New rules for jet skis in the harbour

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has adopted new Navigation Safety Bylaws which change the rules for personal watercraft use within Ōhiwa harbour. These new rules came into effect in July.

Under the new bylaw, the exclusion zone will be replaced with a 5-knot rule that will apply to all vessels for most parts of the harbour. Powered craft will be allowed across the harbour but all standard bylaws rules will apply, i.e. 5 knots within 200m of shore, 50m of a person or vessel.

The speed limit for all water craft is due to the harbour’s extensive sand bars, mud flats and increasing sedimentation build-up, which are hazardous to navigate at speed. There is also a 20-knot transit area for entering and exiting the harbour from the Ōhope and Ōhiwa Loop Road boat ramps.

Due to changes in the national Maritime Transport legislation the regional council is no longer able to keep the jet ski exclusion zone. This means that legislatively jet skis are able to use the Ōhiwa Harbour like all other watercraft.

Map: Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Powered watercraft users are encouraged to consider the impact their boating activities might have on the harbour sensitive environment.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is currently in the process of updating signage and educational materials to reflect the rule changes. During the summer months there will also be dedicated patrols to enforce the new Navigational Safety Bylaw in the Ōhiwa Harbour.

All jet ski and other personal water craft (PWC) using Bay of Plenty waterways need be registered.

Anyone breaking the rules may be reported to the Harbourmaster at 0800 5 KNOTS (0800 55 66 87).