Personal water crafts

Frequently asked questions

Are there any speed restrictions?

Yes, and they're strictly enforced. Please read the key navigational bylaws for full details. It is important that you familiar with all the current regulations before operating a vessel within the region.

How much does it cost to register a PWC?

Registration is a one-off payment of $35.00.
There is an additional charge of $12.50 for registration stickers, if required.

What are registration stickers?

Registration stickers are like the number plate on your car. They must be clearly displayed on each side of the craft above the water. If you don't like the look of these stickers you may sign write your numbers in a font and colour of your choice. As long as they are the minimum height of 90mm and are clearly readable and visible. Standard stickers supplied are black numbers. If your jetski is black, then white numbers can be issued. Please indicate on your registration form if your jetski is black.

What about the privacy of my details?

The information you have supplied is required by the Auckland Regional Council Navigation Safety Bylaw (2008) and will be used to maintain a register of personal water craft using Auckland waters.

Access to this information is confined to authorised users, including officials from the regional council and emergency services. The information can not be accessed by employees other than for purposes directly related to database management.

Can someone from outside Auckland use their jet ski within this region?

It is illegal to use unregistered craft in Auckland's waters. The ARC will grant exemptions for craft competing in events organised by the Auckland Jetsport Association, for the duration of the event only. Both Waikato and Northland regions have introduced bylaws requiring PWCs to be registered, so these craft may be used in Auckland's waters.

What if I have more than 1 PWC?

Each craft must be registered. If you own multiple craft but only use one at a time at organised events (i.e. by the Jetport Assn.), you may be eligible for a multi-craft (dealers) registration where the owner is issued with certificates for each craft. Each certificate has the same number prefixed by a letter A,B,C etc.

Under this registration only one craft may be used at the same time.

If you think there will be any occasions where two or more of your craft will be used at the same time, each craft must be registered individually.

How does the numbering system work?

Each craft is allocated a 6-digit number as part of the registration process. NZ Jetsport Association members may continue to display their association number, matching their ranking. The official ARC number will be linked to the craft through the Jetsport Association.

Where do the numbers go on the craft?

The numbers must be above the water, clearly visible, and on both sides of the craft.

What if I sell my personal water craft?

You must register a change of ownership. All you have to do is:

complete a Personal Watercraft Change of Registration Form
Personal Watercraft Change of Registration Form (30.0 KB PDF)
post your completed form to ARC, Jet ski registration, Private Bag 92 012, Auckland
we will then confirm the change of ownership in writing
note: there is no cost to change the registration of a jetski

What is the period of the registration?

Registration is one-off and is for the lifetime of the machine. Please note that, like a vehicle registration, the registration number must remain with the original machine registered, and cannot be transferred to another machine under any circumstance.