety equipment it carries, and the crew of a pleasure vessel departing on an overseas voyage are adequate for the intended voyage.
The process changed as of July 1, 2024 when YNZ declined to renew its delegated powers with MNZ to undertake safety assessments for recreational vessels. See sidebar for David Abercrombie’s statement.
MNZ now directly undertakes the inspection process using its own adequacy standards for the vessel, safety equipment and crew, and issuing an ‘International Voyage Certificate’ (IVC), to confirm compliance with those requirements.
Although Yachting New Zealand and MNZ maintain otherwise, some cruisers insist they were taken aback by YNZ’s announcement in late June, insisting the change was made at short notice and without adequate involvement or communication with them as stakeholders. But, says Eduan Roos, YNZ Communications Manager, along with MNZ, they expended considerable effort to communicate with clubs, yacht inspectors and racing committees over more than three months, holding meetings, sending emails and letters, and publishing articles in print and online.
Nevertheless, the changes remain a hot topic for discussion. “This change has been the most common item of discussion at sundowners and potluck parties amongst the offshore cruising community during the 2024 cruising season,” reports Jeremy Thatcher (S/V Kokorua). “There has been a lot of speculation whether it [IVC] is ‘all too hard’ or ‘too expensive’ and suggestions of transferring vessel registrations to a ‘flag of convenience’ register, Poland being the current preferred option, to avoid the requirement for inspection”.
The writer is considering taking his own yacht offshore again and wondered how the new process would work. Fortunately, discussions with Mark Rothwell, the Auckland area MNZ Vessel Adequacy Assessor (they are no longer called inspectors), have largely allayed his concerns around obtaining an IVC.
These concerns were shared by many potential Island Cruising New Zealand’s (ICNZ) rally participants, reports ICNZ Director Viki Moore, who expended significant effort clarifying issues around the IVC with MNZ.
To complete this article, the writer sought further clarification and advice, provided by Jason Lunjevich, MNZ Manager – General Regulatory Operations, Northern Region.
International Voyage Certificate
MNZ has established a dedicated web page for recreational vessels departing for overseas (see panel at the foot of this article) which provides details of the procedures and documentation.
MNZ’s requirements are provided in their document Applying for an International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft) Applications (the Guide), which replaces YNZ’s Safety Regulations.
MNZ requires the following steps to issue the IVC:
• Complete the application form found in Applying for an International Voyage Certificate on MNZ’s webpage and submit it to the MNZ email: RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz
• Upon receipt of a payment link from MNZ,
pay the $490 application fee.
• The assessor then reviews the application and subject to it satisfying requirements makes contact to arrange the physical assessment.
• Undergo the vessel ‘out of water’ and ‘equipment’ physical assessment in one visit.
• Provide the skipper’s declaration that training drills have been completed for all crew and confirmation of closeout of any items arising from the onsite assessment.
• If adequacy standards are satisfied MNZ issues an International Voyage Certificate.
The onsite assessment process
MNZ has highlighted that skippers need to lodge their applications well in advance of their intended voyages and no less than three months prior to their intended departure date. Furthermore, application should be made at least a month prior to the intended assessment date.
The actual onsite assessment date can be arranged at relatively short notice with the assessor, typically one to two weeks depending upon haul-out location. MNZ emphasises the inspection is not a survey, and if you have any doubts about structural or seaworthiness issues you should consult with a surveyor or other qualified person. The assessment can take place up to three months ahead of the planned departure date.
MNZ recognises that you may not have all equipment on hand for the inspection e.g. purchase/servicing of the liferaft. Items such as these would be recorded as an exception and evidence of completion can be provided at same time as lodging the ‘Training Drills Declaration’ and request for IVC. However, to save cruisers time and money, MNZ recommends applicants are as well prepared as possible at the time of assessment. Similarly, MNZ recognises crew may not be finalised at time of application and you have the flexibility to confirm final qualified crew (and their completion of training drills) when lodging the declaration.
Clarifications
Vessel suitability – Vessels in good seaworthy condition, having previously obtained Cat 1 certificates or of a design that has done so, should have no difficulty passing the inspection. MNZ says, “The Vessel Adequacy Assessors can determine if a boat design is suitable for offshore conditions, and some designs and builds completed at home by unqualified people may be considered unsuitable. Old vessels with compromised structural integrity may also be considered unsuitable”.
Single Handers – MNZ says “may obtain an IVC if MNZ assessors are assured that they can comply with all Maritime Rules, such as lookout and collision avoidance.”
Offshore Racers – An IVC is required as evidence that the vessel, equipment and crew has been assessed as adequate for the intended voyage under s.21 of the MTA since a Cat 1 certificate no longer can be used for this purpose. With adequate notice the MNZ Vessel Adequacy Assessor would endeavour to undertake the s.21 assessment at the same time as the Cat 1 out of water inspection.
Motor Yachts/Launches – The guide states “If you do not have a secondary source of power, it does not necessarily stop you from obtaining an IVC, but you may be required to give us further information”. MNZ says “As launches do not have another form of propulsion (such as sails), our assessment process focuses on the engine(s) and fuel of those vessels”.
What constitutes an inspection ‘fail’? – MNZ says “An assessment is determined as failed when there is a deficiency in safety equipment, vessel seaworthiness or crew competency that has not or cannot be addressed before intended departure”. In other words, a ‘fail’ is likely if there are unresolved structural issues and/or major shortcomings with required fixed equipment/safety gear, or a failure to meet any element of the crewing adequacy requirements.
Vessel Assessor coverage – there are currently three assessors, 1. Tim Bingham, Bay of Islands and Whangarei, 2. Mark Rothwell, Greater Auckland and 3. Dave Duncan, Marlborough. In relation to onsite assessments for vessels outside these areas MNZ says, “They are currently required to travel to an assessor.” So, if you are based in say, Tauranga, you will need to undertake the inspection in Auckland or Northland regions.
IVC status should vessel have to return to NZ – MNZ says, “The certificate is valid for 60 days from issue for a single departure only.” So, if a boat returns to NZ, it will require a new IVC to depart again. The cost may be reduced to $245 in some circumstances.
Offshore Registration – the Guide states: “All New Zealand owned pleasure vessels going on an overseas voyage must be registered as a New Zealand ship with the Registrar of Ships under the Ship Registration Act 1992 under either Part A or Part B.”
Revisions to Rules – On the MNZ web page there is the advice that an online application form is being developed – it should be completed by the time you read this article.
Conclusion
The differences in requirements to obtain an IVC compared with Cat 1, beyond skipper’s experience and qualifications, and some additional form filling, are minor. Possibly the biggest issue is vessels normally located outside the assessors’ respective area having to travel to the assessor.
With their limited resources, MNZ highlighted the need to make applications and arrange inspections in a timely manner and not leave it all to the last minute. As always, if you need to attend Sea Survival and/or First Aid courses, make sure you book these well in advance.
MNZ also remind owners that they are a ‘regulator’ not an advisor, a role Cat 1 inspectors sometimes took in the past. So, if you are planning an offshore passage for autumn-winter 2025, lodge your application as soon as possible.
Commentary from Island Cruising NZ
Since approximately 60% of the vessels obtaining Cat 1 certificates in 2024 were ICNZ rally participants, I asked ICNZ’s Viki Moore for her comments.
On IVC: Moore says she has always been a big fan of the Cat 1 Safety Regulations and now too of the International Voyage Certificate. “New Zealand is surrounded by
a serious piece of the Southern Ocean, and
I believe that ensuring vessels achieve a high safety standard prior to heading offshore most certainly saves lives.”
Much of the rally’s pre-departure content focuses on preparing the skippers, vessels and their crew to ‘Cat 1’ standard, and while internationally-registered vessels are not required to meet this standard before heading offshore, Moore encourages everyone to get as close as they can to this level.
“There has been a lot of misinformation over the years about Cat 1 and also now the IVC standard,” Moore says. “The assessors have always recognised that every vessel is different, and it is almost impossible to write a standard that would cover every different kind of vessel out there. Flexibility is key and the regulations are not set in stone but are rather a high bar to aim for. Skippers should not be afraid of going through the process and it is great to have a second pair of experienced eyes look over your boat to ensure it is well set up for the adventures ahead.”
On offshore registration: “I recognise that people have a choice as to whether they register their vessels offshore, or stay as a New Zealand-registered vessel,” Moore says. “I’d love for people to be able to fly the NZ flag with pride and not be put off by the IVC. There really isn’t anything in there that you’d want to skip when you are heading offshore, and there are many benefits to keeping things simple when it comes to registering your vessel,” she says.
Vessel registration provides nationality:
a registered ship that travels overseas has the protection of their flag state’s government. “Your vessel effectively becomes a little floating part of that country, and the laws of that country apply on board. So, while registering in Poland to avoid going through the process might look appealing, things could get complicated if you end up having to deal with Polish law at some stage down the track!”
Statement from David Abercrombie, Yachting NZ
Yachting New Zealand is not a regulatory body, and, as the arrangement with Maritime New Zealand was drawing to a close, we couldn’t maintain the status quo long-term.
The decision to return the section 21 delegation to Maritime New Zealand was not taken lightly and was done after thorough communication with stakeholders over several months, including with yacht inspectors, Maritime New Zealand, Yachting New Zealand board members, and prominent members of the offshore sailing community.
After these discussions, and with the current five-year delegation expiring on 30 June 2024, Yachting New Zealand made the difficult decision not to renew the delegation. As previously noted, Yachting New Zealand is not a regulatory body, and we believe this regulatory function is best managed by the industry’s regulatory body, Maritime New Zealand.
For many years, the cost of administering the programme had become prohibitive based on the income received. Though this decision affects only a small number of sailors and affiliated yacht clubs running offshore events and offshore cruising boats annually, the resource required to manage the yacht inspector programme was significant.
We remain committed to safety support and education for racing and cruising members in preparation for inshore and offshore events. Yachting New Zealand will continue to oversee category 1-5 inspections for race boats, in line with the Safety Regulations of Sailing, and will continue to work with Maritime New Zealand to support the transition as needed.”
The requirements
MNZ requirements are similar in most respects to YNZ Category 1, but there have been some changes.
• The skipper must be offshore experienced and hold current Sea Survival and First Aid certificates.
• There must be a second crew member who i) demonstrates sufficient experience and competency to take command if the skipper is incapacitated, or ii) holds an RYA/IYT Yachtmaster coastal or offshore certificate. Solo skippers may gain certification if they meet requirements.See ‘Single-handers’ below.
• Requirement for Sea Survival certification remains at minimum two persons or 30% of crew, whichever is the greater; STCW certificate also accepted.
• Requirement for a minimum of two crew members to hold current Offshore Medic or equivalent certificate remains unchanged, skipper now obligatory, two-day Workplace or STCW First Aid certificates also accepted.
• Out of Water inspection – no change in criteria.
• Large cabin window shuttering – continues to be on a case by case basis.
• Storm sails – is storm jib/and/or other storm sail as applicable in order to maintain heading and steerage?
• Offshore First Aid Kit – no list of prescription medicines.
• Flares – LED flares accepted by U.S. Coast Guard and other authorities can be considered in lieu of the red hand-held flares.
• Offshore Communications – can be any of SSB, Sat Phone, or SEND devices such as Iridium Go/Exec, Garmin InReach or Spot X with a current subscription. Starlink is not recognised for this purpose.
• Gas installation – A gas detector is required if a gas bottle/s carried onboard is used inside the vessel. No detector is needed if an externally-carried gas bottle is used only for an external BBQ. Gas appliances should comply with current regulations and be installed by a registered gas fitter.
• Self-declaration that drills have been completed.
• Voyage Plan to be provided.
MNZ’s responses to Alan’s questions
Responses courtesy of Jason Lunjevich, Maritime NZ Manager – General Regulatory Operations Northern Region.
Our advice to skippers considering an overseas voyage is to read the guidance on our website about the International Voyage Certification (pleasure craft) (IVC) carefully, and start to prepare your application as early as possible. That includes enrolling early for sea survival and first aid courses, as they tend to fill up quickly.
We recommend you submit your IVC application at least three months before you intend to start your journey, even if there are outstanding items such as getting crew training or essential equipment to buy. An application can be submitted up to six months before the intended departure to allow time to plan, prepare and satisfy all requirements.
Once your application and IVC fee are received, you will get
a response from Maritime NZ and be in line for processing.
Liaise with your Assessor around haul-out dates for the physical assessment and let them know once any outstanding items on your application are completed. This is obviously likely to include the crew safety drills as some crew might not join the vessel until close to the departure date.
The IVC is valid for 60 days and starts from the day it is issued. Applicants can apply for a one-off extension to the validity period (up to 30 days) but there is a further fee payable.
The skipper’s crew drill declaration is likely to be the last item on many applications and must include the names of everyone departing. This ensures anyone joining a boat is familiarised with safety procedures and equipment before you set off.
If the vessel is well prepared for the assessment and the requirements are met, the cost is $490. The fee covers the cost of processing the application, including a single visit to the ship. If any of the requirements for an IVC are not met, your application will be declined and a new IVC application will be required.
If a boat needs to return to New Zealand shortly after its departure but wishes to return to its voyage, even within the 60-day period, a new IVC will be needed. The fee and extent of the application will depend on circumstances, including whether or not there are any material changes to vessel or crew.
Race boats voyaging overseas need a Category 1 Certificate from Yachting NZ and an International Voyage Certificate from Maritime NZ. We can liaise with skippers to try to align inspections.
For more information visit www.maritimenz.govt.nz/recreational/boating-basics/taking-your-boat-overseas
Words by Alan Sexton. Photography by supplied
No wonder owners are registering offshore. I am pro safety but looking at the rules gave me a headache. I have completed a number of voyages on various yachts to overseas destinations and weathered many a blow. My worst experiences have, though, occurred on the coast. No inspection needed. Saddened to hear that YNZ handed back the responsibility for Cat’ 1 exams.