See Maritime Rules Part 22: Collision Prevention

Maritime Rules

Part 22 Collision Prevention

The rules can be downloaded as a PDF Maritime Rules, Part 22: Collision Prevention (247 KB)

Some (but not necessarily all) items that may affect kayakers –

Part 22 Collision Prevention

Effective 30 July 2009

22.9 Narrow channels

(1) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway must keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on its starboard side as is safe and practicable.

Note: this does not apply to some waterways such as the Avon River in Christchurch on some sections. This will be the same in other places around New Zealand and usually relate to an area where there might be rowing training or racing or other waterway users with special requirements.

(2) A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel must not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.

(3) A vessel engaged in fishing must not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.

(4) A vessel must not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within that channel or fairway. If the vessels are in sight of one another, the latter vessel may use the following sound signal as prescribed in rule 22.34(4) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel –

At least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. This may be supplemented by a light signal of at least five short and rapid flashes.

22.10 Traffic separation schemes

(5) A vessel may use the inshore traffic zone if it is –

(a) less than 20 metres in length;

22.18 Responsibilities between vessels

(1) a power-driven vessel underway must keep out of the way of –

(d) a sailing vessel or a vessel under oars; and

(2) a sailing vessel underway must keep out of the way of –

(a) a vessel not under command:

(b) a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre:

(c) a vessel engaged in fishing;

22.25 Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars

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(3) (a) A sailing vessel of less than 7 metres in length must if practicable, exhibit the sidelights and stern light as prescribed in rule 22.25(1),

But if it does not do so, it must have ready an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which must be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

(b) A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this rule for sailing vessels,

But if it does not do so, it must have ready an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which must be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.