Notifications
Hot work
If you need to carry out hot work (welding or flame-cutting) on board a ship in the Bluff port or commercial areas you must submit a hot work notification prior to commencing.
Complete a hot work notification online
In addition to your hot work permit application form, as a minimum the following checks must be completed:
- all combustible materials within surrounding areas removed or made safe.
- no flammable liquids, vapours, gases or dusts present.
- no hot work while any bunkering operations are in progress.
- suitable fire extinguishers/hoses provided onsite and fully operational.
- operator knows how to use fire equipment.
- operator knows how and where to raise fire alarm.
- an inspection of the surroundings of the work area(s) is carried out at least one hour after hot work is completed.
Fuel transfer
Notification is required to carry out fuel transfer or removal from vessels.
Complete a fuel transfer notification online
- notification must be given not less than 3 hours (but not more than 96 hours) prior to the transfer taking place.
- spillage of oil into the sea must be reported to Environment Southland (call 0800 76 88 45) or Maritime New Zealand.
- discharge of oil into the coastal marine area is an offence under the Resource Management Act 1991 and is subject to a maximum fine of NZ $600,000 and the recovery of costs of oil removal and clean up.
Permanent moorings
For those wishing to place a permanent mooring the Regional Coastal Plan for Southland sets out the requirements and the restrictions. Some areas allow moorings (e.g. Golden Bay Stewart Island), while others are prohibited or have strict limits (e.g. Harrison Cove in Milford Sound).
If you are considering a mooring in the Bluff port zone you should consult South Port Ltd (call 03 212 8958), as well as the Regional Harbourmaster at Environment Southland (0800 76 88 45).
