No licence is needed to skipper a recreational sailing boat in New Zealand. The skipper is legally responsible for the safety of the boat and everyone on board, and to use a marine VHF radio you need an operator certificate.
New Zealand does not require a licence or certificate to skipper a recreational boat, whatever its size. Commercial operations, such as taking paying passengers, are different and require the appropriate maritime qualifications.
Not needing a licence does not mean there are no rules. The skipper of a recreational boat is legally responsible for the safety of the boat and of everyone on board. In particular:
- Lifejackets: the national rules require a correctly sized lifejacket for every person on board, and local bylaws, including Auckland's, also require them to be worn on smaller boats in many situations. Check the current local rules.
- Collision regulations: you must follow the rules of the road, which in New Zealand are set out in Maritime Rules Part 22, and the speed limits and other rules in Part 91 and the local bylaws.
- Dangerous behaviour: a skipper who causes unnecessary danger, for example by operating a boat while affected by alcohol, can be prosecuted under the Maritime Transport Act.
VHF radio. To operate a marine VHF radio you need a radio operator certificate, gained by a short course and exam, and the boat needs a call sign. Anyone may use a VHF to call for help in an emergency.
Training. Although it is not compulsory, training makes a large difference to safety. Options include yacht club learn-to-sail courses, practical keelboat courses, and shore-based courses in seamanship, navigation, weather and the rules. For racing, clubs affiliated to Yachting New Zealand run their events under the Racing Rules of Sailing, and some events have safety requirements for boats and crews.
Also find out the rules where you plan to sail: harbours have their own bylaws, for example about channels, speed areas and mooring.
If you are hiring or chartering a boat, the operator will usually want evidence of experience before letting you take it out without a skipper.
More in the book: Chapter 11, Safety on board