Harbourmaster's Direction
Environment Southland has adopted the New Zealand Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code (the Code) and applies the principles described within the code to marine operations on the region’s waters. The movement of vessels within the Southland region is subject to control and direction by the Harbourmaster. This direction sets a number of control measures that are applicable across the region, or a specific area or operation, to enable the adequate implementation of the code.
NOTE 8/7/2022 - The harbourmaster has issued a new direction, effective immediately. Vessels visiting the internal waters of Milford Sound are advised they must now remain a minimum standoff distance of 50m from all waterfalls. This is due to recent incidents involving falling debris from waterfalls striking vessels.