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Council adopted the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2026 on 27 May 2026, coming into effect on 1 June 2026.

Otago is a boaties' paradise – but with the fun comes responsibility to keep you, passengers and whānau safe. This is why our Navigation Safety Bylaw is so important. 

 The Otago Regional Council updated the Navigation Safety Bylaw in 2026.

The key changes from the 2020 bylaw are:

  • A mandatory Automatic Identification System (AIS) to be carried by certain vessels in Otago Harbour
  • New restrictions on how long you can anchor in one spot in Otago Harbour and Ōamaru Harbour
  • A new online reporting system

The area covered by this bylaw covers all harbours along the Otago coast, 12 nautical miles out to sea, and Lake Dunstan in Central Otago. However, the bylaw excludes Queenstown Lakes District. The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has jurisdiction over all lakes and waterways in the Lakes district.

The bylaw regulates the movement of vessels on Otago's waters, including Otago Harbour, to encourage safety. This covers activities such as where to anchor, appropriate speed and when to wear a life jacket. 

The bylaw covers an area out to sea of up to 12 nautical miles out from the Otago Coast, between Clutha in the south and Waitaki in the north. Popular boating rivers in Otago, including the Taieri and the Clutha rivers are captured by the bylaw. The bylaw governs Lake Dunstan, but not Whakatipu, Wānaka or Hāwea, which are managed by Queenstown Lakes District Council.  

View Otago Navigation Safety Bylaw 2026

Cover ORC Navigation Safety Bylaw 2026
Otago Navigation Safety Bylaw 2026

May 2026

PDF | 18 MB

This Bylaw was developed under the Maritime Transport Act (1994). The Act gives Otago Regional Council (ORC) the authority to regulate ports, harbours, waters and maritime-related activities in the Otago Region.

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Key changes

These are some of the key changes in the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2026. For full details please read the bylaw. 

Automatic Identification System (AIS)

Some larger vessels and vessels licensed to carry passengers need to have an Automatic Identification System (AIS) operating when they are navigating in Otago Harbour.

The AIS technology will mean vessels can be plotted on a geo-tracking system. This will help them safely navigate around each other in the channels or waterways without mishap.

A lot of boats already have an AIS. The purpose of requiring it for some vessels is to improve navigational safety and vessel management in Otago Harbour. It will provide a better navigational traffic picture to ensure safer outcomes for boaties and their passengers.

For more information, see clause 23 of the bylaw.  

Anchoring rules

After 14-days anchoring in one place in Otago Harbour or Ōamaru Harbour, boats cannot return to the same place within six months. 

This is aimed at boaties continuously upping anchor and shifting to different locations around these harbours. Instead, boaties should contact the Harbourmaster to seek an appropriate solution for longer stays. 

For more information, see clause 19 of the bylaw. 

Online reporting

Maritime accidents, incidents or mishaps can be reported online via: orc.govt.nz/ReportMarineIncident  

For more information, see clause 5 of the bylaw.

Types of rules covered in bylaw

  • Notification of maritime accidents, incidents and mishaps
  • Who can be in charge of a vessel
  • Carrying personal flotation devices
  • Navigating rivers, fishing, swimming or diving around landing places
  • Obstructions that may endanger maritime safety
  • Identification of vessels
  • Anchoring and mooring
  • Speed limits
  • Reserved areas and access lanes
  • Moorings
  • Communication requirements for vessels in the Otago Harbour Shipping Channel 
  • Movements around ships
  • Fishing in Otago Harbour Shipping Channel
  • Lake Dunstan reserved areas
  • Lake Dunstan area speed limits
  • Offences and penalties 

How we got here

You can find the original proposal below, that went to Council end of 2025. 

If you would like more information about the bylaw changes, please contact the Harbourmaster: 

Phone: 0800 474 082 (day) or 027 201 0592 
Email: harbourmaster@orc.govt.nz

orc.govt.nz/navsafety

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