Boat hire rules in Marlborough
5 rules for hire businesses in Marlborough, from 1 official sources — on top of the rules that apply everywhere in New Zealand.
Rules in Marlborough
Briefing and checklist before each hire
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The master (for a hire, the hirer in charge) is responsible for the safety of everyone on board and for the safe operation of the vessel, including making sure lifejackets are carried and worn by those on board and by anyone being towed. Make this clear in your briefing.
Show the official wording
“1. The Master of a Vessel is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of every person onboard and for the safe operation of the … including the carriage and wearing of personal flotation devices by persons onboard the Vessel, and anyone being towed.”
Safety equipment on board
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Every vessel must carry equipment to reach a person on land at any time by two independent forms of communication from anywhere it will be used, and one of them must be electronic so it can reach emergency services. On vessels under 6 m, the equipment must still work after being submerged in sea water. A non-powered vessel within 200 m of shore needs only one waterproof means. Equip your hire craft accordingly.
Show the official wording
“a. To communicate using two independent forms of communication at any time with a land-based person from any area where the Vessel is intended to be operated; and”
Registering the craft
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Vessels must show an identifying name or number on each side above the waterline. Non-powered vessels and powered vessels with a removable outboard of 6 m or less, paddle craft and rowing boats are exempt from that, but only if they are marked with the owner's name and contact details somewhere on the vessel. Jet skis must show the identification prominently above the waterline.
Show the official wording
“3. Clauses 3.5.1 and 3.5.2 do not apply to the following Vessels, where the Vessel below is marked with the owner's name and contact details somewhere on the Vessel:”
Local rules and by-laws
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Near the Tory Channel entrance, a vessel must be able to communicate by VHF radio on channel 18. In the vicinity of French Pass, it must be able to use VHF channel 16. If your hire boats or charter yachts may go there, fit a VHF and brief hirers on these channels.
Show the official wording
“b. To communicate using a VHF radio on Marine VHF Channel 18 within the vicinity of Tory Channel entrance.”
Reporting accidents
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If one of your vessels is in an accident or incident that damages another vessel, a navigation aid or a structure, sinks or grounds a vessel, makes it unseaworthy, causes an obstruction or injures anyone (or could have), report it to the Harbourmaster verbally as soon as possible and in writing within 48 hours. You must still report to Maritime NZ as well.
Show the official wording
“1. The owner or Master of a Vessel must provide a report if the Vessel is involved in an Accident or Incident on navigable water that results or could result in:”
The national rules still apply
Everything on the New Zealand page applies here too: 35 rules · checked 18 October 2026
All national rules for New ZealandIn an emergency
111 and ask for Police, or VHF channel 16. VesselSOS is not a rescue service — teach your hirers to call for help the official way.
VHF channel 16; VHF 18 near the Tory Channel entrance
RCCNZ (Maritime NZ) 0508 472 269; Coastguard *500 for non-urgent help
Not confirmed yet
What we looked for and could not confirm from an official source. Ask the authority before you assume anything here.
We found no hire or charter licence in the Marlborough bylaw. Bareboat charter yachts and hire boats are covered by the national Maritime NZ rules (see the New Zealand page).
The bylaw's lifejacket-wearing rule (cl. 3.2) applies to pleasure craft. Hire boats are not pleasure craft, so check with the Harbourmaster which lifejacket rules apply to your hire vessels.
We have not reviewed the bylaw's speed areas, the Tory Channel and Picton harbour rules or the schedules for hire-specific restrictions.
Official bodies
Who makes and enforces these rules.
Questions operators ask
Do I have to brief hirers before a hire in Marlborough?
The master (for a hire, the hirer in charge) is responsible for the safety of everyone on board and for the safe operation of the vessel, including making sure lifejackets are carried and worn by those on board and by anyone being towed. Make this clear in your briefing. Source: marlborough.govt.nz, checked 18 October 2026.
For your hirers
Free safety pages on VesselSOS for the people who take your craft out — link them from your booking confirmation.
Boating rules in Marlborough (for your hirers) Boating rules in New ZealandLifejacket rulesBoating rules by regionHow to call CoastguardCoastguard trip reportFree tools for hire operators
Print a safety briefing card, a hire agreement template or a dock poster. Free, in your browser.
Safety briefing cardHire agreement & waiver templateDock poster All free toolsRun the hire day on one screen.
VesselSOS Fleet checks hirers out in 30 seconds and shows every craft live until it is back — your customers’ phones are the trackers.
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