Print view

Harbourmaster

Marine pollution

The harbours and waterways of the region are not only environmentally sensitive, they are also busy highways, used by all manner of water vessels; we all have a responsibility to report any pollution we notice, helping to minimise any potential human and environmental danger.

Marine oil spills

Marine pollution

If you see oil on the sea, immediately contact the ARC Harbourmaster's office duty officer on 09 362 0397 ext 0 (24 hrs). The duty officer will investigate the spill, take action to prevent further contamination, and choose a response option depending on the nature and scale of the pollution.

Remember that prevention is better than cure: keep your vessels bilges clean, the engine well maintained and a stock of absorbent material handy to soak up spills as and when they occur. Don't pump oily bilge water over the side - dispose of it appropriately as a waste when you return to the shore.

Oil spill exercises

Every year, as part of the preparedness for responding to an oil spill the ARC Harbourmaster's team plan, organise and run oil spill response exercises.

Tiered spill response and prevention

The New Zealand oil spill response strategy is based on a 3 tiered system.

Tier 1 - site based
For example, a vessel refuelling operation at a marina. Tier 1 sites are required to develop a spill response plan (including having appropriate response equipment) and respond to spills from their site. The ARC audits and approves these plans on a regular basis. No site is allowed to transfer fuel unless it has a current approved plan.

Tier 2 - regional level
The ARC is required to develop and maintain a Regional Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan that is in turn approved by Maritime New Zealand. The ARC responds to marine oil spills that are not traced to a source or to Tier 1 spills where the size or nature of the spill means that the Tier 1 site is unable to respond effectively.

Tier 3 - national response level
Maritime New Zealand have developed a National Plan for use in large spills and become involved in spills that are outside of the capacity of the ARC to respond. MNZ also provide training and equipment to responders in the ARC team.

Sewage

Sewage spills can cause serious damage to the environmental and to human health. If you notice any sewage spills contact the ARC Pollution Hotline immediately on 09 377 3107 ext 0 (24 hrs).

To discharge untreated sewage from a vessel you must be more than:

  • 500 metres from the shore
  • 500 metres from a marine farm
  • 500 metres from a mataitai reserve
  • 200 metres from a marine reserve
  • 5 metres depth of water.

Further information about discharging untreated sewage can be found on the Ministry for the Environment website.

Stream or river pollution

Contact the ARC Pollution Hotline immediately on 09 377 3107 ext 0 (24 hrs).

Logs or navigational hazards

Contact the ARC Harbourmaster's Office duty officer on 09 362 0397 ext 0 (24 hrs).

Cars or dead animals

If you see any vehicles or dead animals dumped in the coastal marine area, contact your local council.

Litter on the beach

If you see litter on the beach please contact your local council.

Crime

If you witness a suspected crime contact the Water Police (24 hrs) 09 302 6617.

Vessel cleaning / boat maintenance

All vessel cleaning will need to comply with the ARC Coastal Plan rules. Vessels can only be cleaned at drying piles (or "grids") to remove minor surface slime but not to remove paint / antifoul. If vessels have excessive growth they will need to hauled out. For further information contact the Coastal Team on 09 366 2000.

Swimming water quality

To find out if the water quality of certain beaches is safe to swim in contact ‘Safe Swim' on 0800SAFESWIM (0800 7233 7946).

Continue to Rules and regulations