Maritime & Fisheries · Employer knowledge

Vessel, survey & equipment

Connect the vessel’s survey, design, construction, safety equipment and operating limits to the Maritime Rules that actually apply to that vessel and operation.

Maritime NZ identifies Maritime Rule Part 40D as the principal design, construction and equipment rule for New Zealand fishing ships registered under the Fisheries Acts, other than eel-fishing boats. It sets vessel requirements and safety-equipment requirements that depend on matters including the vessel and its operating limits.

Maritime NZ also notes that larger fishing vessels can be subject to additional or different design and construction requirements under other Maritime Rule Part 40 provisions. Operators should therefore confirm the applicable design Part with their Recognised Surveyor or Class Society rather than assuming Part 40D is the only rule relevant to every vessel.

Fishing-vessel operators also need to manage stability, loading constraints and distribution of catch. Survey and certification do not replace the operator’s responsibility to keep the vessel, equipment and operation within the conditions and limits that apply.

What should an operator have in place?

Applicable vessel rulesIdentify the Part 40 design, construction and equipment requirements that apply to each vessel, including any additional requirements arising from vessel size or type.

Survey & certificationMaintain the required survey arrangements and certificate of survey where applicable, and address survey conditions, defects or limitations through the recognised survey process.

Safety equipmentCarry and maintain the safety equipment required for the vessel and its operating limits. Do not treat a generic equipment list as suitable for every vessel or operating area.

Stability & loadingManage loading, catch distribution and vessel stability within the vessel’s approved information and operating constraints, including changes that could affect stability or safe operation.

Manager check

Have we confirmed which Part 40 requirements apply to each vessel?
Is the required certificate of survey current and are any conditions understood by the people operating the vessel?
Is safety equipment appropriate to the vessel’s operating limits and maintained ready for use?
Are defects, modifications and significant equipment changes assessed through the appropriate survey/certification process?
Do skippers understand applicable operating limits, loading constraints and stability information?
Are catch loading and distribution managed so they do not undermine vessel stability?
Have we checked whether other Maritime or Marine Protection Rules add requirements for the vessel or operation?

Maritime Rule Part 40D →Maritime NZ: fishing vessel rules →Operator Safety System guide →Back to Maritime & Fisheries Hub

NZQC provides practical educational information. It is not legal advice and does not certify that a provider is compliant. Check the official source and the requirements that apply to your service, contracts and scope.