You don’t need a licence to ride a jet ski in New Zealand, but the national rules apply. Maritime NZ: “You must be over 15 years old to operate any vessel that can exceed 10 knots, unless you are under close supervision by someone older who is constantly within reach of the controls.” Keep to 5 knots near the shore, swimmers and other boats, and from Friday 9 October 2026 everyone on board wears a lifejacket while underway. VesselSOS adds a live link for the people ashore and a one-tap 111 call.
Maritime NZ: “You do not need a licence to operate a pleasure boat in New Zealand, but you must still follow the rules.” Jet skis follow the same national rules as other powered craft, including the age rule above: a jet ski can exceed 10 knots. Regional navigation safety bylaws can add their own jet ski rules, so check yours in boating rules by region.
Maritime NZ’s jet ski advice: stick to 5 knots (a fast-walking speed) within 200 metres of the shore, within 200 metres of any boat displaying a diver’s flag, within 50 metres of any other boat, within 50 metres of anyone swimming, and any time you’re landward of a 5-knot buoy. The national rules add 200 metres of any structure. More in boating rules NZ.
Jet skis are recreational craft of 6 m or under, so from 9 October 2026 everyone on board wears a lifejacket while underway, and anyone being towed wears one too. Towing also needs an observer: that’s three people for water skiing or wakeboarding. More in lifejacket rules in NZ.
Out of fuel off the beach is non-urgent: tap No and the app shows Coastguard’s on-water line (0800 262 843, option 1). It’s 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. Not sure where the line is? Read broken down: who to call.
VesselSOS is not an anti-theft tracker, and it doesn’t promise rescue. It’s a quick way to be seen from shore and to make the right call fast.
No. There’s no national licence for pleasure craft, jet skis included. You still have to follow the national rules and your regional bylaws, and the skipper is legally responsible for the craft and everyone on it.
Maritime NZ: “You must be over 15 years old to operate any vessel that can exceed 10 knots, unless you are under close supervision by someone older who is constantly within reach of the controls.”
Yes. The phone stays zipped in your lifejacket or a pouch; tracking runs by itself and needs no attention while you ride.