As the Pacific sailing season is approaching, Maritime NZ is reminding anyone intending to take a recreational craft overseas that your vessel must be registered and have an International Voyage Certificate (IVC).

Please apply for your IVC at least three months before your intended voyage departure to allow time for the necessary safety assessment of the boat, safety equipment carried and crew.

If you plan to travel and intend to haul out your vessel in the coming months, we recommend applying for your IVC early. This may allow your IVC vessel assessment to be completed at the same time and help you avoid hauling out twice. The safety system changed in July 2024. Since then, skippers (Masters) apply to Maritime NZ for an IVC and safety assessment (previously they applied to Yachting NZ for assessment under what was
then called a CAT I Certificate).

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This process falls under Section 21 of the Maritime Transport Act, which is designed to support the safe passage of vessels and their crew when departing for overseas.

As part of the safety system, to apply for an IVC your vessel must be registered. All New Zealand-owned recreational vessels going on an overseas voyage must be registered as a ‘New Zealand ship’ under the Ship Registration Act 1992.

Registering your vessel gives you the protection of the New Zealand Government. The registration papers will provide proof of identity similar to a passport.