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Everyone aboard a recreational craft six metres or shorter will soon be required to wear a properly fitted lifejacket under legislation passed by Parliament this month.
The Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Bill passed on September 2, creating a single national rule for small recreational craft.
The changes will take effect 28 days after the Bill receives Royal Assent, with the new requirement expected to be in place for the peak summer boating season.
In 2025, 17 people died in recreational craft incidents, with 12 of those people found not to be wearing a lifejacket.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager welcomed the Bill, describing it as a long-overdue step towards improving safety on the water.
“These are tragic and preventable deaths. This legislation creates one clear, simple national rule for everyone to follow, which is a common-sense and long overdue change.
“Lifejackets save lives, and making sure boaties wear one while out on the water is essential if we want to reduce the number of drownings in New Zealand.”
Maritime NZ will lead implementation planning alongside boating sector organisations to provide nationally consistent information about the new requirements.
Safer Boating Forum chair Sharyn Forsyth said the change will strengthen one of the sector’s most important safety messages.
“Tragically, on average, 17 people die each year in recreational craft incidents. Wearing a properly fitted lifejacket is a simple action that can make the difference when someone unexpectedly ends up in the water.”
Maritime NZ is encouraging boaties to prepare for the law change by checking everyone onboard the craft has the correct size and type of lifejacket and that it is in good condition.
Boaties are also advised to carry two waterproof ways of calling for help and check the marine weather forecast before heading out.
