Personal watercraft

It is compulsory to register a personal watercraft (PWC) for Auckland, Northland and Waikato regions. The use of unregistered personal watercraft in Auckland region waters is not permitted.

Registration was introduced to provide a degree of accountability to PWC owners, and also to keep track of craft identification in the event of theft.

What is a personal watercraft (PWC)?
How do I register my PWC?
What if I sell my PWC?
Using PWCs from outside Auckland
Other things you need to know

What is a personal watercraft?

A personal watercraft (PWC) is a power-driven vessel with a fully enclosed hull.
It does not take on water if capsized, and is designed to be operated by a person standing, sitting astride, or kneeling on it, but not sitting within it. A jet ski is a PWC.

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How do I register my personal watercraft?

PWC registration is a one-off registration, valid for the lifetime of the machine. All you have to do is:

1. Complete a personal watercraft registration form:
   Personal Watercraft Registration Form (81kb)
2. Include the registration fee of $35.00 plus $12.50 for registration stickers (if required)
3. Post your completed form and fee to:
   
   Harbourmaster's office
   Auckland Council
   Private Bag 92300
   Auckland 1142
   
4. We will then confirm your registration in writing.

Note:

• Prices are inclusive of GST.
• Credit card payment is accepted in person.
• Standard stickers supplied are black numbers.
• If your jet ski is black, let us know on your registration form. We can then supply white numbers.
• Registration stickers must be above the water, clearly visible and on both sides of the craft.

To register your PWC in person, go to:

Auckland Council Harbourmaster's office
Marine Rescue Centre Building
Ground Floor
3 Solent Street
Mechanics Bay

(free parking is available)

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What if I sell my personal watercraft?

You must register a change of ownership.

1. The new owner must complete a personal watercraft change of registration form:
   Personal Watercraft Change of Registration Form (81kb)
2. Post your completed form to:
   
   Harbourmaster's office
   Auckland Council
   Private Bag 92300
   Auckland 1142
   
3. We will then confirm the change of ownership in writing

Note: there is no cost to register a change of ownership.

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Using PWCs from outside Auckland

It is illegal to use an unregistered personal watercraft in Auckland's waters.

The Auckland Council will grant exemptions for craft competing in events organised by the Auckland Jetsport Association, for the duration of the event only.

Both Waikato and Northland regions have introduced bylaws requiring PWCs to be registered. These craft may be used in Auckland's waters.

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Other things you need to know

• Speed and safety regulations are strictly enforced.
  Read the Navigation Safety Bylaw for full details.
• Enforcement officers may fine people using an unregistered PWC. The maximum fine is $100.

Personal watercraft (jet ski) information brochure (310kb)

Have any other queries? Contact the PWC helpdesk.

Email: harbourmaster@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Phone: 09 362 0397

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