New legislation requiring everyone on recreational craft of six metres or less to wear a properly fitted lifejacket while underway will come into effect on 9th October 2026 in New Zealand.
Parliament has passed the Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Bill, with the new requirement coming into effect 28 days after the Bill receives Royal Assent.
The new law will apply nationwide and includes kayaks, paddleboards, dinghies, small sailing boats and motorboats. For the Canoe Racing New Zealand and wider paddling community, it is an important change to understand and prepare for.
What are the new rules?
From 9 October 2026, people on recreational craft, six metres or less in length, will be required to wear a properly fitted lifejacket while the craft is underway.
This differs to the previous rule which just required lifejackets to be carried, although some regions had different bylaws relating to this rule.
The law will apply across all of New Zealand to people using recreational craft such as jet skis, dinghies, sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and motorboats while they are underway.
It applies across all New Zealand waterways, including lakes, rivers, harbours and coastal waters. It is designed to establish a clear, nationally consistent approach to lifejacket use and reduce preventable harm on the water.
What about recreational craft over 6m in length?
In recreational craft over 6m in length, it remains a requirement to carry correctly fitting lifejackets for everyone on board.
However, lifejackets must be worn in times of heightened risk eg stormy weather, rough conditions. It is the skipper’s responsibility to ensure the safety of the people and vessel.
What will this mean for kayakers/paddlers and clubs?
For paddlers using kayaks six metres or less in length, it will be a requirement to wear a correctly fitted lifejacket at all times while paddling, regardless of age, ability, type of craft or waterway.
This includes club activities as well as independent paddling. It will also apply to all Canoe Racing NZ Performance programme activities.
A lifejacket must meet an approved standard, be in serviceable condition and fit the wearer properly. It is important to check that the lifejacket is suitable for the paddler’s size and the activity being undertaken.
We encourage all paddlers and clubs to prepare now to be ready when the law comes into effect on 9th October.
Are there exemptions available?
National Sporting Organisations are able to seek exemptions from Maritime rule 91.4 Lifejackets for the purposes of training or participating in a sporting event if the training or the event is supervised in accordance with a safety system that is approved by the Director of Maritime NZ.
The Director must be satisfied the Safety System provides and equivalent level of safety to the carriage or wearing of lifejackets.
At this stage, no sport in New Zealand has an approved alternative water safety system in place. Canoe Racing New Zealand is currently working directly with Maritime New Zealand to develop on a national safety system for organised group training sessions that CRNZ and CRNZ-affiliated clubs could implement if they choose.
The objective is to provide a practical, evidence-based framework that reflects the unique nature of our sport while maintaining high safety standards. This work remains under review by the Director of Maritime and no alternative arrangements apply until formally accepted by the regulator.
Canoe Racing NZ will keep clubs and club members updated on this process. In the meantime, all paddlers should comply with the new regulations when they come into effect on 9th October.
For full details including frequently asked questions, visit Maritime NZ’s lifejacket rule guidance.
