Ships and Vessels

All vessels (commercial or recreational) entering New Zealand are required to meet a number of obligations prior to and on arrival.

Vessels MUST arrive at an approved port of first arrival unless they have obtained approval before arrival to enter New Zealand at another specified place.

Please note that there are additional requirements for cruise ships and offshore oil exploration rig operators.

The Arrival Process

Before your arrival

• Yachts - see separate process

All other arriving vessels (masters or agents) must send an Advance Notice of Arrival 48 hours before estimated time of arrival to three different government agencies: New Zealand Customs Service , Ministry of Health (Health Protection Officer) and MAFBNZ.

The MAFBNZ copy must be sent (preferably by email) to the MAFBNZ office at the planned port of entry.

New Zealand has strict conditions regarding the discharge of ballast water. The Ballast Water Import Health Standard requires inbound vessels to formally submit their intentions around ballast water at least 48 hours before arrival along with the Advance Notice of Arrival.

Therefore if your vessel carries ballast water you will be required to submit Part One of the Ballast Water Declaration form 48 hours out from New Zealand.

If you are intending to discharge ballast water within New Zealand waters, you will also need to complete Part Two of the Ballast Water Declaration. Where MAFBNZ is satisfied that the declaration shows that ballast water tanks have been treated by exchange with mid-ocean water, permission will be granted to release ballast water in New Zealand waters, including before arrival in port, should the need arise. Do not discharge ballast unless you have received this permission. See guide to New Zealand Ballast Water Controls.

As well as the two pre-arrival documents (the Advance Notice of Arrival and the Ballast Water Declaration), there are other documents you will be asked to complete on arrival:

• A Master's declaration.
• Passenger Arrival cards for all passengers and crew disembarking in New Zealand.

Where a vessel does not berth immediately and goes to anchor, clearance may be delayed for 48 hours after the Master has been informed of any requirements for storage of refuse, and agrees in writing to comply with those conditions.

On arrival

When you have arrived at your first port of arrival, all people and goods must remain onboard until clearance has been completed, unless there is an emergency situation.

Do not land any refuse within New Zealand territorial waters except by the approved method of the Port being visited. Whilst awaiting collection aboard the vessel, the refuse must be held in such a manner as to preclude access to the refuse by animals, including vermin, birds and insects.

Galley waste disposal units and direct outflow chutes are not approved for use in port or within three miles of the coast and must be sealed.

Wood packaging material (includes dunnage, pallets, fillets, spacers etc) for entry to New Zealand must meet New Zealand's requirements for treatment and certification.

MAFBNZ Biosecurity Inspectors and New Zealand Customs Service officers will board the vessel and meet with the Master or their representative to review and complete documentation. They may:

• Inspect the decks and holds for pest organisms
• Inspect galleys, and provision areas
• Examine animals, aquarium fish, reptiles and birds if present
• Assess and inspect vessel refuse system
• Inspect all dunnage, wood packaging, pallets and timber
• Inspect bicycles and sports gear for landing or use in New Zealand
• Inspect any baggage or belongings of specified passengers and landing crew
• Inspect ship's logs relating to ballast water

Passengers and crew intending to disembark will be asked to complete their arrival cards and present them to a MAFBNZ Biosecurity Inspector. For cruise passengers and crew see www.biosecurity.govt.nz/enter/ships/cruise.

You will not be allowed to take any stores (including food) or plants from the vessel without written approval by the MAFBNZ Inspector.

There are no charges for routine clearance of vessels at approved ports of first arrival. There will be charges for vessels that need to be cleared at anchor.

Arrival at subsequent New Zealand ports

Vessels that are not fully cleared (such as most commercial trading vessels and passenger vessels) remain under biosecurity surveillance and will be permitted to only visit other approved Ports of First Arrival.

Before departure from New Zealand

Ensure all ballast water discharges have been entered into the Ballast Water Declaration Part 2 before it is uplifted at the port of departure.

For further information:
Qualified MAFBNZ Biosecurity Inspectors are available to respond to your enquiries 24 hours a day, seven days a week by contacting them through one of the email addresses or phone numbers listed under the Ports of First Arrival.

Page last updated: 17 December 2008