Reminder that vessel identification rule in force in Waikato

As the weather warms up and summer approaches, boat owners in the Waikato are being reminded that all vessels must display a name or contact details.

The rule, enforceable from 1 July this year under Environment Waikato’s navigation safety bylaw and similar to an Auckland rule, is designed to make it easier to identify vessels needing assistance or those breaking rules covering water users.

Power-driven vessels larger than four metres and non-powered vessels larger than six metres will be required to display a name or similar identifying mark.

Smaller vessels not fitting the above description must be marked with emergency contact details and/or the owners’ name or contact details.

EW’s compliance and education manager Rob Dragten encouraged all water users to be familiar with the revised navigation safety bylaw which applies to the Waikato region’s harbours, rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

“The bylaw is about ensuring the safety of water users, so it’s important that all recreational waterway users are aware of the rules.” 

The revised navigation safety bylaw is available in full on Environment Waikato’s website www.ew.govt.nz/navbylaw.

The potential penalty for failing to observe the new identification rule is $200.