Maritime Transport Act 1994

Duties in relation to maritime activity - Duties in relation to accidents, incidents, etc

33: Reporting of dangers to navigation

You could also call this:

"Telling others about sea dangers to keep everyone safe"

Illustration for Maritime Transport Act 1994

You are in charge of a New Zealand ship or a foreign ship in New Zealand waters. You must tell other ships nearby and the closest radio station about any danger to navigation. This includes if a navigational aid is not working or is in the wrong place. You can get in trouble if you do not report a danger to navigation without a good reason. You might have to pay a fine of up to $10,000 if you are found guilty. This is a rule to help keep everyone safe at sea. If you are the master of a ship, you have a responsibility to report any dangers. You should report them as soon as possible to the closest radio station and other ships. This helps to prevent accidents and keep the sea safe for everyone.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM335682.

This page was last updated on 4 January 2026 — View changes

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Part 3Duties in relation to maritime activity
Duties in relation to accidents, incidents, etc

33Reporting of dangers to navigation

The master of a New Zealand ship and the master of a foreign ship in New Zealand waters shall report to ships in the vicinity, and the nearest radio communication station with which it is possible for the ship to communicate, any danger to navigation, including the failure or displacement of any navigational aid.
Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 who fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with this section.

Compare

1952 No 49 s 294
1987 No 184 s 14

Notes

Section 33(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).