Maritime NZ clarifies which operators can carry passengers during the America’s Cup

Photo: Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Maritime NZ is advising operators intending to carry fare paying passengers to watch the America’s Cup that they need to be in a recognised safety system.

Maritime NZ’s America’s Cup Programme Manager Kelly Garmonsway said anyone wanting to operate commercially during the cup will need to operate under MOSS – the Maritime Operator Safety System or another recognised safety system.

For current operators, if the MOSS plan states that the area of operation includes Auckland inshore limits and activities include carrying passengers, they can continue operating within the limits of their Maritime Transport Operator Plan during the America’s Cup.

If the current area of operation does not include Auckland’s inshore limits and/or activities do not include carrying passengers, the operators will instead need to update their MTOP (operator plan) and may need to apply for a single voyage permit to relocate to Auckland.

During the America’s Cup, Maritime NZ will be checking for unlawful operators and there will be consequences for any operator caught without the appropriate certification or exemption, Garmonsway said.

“Maritime NZ is focused on ensuring a safe, secure and clean America’s Cup event. We’re working to ensure that legitimate operators are easily identifiable to the public via a Look for the Flag campaign.

“We’re also reminding people how commercial operations and recreational boating are different. If you’re earning money or receiving any form of benefit from a third party from using your vessel, it’s likely to be commercial and you need to be in a safety system.”


Ausmarine

Published since 1978, Ausmarine is the foremost magazine servicing the Australian and New Zealand commercial, military and government marine sectors.