Fire Extinguisher Regulations for Boats in New Zealand

Fire Extinguisher Regulations for Boats in New Zealand

Boating is a way of life for many of us in New Zealand and we need to make sure that we
have the correct Hand Operated Fire Fighting Equipment (HOFFE) onboard to keep
everyone safe and to meet the requirements of the relevant regulations for your vessel.
It can be confusing trying to find the correct information so this article has gathered available
information and tried to put it into an easier to understand document with links to the
regulations for further reading.
Insurance companies will generally require your vessel to meet the requirements of the
relevant standard to be covered so it is recommended to check the wording in your policy
documents to confirm your cover.
If you require to have your Extinguishers Tested / Certified to NZS4503:2005 by a Technician this is a service
we offer (in the Auckland area).

In New Zealand, Fire Extinguisher requirements for recreational sailboats and pleasure craft
depend on the size of the vessel and whether you follow general Maritime New
Zealand/regional guidelines or competitive racing standards

Yachting New Zealand Safety Regulations 2025-2028 is a document that covers Hand
Operated Fire Fighting Equipment on yachts taking part in races organised by yacht clubs
affiliated to Yachting New Zealand.

Offshore and Coastal Racing and Cruising:
These yachts will fall into Race Category 1,2,3,4 or 5 and therefore need to meet the
requirements of that category.

Race Category 1,2: Fire extinguishers, at least three, readily accessible and visible in
suitable and different parts of the boat. Total weight of all three, if dry powder, not less than
5kg.
Fire extinguishers shall be serviced/tested/replaced as required
Fire blanket readily accessible to galley.

Race Category 3,4,5: Fire extinguishers, at least two, readily accessible and visible in
suitable and different parts of the boat. Total weight if dry powder, not less than 4kg.
Fire extinguishers shall be serviced/tested/replaced as required
Fire blanket readily accessible to galley (requirement for Category 3, recommended for 4,5).

Note: Dry powder extinguishers type ABE or BE or fire blankets are recommended as the
most suitable for dealing with galley fires and one should be kept near the stove.
Foam or any dry powder fire extinguishers are suitable for engine fires. A 9l foam or 2.5kg
dry powder fire extinguisher should be kept in a suitable position near the engine.
CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers must not to be carried in any place on board where
leakage could allow the gas to enter accommodation spaces.
For more detailed information please refer to page 47 and 48 in the Yachting NZ Safety
Regulations 2025-2028 (link below)

https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/sites/default/files/2025-07/Yachting%20New%20Zealand%20
Safety%20Regulations%202025-2028%20-%20updated%20July%202025.pdf

Also in the Yachting NZ Safety Regulations 2025-2028 with information about Hand
Operated Fire Fighting Equipment are:
Trailer Yachts and Sports Trailer Yachts Category A,B,C: See page 96 and 97.
Sports Boats Category A: See page 104.

Maritime New Zealand have put out a Boat Safety Equipment Checklist for
Trailer Power and Sail Boats which states that:

Vessels of less than 6m length overall require a minimum 2kg Portable fire extinguisher.
Vessels from 6m to 12m length overall require a minimum 2.5kg Portable fire extinguisher.
The equipment in this checklist is also recommended by Coastguard NZ, Drowning
Prevention Auckland, and NZ Marine Industry Association.

https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/media/cv4hghzw/boat-safety-equipment-checklist-final.pdf

OBC have a trailer boat safety checklist that is also a good guide and recommends:
Fire Extinguishers of an approved type currently certified and / or serviced within the
previous 12 months, stored pressure multi-purpose dry chemical for classes A,B,C or A,B,E.
Skippers should shake and turn dry powder types monthly and regularly check to see when
last serviced or weighed.
Aerosol extinguishers are only acceptable as secondary units. (The larger the extinguisher
the better).
If cooking facilities are present, one extinguisher should be installed within easy reach. One
extinguisher should be installed close to the location of the engine. We recommend a fire
blanket is readily accessible by cooking facilities as these are effective for smothering a
small fire without the mess left behind after using a powder extinguisher.
N.B. If dry powder extinguishers have been used to extinguish a fire on an aluminium vessel,
any powder or resulting residue in the vessel should be thoroughly washed away as soon as
possible to avoid metal corrosion, especially where rivets are present.

https://www.obc.co.nz/media/242928/trailer-amphibious-boat-safety-checklist-updated-2023.
pdf

Ships and Ferries:

Maritime New Zealand Maritime Rules Part 42B: Safety Equipment - Fire Appliances
Performance Standards 1 December 2025 covers Ships and Ferries Etc in NZ waters and
their requirements for Hand Operated Fire Fighting Equipment.
These HOFFE requirements will be outlined as part of your Survey.
For more detailed information please refer to page 28 to 38 in the link below.

https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/media/hckhxulf/part42b-maritime-rulepdf.pdf

If you would like us to organise a technician to come to site to carry out testing and
certification of your Hand Operated Fire Fighting Equipment (HOFFE) to NZS4503:2005
then please let us know and we can make a suitable time (Service only available in the
Auckland area).

Breakdown of costs for Certifying HOFFE:
$18 per Fire Extinguisher (HOFFE) Certified.
Supply Detailed Fire Register Report $20
Travel / Site Set-up $85

Prices exclude GST

This article is to be used as a guide only and information needs to be confirmed for your vessel.