In accordance with section 446(a) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994, Maritime New Zealand, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, gives notice of the Minister’s intention to make the following Marine Protection Rules:

Marine Protection Rules Amendments to Ballast and Harmful Substances Provisions 2018

The proposed amendments to Marine Protection Rules Parts 100 and 300:

• clarify the instances when discharge of ballast water is permitted;
• clarify the instances when sediment is a harmful substance;
• clarify that the ballast water management standards do not apply to permanent ballast; and
• amend the transition schedule of when different ballast water management standards are applicable to different ships.

Comments are invited on the proposed Marine Protection Rules developed under the Maritime Transport Act 1994.

Consultation will commence on 23 November 2017.

The consultation document will be available on the following website: www.maritimenz.govt.nz/consultation.

Submissions must be made online, by email, or by post by 5.00pm on 26 January 2018.

Copies of the consultation document are available free of charge from Maritime New Zealand, Level 11, 1 Grey Street, Wellington, or by contacting the Rules Coordinator at rules.coordinator@maritimenz.govt.nz, or by writing to PO Box 25620, Wellington 6146.

Copies are also available on the Maritime NZ website at: www.maritimenz.govt.nz/consultation.

CRAIG SMITH, Manager Domestic and International Policy, Maritime New Zealand.