New Marine Protection Rules apply to recreational boat owners who use their boats in the sea. The key rules for recreational boats limit the emission of harmful sulphur oxides (SOx) from fuel use and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from engines. Both harm human health and the marine environment.
The Part 199 Rules are based on the international convention MARPOL Annex VI, which seeks to reduce emissions from ships and boats around the world.
Engines
Engines installed after 1 January 2023
After 1 January 2023, if you install a new or used engine over 130kW (174.3hp) on your boat, it must come with the following documentation:
For a compression-ignition (diesel) engine – an approved Technical File showing the engine’s NOx emissions are within the limits of the IMO Tier II standard.
For a spark-ignition (petrol) engine, a manufacturer’s declaration or certificate of conformity document showing the engine meets one of these regulations: O Directive 2013/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on recreational craft and personal watercraft; Stage II or higher – O USA EPA Air Pollution Controls 40 CFR Part 1045 – Control of emissions from spark-ignition propulsion marine engines and vessels; Tier 2 or higher – O Australian Product Emissions Standards Rules 2017.
Engines installed before 1 January 2023
If your boat has an engine over 130kW (174.3hp) that was installed between 19 May 2005 and 1 January 2023, you can continue to use that engine until 2032, whether it has the above documentation or not.
After that, if you still have an engine without the required documentation it will need to be replaced by one that does. Note:
• If you have a compression-ignition engine installed between 19 May 2005 and 1 January 2011, the Technical File can show it meets the IMO Tier I standard instead of Tier II.
• If your engine was installed before 19 May 2005 (or before 1 January 2011 if it is a spark-ignition engine) and it has not been significantly modified since then, you don’t need documentation for it and can keep using it until it needs replacing.
Talk to your engine supplier to ensure the engine you buy comes with the right documents.
Fuel
Using petrol, diesel or gaseous fuel (CNG/LNG/LPG) is fine, and you won’t need to change anything. If your boat uses heavier fuel oils, talk to your fuel supplier to make sure the fuel is MARPOL Annex VI compliant.
For further information: https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/airpollution or talk to your engine supplier to ensure the engine complies with the new rules.
