Harbourmaster s Office Operation of Superyacht in the Auckland Region Navigation Safety Operating Requirements 2014. Rev.1
Contents Foreword 3 Preamble 3 Definitions 4 Application 4 Variation 4 Purpose 5 Responsibility 5 Section One: General Passage Plans 5 Bridge Team 5 Areas of Restricted Access to Large Vessels 6 Light Shape and Sound Signals 8 Navigating with Inoperative Equipment 8 Notification of Collisions or Accidents 8 Aircraft 8 Fuel Oil Operations and Bunkering 8 Compliance with Bylaw, Harbourmaster Directions and Maritime Rules 8 Section Two: Auckland Pilotage Area Navigating Within the Auckland Pilotage Area Navigating within Buoyed Channel 8 Communications 8 Speed 9 Anchoring 9 Navigation in Restricted Visibility 10 Wind Limits 10 Automatic Identification System 10 Use of Automatic Steering Devices 10 Use of Tugs 10 Master s Pilotage Exemption Operations 10 Area of Operation for Mater s Pilotage Exemption, Superyacht 11 Hot Work Operations 11 Area of Operation for Mater s Pilotage Exemption, Superyacht (diagram) 12 Section Three: Appendix Appendix I Harbourmaster s Direction 2-14 Pilotage 13 Contact Details 16
Auckland Council Harbourmaster s Office Operation of a Superyacht in the Auckland Region. Navigation Safety Operating Requirements Foreword Maritime Rule 90 requires that every vessel of 500 Gross tonnage or greater carries a licensed pilot when navigating within the Auckland Pilotage Area. In addition to this the Harbourmaster s Direction 2-14 Pilotage requires a pilot to be carried by a vessel of greater than 40 metres length overall under certain conditions (see Appendix I), regardless of whether the master holds a Master s Pilotage Exemption. A training scheme is operated by the Auckland Harbourmaster to allow the master of a superyacht of 1000 gross tonnage or less, and less than 90 metres length overall to be issued a Master s Pilotage Exemption. Compliance with these Navigation Safety Operating Requirements is a condition of use of the Master s Pilotage exemption, Superyacht. Where a master would like greater operating limits than are available through the superyacht training scheme they may apply to Ports of Auckland (POAL) to undertake training and examination under the POAL pilot exempt master training scheme. This training scheme is suitable for larger vessels, or vessels carrying cargo or passengers, or vessels intending to remain within the region for periods in excess of six months. The training scheme is of a more rigorous nature and allows greater freedom of operation. These Navigation Safety Operating Requirements set down the minimum standards and requirements for all superyachts of 40 metres in length overall or greater, and/or 500 gross tonnage or greater. Preamble These requirements set out: i. The area to which they apply ii. The vessels to which they apply iii. The requirements for vessels navigating within the area. 3
Definitions Auckland Pilotage Area means that area defined as the Auckland Pilotage area in Maritime Rule 90. Automatic Identification System (AIS) means an operational transceiver of class A or class B that complies with the requirements of the International Maritime Organisation. Bylaw means the Auckland Council Navigation Safety Bylaw. daylight means any time between the time of sunrise and the time of sunset as tabulated in NZ204. gross tonnage means the volume of all the vessel s enclosed spaces (from keel to funnel) measured to the outside of the hull framing. Harbour Control means the harbour radio station operated by the Ports of Auckland. Harbourmaster means the person appointed as Harbourmaster by the Auckland Council. restricted visibility means any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms, or other similar causes. fog means mist or fog reducing visibility to less than 1 nautical mile. large vessel means any vessel of 500 gross tonnage or greater, and any vessel 40 metres length overall or greater. superyacht means a vessel of 40 metres length overall or greater used by the owner and their guests and does not include any vessel that carries; i. cargo, and/or ii. more than 12 passengers, whether or not it is used for such purposes at that time. tug means any vessel used to push or pull another vessel. wind speed is the average wind speed at Bean Rocks (transmitted on VHF 21), or the average wind speed recorded at the superyacht over a one minute period, whichever is greater. Application These operating requirements apply to all superyacht operations and contain additional requirements where the superyacht is 500 gross tonnage or greater. Variation The Harbourmaster may, upon written application, vary these requirements for specific vessels or time periods. This will be done on a case-by-case basis, and only where the overall harbour safety standards can be maintained. 4
Purpose To ensure the safe navigation of all vessels, and ensure safe interaction of superyachts with other harbour users. Responsibility The master is responsible for the safe navigation of their vessel. The master must show due regard to Maritime Rules, Bylaw and Harbourmaster Directions, together with the practice of good seamanship. This would include the master s knowledge that recreational vessels on the Waitemata Harbour may conduct themselves in an unexpected manner. In situations where a master encounters a vessel failing to navigate as required by the Maritime Rules, Bylaw or Harbourmaster Directions, a written report shall be made to the Harbourmaster giving details of the offending vessel so follow up action can be taken. Section One: General The requirements in this section apply throughout the Auckland region. Passage Plans A master of a superyacht must make use of a passage plan for every intended voyage and/or vessel movement. Where the superyacht is 500 gross tonnage or greater the passage plan for any passage within the Auckland Pilotage Area must be approved by the Harbourmaster. (see also Areas of Restricted Access to Large Vessels). Bridge Team The master of a superyacht shall ensure the number of crew members on the bridge is sufficient to safely carry out the passage plan. In determining the composition of the bridge team, due regard shall be taken of the need to steer, operate manoeuvring equipment, monitor the progress of the vessel visually, use all available aids to navigation and refer to an appropriate navigational chart. 5
Areas of Restricted Access to Large Vessels Bylaw maps 5.0, 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3, set out areas of restricted access to large vessels. No vessel of 500 gross tonnage or greater, or 40 metres or more in length overall may enter or remain within these areas without the prior written permission of the Harbourmaster. I. Kawau That area of Kawau Bay and the connecting bays and harbours contained within lines drawn from: i. At the north entrance, Bluebell point to Maori rocks to Fairchild Reef to Slip Island thence south to Kawau Island. ii. At the south entrance, Elizabeth Point to Passage reef to Mullet point. II. Mahurangi Estuary That area of the Mahurangi river and estuary contained to the west of a line drawn from Saddler Point to Pudding Island and then to Cudlip Point. 6
III. Great Barrier Island Whangaparapara. That area of Whangaparapara Harbour contained to the North of a line drawn from Beacon Point to Lighthouse Point. Fitzroy. That area of Port Fitzroy contained east of a line drawn between Kotu Point and the northern point of Kaikoura Island at the northern entrance and east of a line drawn between 36 degrees, 10.707 minutes south latitude, 175 degrees, 18.586 minutes east longitude (on Kaikoura Island), and 36 degrees, 11.196 minutes south latitude, 175 degrees, 18.447 minutes east longitude (on the peninsula to the south). 7
Light, Shape and Sound Signals Every superyacht must display the light, shape and sound signals prescribed in Maritime Rule 22. Please refer to the following Auckland Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 2014 for the following clauses: Navigating with Inoperative Equipment See Auckland Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 2014, clause 53 Notifications of Collisions or Accidents See Auckland Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 2014, clause 17 Aircraft See Auckland Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 2014, clause 35 Fuel oil operations and bunkering See Auckland Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 2014, clause 52 Compliance with Bylaw, Harbourmaster Directions and Maritime Rules A superyacht must be navigated in compliance with all Bylaw, Harbourmaster Directions and Maritime Rules. Section Two: Auckland Pilotage Area The requirements in this section apply within the Auckland Pilotage Area Navigation within the Auckland Pilotage Area A superyacht of 500 gross tonnage or greater, or any other superyacht directed by the Harbourmaster, must carry a licensed Pilot, or be under the command of a master holding a current Master s Pilotage exemption for that vessel, when navigating within the Auckland Pilotage Area. Navigating within Buoyed Channel When entering the Waitemata Harbour a superyacht of 500 gross tonnage or greater may only navigate within the buoyed area of the Rangitoto Channel. Navigation outside of the buoyed channel may only occur where: 8
i. the wind strength or direction is such that the superyacht requires to leave the channel in order to give suitable sea room to shipping in the channel, and/or ii. after discussion with the pilot or pilot exempt master of another vessel to ensure safety of navigation. The master shall notify Harbour Control on VHF channel 12 prior to commencing the manoeuvre, and shall return to the buoyed channel at the earliest opportunity. Communication A superyacht must maintain listening watch on VHF channel 12 whilst within the Auckland Pilotage area. A superyacht must report to Harbour Control on VHF channel 12 when: i. departing from any berth, anchorage or mooring; and/or ii. arrival at any berth, anchorage or mooring; and/or iii. entering or departing from the pilotage area; and/or iv. entering or departing from a navigation channel. Speed The following speeds shall be regarded as maximum transit speeds when arriving or departing Waitemata Harbour. Masters shall take into consideration vessel draft, traffic density, weather conditions, visibility, peculiarities of individual ships wake, or any other relevant criteria when determining a safe transit speed. Vessels shall not exceed: i. 15 kts in Harbour approaches and Rangitoto Channel. ii. 10 kts West of North Head. iii. 10 kts with less than 1.5m static UKC. Master shall be conscious of vessel squat and heel increasing draft with speed in restricted UKC situations. Anchoring With the exception of those anchorages noted in l. and ll. below a superyacht of 500 gross tonnage or greater may not be anchored anywhere within the Auckland Pilotage area without the permission of the Harbourmaster. A superyacht may anchor in: i. any numbered anchorage shown on charts NZ5322* or NZ5321, or ii. a position, not including a prohibited anchorage area, lying east of the Harbour Bridge and west of Stanley Point, 9
*The master of a superyacht wishing to anchor at the positions in 1-8 in the Waitemata Harbour must consult with Harbour Control on VHF channel 12 prior to anchoring. Navigation in Restricted Visibility A superyacht of 500 gross tonnage or greater shall not navigate during periods of restricted visibility. Where a superyacht of 500 gross tonnage or greater is underway and finds itself near or in an area of restricted visibility the superyacht must anchor, moor or remain outside the pilotage area. (see Pilot Exempt Master Operations). In addition to times of restricted visibility this clause shall apply at any time the harbour is operating under a fog routine. (contact Harbour Control on VHF channel 12). Wind Limits A superyacht may not berth or depart from a berth, wharf, jetty or pontoon when the wind speed exceeds 25 knots without the permission of a qualified Pilot or the Harbourmaster. Wind speed is the average wind speed at Bean Rocks (transmitted on VHF 21), or the average wind speed recorded at the superyacht over a one minute period, whichever is greater. Automatic Identification System (AIS) See Auckland Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 2014, clause 57 Use of Automatic Steering Devices See Auckland Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 2014, clause 60 (2)(b) Use of Tugs No superyacht may make use of tugs unless the master holds a Master s Pilotage exemption with a tug endorsement, or the vessel has onboard a licensed pilot. This clause shall not prohibit the use of inflatable, or rigid hull inflatable vessels for the use of berthing within a marina. Master s Pilotage Exemption Operations Every superyacht under the command of a master holding a Master s Pilotage Exemption for a superyacht shall operate their vessel in accordance with these requirements and the requirements of the Bylaw. Failure to operate in accordance with the requirements will result in the superyacht being required to carry a pilot. 10
Where a master holds a Master s Pilotage Exemption issued under a different training scheme (i.e. POAL) that master shall also operate in accordance with the POAL Pilot Exempt Masters Operating Requirements issued by the Ports of Auckland Ltd, and approved by the Harbourmaster. Where these Navigation Safety Requirements and the POAL Pilot Exempt Masters Operating Requirements carry different requirements then the POAL Pilot Exempt Masters Operating Requirements shall take precedence Area of Operation for Master s Pilotage Exemption, Superyacht The master of a superyacht holding a Master s Pilotage exemption, Superyacht, must only navigate within the area shaded red, and shown on the chart on page 14, when within the Auckland Pilotage Area. Hot Work Operations See Auckland Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 2014, clause 50 11
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Appendix I Auckland Council Harbourmaster s Direction 2-14 Pilotage. 1) Foreword 2) This direction contains the requirements for the compulsory pilotage areas within the Auckland region. This direction updates and supersedes previous Harbourmaster Direction 1-07. 1) Preamble This direction is issued Pursuant to section 48 and section 60A of the Maritime Transport Act 1994, as delegated by the Director to the Harbourmaster under section 444 of the Act, and section 33F(1)(c) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994. They: a. Define the pilotage areas for Auckland and Manukau. b. Prescribe the use and operation of pilot licenses and pilotage exemption certificates within the Auckland and Manukau pilotage areas. c. Should be read in conjunction with Maritime Rule Part 90 Pilotage. 2) Definitions Director means the person who is for the time being the Director of Maritime New Zealand under Section 439 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994. Harbourmaster means a Harbourmaster which is appointed under Section 33D of the Maritime Transport Act 1994. Pilot in relation to any ship, means any person not being the master or a member of the crew of the ship who has conduct of the ship. Pilotage area means a pilotage area defined in Maritime Rule Part 90. Pilotage exemption certificate means a pilotage exemption certificate issued under Maritime Rule Parts 90 Subpart D. Gross tonnage means the tonnage defined in Maritime Rule Part 90 3) Application These directions shall apply to: a. All vessels 500 gross tonnage or greater, except for warships as defined in the Maritime Transport Act 1994. b. And, in addition, as directed by the Harbourmaster for the safe navigation and orderly management of harbour traffic, they may also apply to: i) Any vessel less than 500 gross tonnage and greater than 40 metres length overall. ii) Any other vessel as directed by the Harbourmaster. 13
4) Pilotage Areas Auckland The area of tidal waters inside a straight line drawn from the northern extreme of the eastern head of the Tamaki River (Musick Point) to the southern extreme of Park Point (Waiheke Island); then by the high water of ordinary spring tide to the northern extreme of the western entrance to Owhanake Bay; then by a straight line to the south-western most point of Rakino Island; then by a straight line from the northernmost point of Rakino Island to Shearer Rock; then by a straight line to the south-western extreme of Tiri Tiri Matangi Island, then by a straight line to the southeastern extreme of Whangapararoa Peninsula. Compulsory Pilotage within the Auckland Pilotage Area The master of every vessel to whom these directions apply shall, unless that person is the holder of a pilotage exemption certificate or is otherwise exempted by law, employ a qualified pilot when that vessel is being navigated within the Auckland pilotage area. A vessel may, when permitted by the Harbourmaster or a licensed pilot via harbour control, proceed from the pilotage limit to a designated gulf anchorage or pilot boarding station without a pilot embarked. A vessel may, when permitted by the Harbourmaster or a licensed pilot via harbour control, proceed from the pilotage boarding station or a designated gulf anchorage to the pilotage limit without a pilot embarked. i) For vessels of draft greater than 10.5 metres, or length greater than 200 metres, other than those proceeding to the Motuihe Explosive anchorage or Quarantine Station, must not navigate inwards south of latitude 36 degrees 44.2 minutes South (the latitude of pilot boarding position Bravo), without a pilot on board. ii) For vessels of draft 10.5 metres or less, and length 200 metres or less, other than those proceeding to the Motuihe Explosive anchorage and Quarantine Station, must not navigate inwards south of latitude 36 degrees 45.1 minutes South (the latitude of pilot boarding position Alpha), without a pilot on board. iii) All vessels to which this Harbourmaster Direction applies, must not navigate south of 36 degrees 46.4 minutes south (the latitude of Rangitoto channel buoys number 1 and 2), without a pilot on board. iv) Vessels proceeding to or from the Motuihe Explosives anchorage or Quarantine station must embark their pilot at pilot boarding station Bravo. Manukau Those waters bounded to seaward by the arc of a circle radius 4 miles centred on Paratutae Island (37 degrees 2.9 minutes south, 174 degrees 30.6 minutes east). Compulsory Pilotage within the Manukau Area The master of a LPG vessel must embark a licensed pilot prior to entering the Manukau pilotage limit. The master of every other vessel to whom these directions 14
apply shall, unless that person is the holder of a pilotage exemption or is otherwise exempted by law, employ a qualified pilot when that vessel is being navigated within all waters of the Manukau Harbour east of a line extending from Jackie Hill (37 degrees 1.2 minutes South 174 degrees 33.4 minutes East), on the north shore, to South Head signal station, on the south shore of the Manukau Harbour. Auckland and Manukau: Leading of ships where a pilot is unable to embark. If the Pilot (with the approval of the Harbourmaster) considers that due to adverse weather or sea conditions, embarkation or disembarkation cannot be safely undertaken; then the leading of ships by or signaling to ships from a pilot boat under the conduct of that pilot shall be deemed a sufficient pilotage service. 5) Pilots and Pilot Exempt Masters to remain within a buoyed channel Except in the case of imminent danger, or to avoid a collision a Pilot or pilot exempt master may only navigate their vessel within the buoyed channels of: a. Rangitoto Channel b. Motuihe Channel for vessels entering into the Tamaki Strait or Motu Korea Channel. c. Wairopa Channel d. Papakura Channel 6) Passage Plan A pilot or pilot exempt master must prepare a passage plan for their intended passage within pilotage limits. Where the master of a vessel and a pilot are unable to agree on a passage plan, the vessel shall proceed to the nearest safe anchorage and remain anchored until agreement has been reached. 7) Exclusions a. For holders of a pilotage exemption certificate; nothing in these directions, nor as any part of any exercise of privilege conditions shall permit any person granted any pilotage exemption certificate to pilot: i. Any nuclear powered vessel. ii. Any vessel designed for the bulk carriage of oil, gas, chemicals, or other hazardous cargo, except a bunker barge, designed and used specifically for the purpose of bunkering ships. iii. Any vessel with a draught exceeding 9.5 metres. iv. Any vessel in cases where the vessel has defective propulsion, manoeuvring or communications equipment or where the vessel has sustained hull damage. v. Any vessel in the eastern approaches to and when west of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. vi. Any vessel to and from Fergusson Wharf. vii. Any vessel to and from Bledisloe 3 Wharf. viii. ix. Any vessel to and from Princes Wharf. Any vessel during a berthing manoeuvre in the Waitamata Harbour commercial port area in wind speeds exceeding 25 knots. 15
x. Any vessel manoeuvring in restricted visibility of less than 0.5 nautical miles. xi. Any vessel manoeuvring with the aid of tug(s) unless the master is in possession of the appropriate one or two tug endorsement on the pilotage exemption certificate. b. In addition, for the master of any vessel greater than 40 metres length overall, not being the holder of any pilotage exemption certificate; nothing in these directions shall permit that master to pilot: i. Where the master of such vessel can reasonably be expected not to have adequate knowledge of the harbour. ii. Where the master of such vessel has inadequate command of the English language. iii. When the main navigation channels, approaches or berths are unusually congested. iv. Any vessel in the eastern approaches to and when west of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. 8) Variations The Harbourmaster may, upon written application, vary the rules in these directions, providing that overall harbour safety standards are maintained. Andrew Hayton Harbourmaster Auckland Council 10 th July 2014 Auckland Council Harbourmaster s Office (09) 362 0397 (ext 0 for 24 hour Emergency Duty Officer) www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz 16