CAT 1 certification as it was colloquially known, is the certification that your vessel is required to achieve if you intent to take your vessel offshore – for example to the pacific islands. This has now been changed to an “International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft)” and is now the responsibility directly of Maritime New Zealand.
Your vessel is required to be sufficiently robust in construction and have a crew that is suitably qualified to make the passage – IE Offshore survival courses completed, ability to complete repairs etc.
A qualified inspector will check the vessel hull and design, tankage, mechanical and fitted systems, accommodation, spares retention and crew before giving the certification.
Once attained, the certification is generally valid for 60 days and the certification expires upon reaching your intended destination.
CAT 1 cert is not required to get back into NZ.
If you intend to take your vessel off-shore, to the pacific islands or beyond – speak to us about how we can get your boat passed through the CAT one certification and ensure that it’s safe for the intended passage.
We can fit polycarbonate shutters over your windows, install side deck fuel bladders with fuel pumps and ensure you have the right safety equipment installed.
Maritime New Zealand Update Regarding Changes to the Certification Process:
From 1 July 2024
Detailed information about the changes will be made available soon on the Maritime NZ and Yachting NZ’s websites, and through a range of other channels. Some key things to know at this time are:
- From 1 July 2024, if you want to take your recreational craft overseas you will need to apply to Maritime NZ for an International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft) (previously, you applied for a CAT I Certificate through a Yachting NZ Inspector).
- There is not intended to be any significant change to the vessel, safety equipment or crew adequacy requirements.
- There is also not expected to be a significant change in the costs associated with these processes at this time (noting that all fees are subject to review over time).
- Skippers and crew will experience some changes in terms of the process and documentation to be completed, and the terminology used for some things, however these are not intended to be burdensome and will be well-signalled.
- Maritime NZ is confident the process from 1 July 2024 will be efficient and fit-for-purpose for those seeking assessment under the section 21 requirements. To help ensure this though, we will be asking applicants to carefully check and follow updated guidance and processes from Maritime NZ when these are available.
- Maritime NZ has set up a dedicated email for skippers, crew and other interested members of the sector to contact us directly with your questions and enquiries, which is now active. You can contact us at: RecreationalInternationalVoyage@maritimenz.govt.nz
- Club safety remains a key focus for Yachting New Zealand, which will continue to manage their Category 1-5 inspections for boats competing in yacht races. If you are participating in a yacht race overseas (and your craft’s voyage starts in New Zealand), you will still need to meet the requirements under Section 21, and apply for an International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft).
Maritime NZ will be continuing to engage with the sector as it implements the new process. As with all regulatory settings, it will keep the Section 21 regime under review when opportunities arise, to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose; again with input from the sector.
