Fiordland Marine Regional Pathway Management Plan

A Clean Vessel Pass applies to a vessel, not an individual skipper, so individual skippers do not need to apply. However, they will need to be aware of the rules when they operate a vessel in the Fiordland Marine Area and ensure they are meeting the standards.

Yes. Even if your vessel operates continually in the Fiordland Marine Area, a Clean Vessel Pass is required, and the standards must be met.

Yes. Regardless of how your vessel is brought to the Fiordland Marine Area, a Clean Vessel Pass is required, and the standards must be met.

The pass will be valid for 12 months and as many trips as you make during that time. The clean hull, clean gear and residual seawater standards do need to be adhered to on each and every trip.

There is no cost for a Clean Vessel Pass.

You can apply or renew a Clean Vessel Pass online through the Environment Southland website www.es.govt.nz, or by emailing a completed application form to service@es.govt.nz, or posting a completed application form to Environment Southland, Private Bag 90116, Invercargill 9840.

Your information will be stored in Environment Southland's database so that we can remind you when your pass needs to be renewed. From time to time, we may also use your contact details to send you specific information about the Fiordland Marine Area or the Fiordland Marine Pathway Plan (e.g. if there is an increased risk from a particular marine pest). The information will also help provide us with a clearer picture of the types of vessels entering the Fiordland Marine Area, when and where they are coming from.

The Fiordland Marine Regional Pathway Management Plan allows for entry into the area without a pass in the event of an emergency where life, health or serious damage to property is likely.

If you complete an online application, you will receive an emailed pass on the same day. A hard copy application will take up to two weeks to process.

You do not need to have the hull of your vessel specially cleaned to obtain a Clean Vessel Pass. If your vessel does not meet the clean vessel standards before departure, you are required to take action to ensure your vessel will meet the standards, e.g. if fouling on the hull is more than a slime layer and goose barnacles, you will need to clean your hull to meet the standard on entry to the Fiordland Marine Area.

There is no fine. However, vessels without a Clean Vessel Pass are in breach of the Fiordland Marine Regional Pathway Management Plan and are subject to inspection by authorised divers. This cost will be recovered from the vessel owner/operator.