Hot works, oil transfers and spills
Notice of hot works
Planning on carrying out hot works on your vessel? Any activity involving heat, such as burning, cutting, welding, grinding, must be notified to the Harbourmaster, before the work begins. Notify us here.
For any further queries please email the Harbourmaster at Harbourmasters@boprc.govt.nz or call 0800 55 66 87.
Oil transfers and spills
Bay of Plenty Regional Council is responsible for responding to marine oil spills within 12 nautical miles of the coastline. If your company plans to carry out an oil transfer in New Zealand waters, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and safe.
Any company wishing to complete an oil transfer must be signed up to a tier 1 plan under New Zealand Marine Oil Spill Readiness and Response Strategy 2022–2026 required under sections 283 & 284 of the Act.
To apply for a Tier one plan please contact BOP Regional Councils Maritime Oil Spill Officer 0800 884 883.
Notification requirements
For all oil transfer activities, including related products such as LPG, methanol and bitumen, please notify us here.
- Notice of the arrival of a ship carrying oil, or any noxious liquid substance, in bulk as cargo must be given not later than 12 hours before the arrival of the ship at port.
- Notice of the transfer of oil or of any noxious liquid substance must be given not less than three hours, but not more than 96 hours before the transfer is due to begin.
- The person in charge must obtain an approval from the Harbourmaster before commencing or recommencing operations.
For any further queries please email the Harbourmaster at Harbourmasters@boprc.govt.nz or call 0800 55 66 87.
Oil spills
Every precaution should be taken to prevent any oil spillages as in all cases the local authority will prosecute Masters who offend.
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 (see sections 15B, 338 and 339).
Should a spill occur:
- Deploy your SOPEP (Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan) measures immediately.
- Contact Tauranga Port Radio on VHF Channel 12 or 16.
- Call the Pollution Hotline: 0800 884 883.
- Notify your agent.
Marine oil spill contingency plan
Bay of Plenty Regional Council is responsible for responding to oil spills in the coastal marine area, which extends 12 nautical miles out to sea from the Bay of Plenty coastline.