Maritime Rules Amendments 2025 (No 3) have been signed and are now in force. They replace nine expired general exemptions and bring their requirements into the Maritime Rules.
The Maritime New Zealand updates formalise practices already used in the sector, clarify safety and technical expectations, remove outdated radio requirements, and streamline parts of the certification and training pathway.
The changes, made in December last year, address issues created by expired General Exemptions which are more appropriately dealt with under Maritime Rules.
Amendments that came into force this year
28 January 2026
- GE-01-17: Egress or means of escape for passenger accommodation
- GE-02-17: Means of launching the rescue boat on ships operating up to restricted coastal limits
- GE-06-17: Egress or means of escape for passenger accommodation
- GE-07-17: Breathing apparatus set and firefighters’ outfit
- GE-13-20: Anchor chain cables and accessories, testing and marking
- GE-20-20: MF/HF radio in respect of Narrow-band Direct Printing
31 March 2026
- GE-05-20: Sea Service and prior certification for Integrated Rating Certificate
- GE-06-20: Training Record Book requirement for a MEC 3 certificate
- GE-08-20: Training requirements – Deck watch rating, Able seafarer deck, Engine room watch rating, Able seafarer engine, and Electro-technical rating
Download the new amendments:
