Boat hire rules in Wellington
6 rules for hire businesses in Wellington, from 1 official sources — on top of the rules that apply everywhere in New Zealand.
Rules in Wellington
Jet skis (PWC)
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Each hire jet ski must display its own number on both sides above the waterline: either its trailer registration number or a PWC registration number from the council (or another regional council with an equivalent scheme). Numbers must be at least 90 mm high, in a contrasting colour and readable from 50 m.
Show the official wording
“5.4.1 The owner and person in charge of every personal water craft being used on the waters of the Region must display a distinctive individual number, which must be either the registration number of the personal water craft's trailer, or a PWC registration number.”
Safety equipment on board
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Every vessel must carry at least two suitable means of communication that work from anywhere in its operating area and last the whole trip. On vessels under 6 m they must still work after being submerged in sea water. A non-powered vessel used within a harbour or within 1000 m of the coast needs only one waterproof means. Equip your hire craft, or brief hirers, accordingly.
Show the official wording
“2.15.1 Every person in charge of a vessel must ensure that at least two appropriate means of communication is carried on board the vessel that: (a) provides the ability to communicate with land based and/or seaborne parties from any point within the area the vessel will be operated; and (b) in the case of vessels under 6 metres in length, is able to be operated following submersion in sea water; and (c) is adequate to provide communications for the duration of the voyage.”
Permits and licences for the business
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Before you start hiring out vessels, notify the Harbourmaster and give details of the activities you plan and where you will operate.
Show the official wording
“5.3.1 Any person intending to operate a vessel for hire or reward must notify the Harbourmaster before commencing the activity, and provide details of the proposed activities and operating locations.”
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If a vessel you hire out is not covered by a licensing regime under the Maritime Rules (such as a Maritime Transport Operator Certificate) or the Amusement Devices Regulations, you need a Commercial Vessel Safety Licence from the Harbourmaster. The Harbourmaster can attach safety conditions, such as a safe operating plan. A licence lasts up to 12 months.
Show the official wording
“5.3.2 Any vessel operated for hire or reward that is not subject to a licencing regime under Maritime Rules (including but not limited to a Maritime Transport Operator Certificate), the Amusement Devices Regulations 1978, or any similar legislation must obtain a Commercial Vessel Safety Licence from the Harbourmaster.”
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Whether or not you hold a Commercial Vessel Safety Licence, the Harbourmaster may ban or set conditions on how your hire vessels are used, for maritime safety.
Show the official wording
“5.3.5 For the purpose of ensuring maritime safety the Harbourmaster may prohibit or impose conditions on the use or operation of any vessel for hire or reward, regardless of whether or not a Commercial Vessel Safety Licence has been issued in respect of that vessel.”
Reporting accidents
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After a collision, sinking, grounding, stranding, a dangerous defect, or damage to a navigation aid or structure, notify the Harbourmaster as soon as practicable and within 48 hours at the latest. This is in addition to notifying Maritime NZ.
Show the official wording
“must, as well as complying with any accident reporting requirements of the Maritime Transport Act 1994, as soon as is practicable or at least within 48 hours notify the occurrence to the Harbourmaster.”
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; Wellington Harbour Radio (Beacon Hill) VHF 14 in Wellington Harbour
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 have not confirmed whether the Harbourmaster publishes standard conditions for Commercial Vessel Safety Licences for kayak, SUP or other unpowered hire.
The bylaw's lifejacket rules (cl. 2.1) are written for pleasure craft and recreational craft. Hired powered boats and jet skis are not pleasure craft, so check with the Harbourmaster which lifejacket rules apply to them.
We have not reviewed the Wellington region's local speed areas, access lanes and reserved areas for hire-specific restrictions.
Official bodies
Who makes and enforces these rules.
- Greater Wellington Regional Council – HarbourmasterWellington Regional Navigation Safety Bylaws 2021, Commercial Vessel Safety Licences, PWC registrationgw.govt.nz ↗
- Maritime New Zealandnational rules, Maritime Transport Operator Certificates (MOSS), incident notifications (national file)maritimenz.govt.nz ↗
Questions operators ask
What are the rules for jet ski hire in Wellington?
Each hire jet ski must display its own number on both sides above the waterline: either its trailer registration number or a PWC registration number from the council (or another regional council with an equivalent scheme). Numbers must be at least 90 mm high, in a contrasting colour and readable from 50 m. Source: gw.govt.nz, checked 18 October 2026.
Do I need a permit to hire out boats in Wellington?
Before you start hiring out vessels, notify the Harbourmaster and give details of the activities you plan and where you will operate. Source: gw.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 Wellington (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.
Fleet is a pilot: we are building it with a small group of operators for next season. No prices yet.