Marlborough’s harbourmaster is reminding boaties to make sure their vessels carry identification before heading out this summer.
“This helps our team reunite people with lost kayaks and paddleboards and get in touch with boat owners if there is a problem,” harbourmaster Jake Oliver said in the council’s 4 November reminder.
Under the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2025, a boat must, unless an exemption below applies, show a name or number on both sides above the waterline. The characters must be at least 90mm high and readable by day from 50 metres, unless the identification complies with MNZ, foreign-authority or approved sporting-body requirements instead. It must be distinct to that vessel, and the maker’s brand or model doesn’t count.
Acceptable identification is an MNZ or equivalent foreign number or registered name, an approved sporting body’s identification or a radio call sign. Unless an exemption below applies, a trailer boat without one of those identifiers must display its trailer’s registration number. Boats that aren’t trailered, including those launched from haul-out trailers, can use their own name or number. Sporting-body ID needs a body the harbourmaster has approved, such as Canterbury Outboard Boating Club, listed in Harbour Notice 34 of 2025. A club name alone isn’t enough.
Small craft, jet skis and visitors
Non-powered boats up to 6m, powered boats up to 6m with a removable outboard, paddle craft and boats powered only by oars need only be marked with the owner’s name and contact details somewhere on the craft. The council has free identification stickers for smaller craft. Ask the harbour patrol team when you see them on the water.
Jet skis need their trailer registration number displayed prominently above the waterline. Those normally stored aboard another vessel can carry the mother vessel’s name or call sign instead.
Just visiting Marlborough? You can keep markings that meet your home region’s navigation bylaw identification requirements. You’ll also need the owner’s name and contact details marked on the boat.
Check out the media release on the Marlborough District Council’s website.
