In accordance with section 446(a) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994, Maritime New Zealand, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, gives notice of the Minister’s intention to make the following Maritime Rules:

Amendments to Maritime Rules Part 32: Seafarer Certification (SeaCert)

The amendments are to ease the transition of specific old or legacy certificates into SeaCert; in particular creating an option to either ring-fence an existing certificate or proceed into a phased transition process to a new certificate. There are also amendments to improve the provisions for two endorsements available to holders of the Skipper Restricted Limits (SRL) certificate. Amendments also include making certificates of proficiency lifetime certificates.

Amendments to Maritime Rules Part 31: Crewing and Watchkeeping

The amendments are to include provisions for holders of ring-fenced certificates and align their transition under this Part with the Part 32 amendments. There are also amendments to minimum crewing requirements to include seasonal endorsements. Amendments are also made to change the crewing requirement threshold from 12 to 19 passengers.

Amendments to Maritime Rules Part 34: Medical Standards

The amendments are to prescribe medical fitness standards for holders of certificates that are ring-fenced under Part 32.

Comments are invited on the proposed Maritime Rules developed under the Maritime Transport Act 1994.

Consultation will commence on Thursday 28 April 2016.

The consultation document and online submission form will be available on the following website

www.maritimenz.govt.nz/consultation

Submissions must be made online, by email, or by post by Tuesday 7 June 2016.

Copies of the consultation document are available free of charge from Maritime New Zealand, Level 11, 1 Grey Street, Wellington, or by contacting the Rules Coordinator at

rules.coordinator@maritimenz.govt.nz

or by writing to PO Box 25620, Wellington 6146.

Copies are also available on the Maritime New Zealand website at

www.maritimenz.govt.nz/consultation

MARK BATT, Manager Domestic and International Policy, Maritime New Zealand.