Fishing is when a small boat sits still a long way out, with everyone’s eyes on the lines. From Friday 9 October 2026, everyone in a boat of 6 m or under wears a lifejacket while underway, and drifting over the pins counts. Take two waterproof ways to call for help, log a trip report, and give someone at home a live link. VesselSOS does that last part, with a one-tap 111 call if the day turns.
Drifting counts as underway, so from 9 October 2026 you wear your lifejacket while you fish from a boat of 6 m or under, not just on the run out. At anchor the wearing rule doesn’t apply. On bigger boats, carry one for everyone and wear them crossing the bar, in rough water and in an emergency. More in lifejacket rules in NZ.
A bar crossing report is the one report Coastguard actively watches. Log it by VHF or *500 before you cross (the Coastguard app can’t do it) and close it on the other side. If you don’t, Coastguard follows up, usually after 15 to 30 minutes, and starts a search-and-rescue response. Lifejackets go on for the crossing, whatever the size of your boat. More in crossing a bar.
A regular trip report isn’t followed up unless someone reports you overdue, so the person at home is the real safety net. Tell them when to worry, and give them a live link so they can see you. At your return time VesselSOS asks you, on your phone, whether you’re OK; it doesn’t alert anyone else yet. The Coastguard app does text your shore contact after three unanswered prompts. More in Coastguard trip reports.
A flat battery or an outboard that won’t start is non-urgent: tap No and the app shows Coastguard’s on-water line (0800 262 843, option 1, the same service as *500). Free for Coastguard members; non-members are charged $400 an hour. When it genuinely is life-threatening, it’s one tap on SOS, one yes/no question, and the app dials 111. More in broken down: who to call.
A lifejacket does the surviving; the app does the finding. VesselSOS is an aid, not a rescue service: in immediate danger, call 111 and ask for Police, or use VHF channel 16 if you carry a radio.
Yes. On all New Zealand waters, coast, harbours, lakes and rivers, Lake Taupō included, “Yes, a life is in danger” dials 111, and the script starts with “Police”. The call needs mobile coverage; your position doesn’t.
No. Maritime NZ: “You do not need a licence to operate a pleasure boat in New Zealand, but you must still follow the rules.” The skipper is legally responsible for the boat and everyone on board.
Pick motor boat for a tinny, runabout or trailer boat (the other types are sailing boat, SUP/kayak and jet ski). Its name, length and colour go into the call script, and its name into the texts you send.