What the Navigation Bylaw does

The Navigation Bylaw 2021 makes rules about:

• wearing personal flotation devices, like lifejackets

• where certain boating activities are allowed.

• approving on-water events and moorings

• managing large vessels.

These rules help reduce the risk of:

• accidents

• nuisance

• damage within Auckland’s waterways
• loss of life.

There are also controls that set rules for how people can use certain areas of Auckland’s waterways.

You can find these at the end of the bylaw.

The council are proposing to:

• require people on small boats to wear lifejackets while moving, to reduce the risk of deaths
• add safety rules to manage new types of watercraft, like motorised hydrofoil boards and foil boards.
• update older mooring licences to ensure everyone follows the same rules
• include existing harbourmaster rules for the Ferry Terminal Basin to reduce conflict between ferries and cruise ships
• create a no-go zone for powered boats near Auckland Airport to improve safety
• create restricted areas in busy or sensitive areas, including:
  • Horne Rock
  • the Tāmaki River rowing area
  • the Harbour Bridge
  • Simpson Rock.
• remove 14 access lanes that are rarely used.