Be a smart skipper and keep your distance
Environment Canterbury media release: 5th January 2026
Waitaha Canterbury’s harbours are busy places. Large ships can’t stop quickly, and small boats are hard to see — a dangerous mix that can lead to disaster in seconds.
Staying clear of big ships isn’t just good practice. It’s the law, and it could save your life.
Why you need to keep clear
Every year, we remind boaties of one simple rule: keep clear of big ships. Yet reports are still coming in of small vessels getting too close to large ships in our channels and harbours, putting everyone at risk.
“We’re still seeing boaties underestimate just how fast things can go wrong,” said Harbourmaster Tina Jackson.
“Large ships have huge blind spots and can’t stop or turn quickly. If you’re in the wrong place, the crew may not even know you’re there until it’s too late.”
Moving Prohibited Zone (MPZ)
A MPZ is the water around a large ship you cannot enter:
- 500 metres ahead; and
- 100 metres to the side or astern.
These distances include any attending tugboats.
If you see a ship in the channel or harbour, stay well clear. Make your intentions obvious with a clear change of course or speed and never cut through the gap between a ship and its berth.
Might isn't always right
Testing the saying “might is right” could turn your day from really good to really bad in seconds. A collision — or even hitting the wash from a ship or tug — isn’t worth the few minutes you think you’ll save.
Stay alert, give big ships plenty of room, and enjoy your time on the water without risking lives.
Want to know about shipping movements? Call Harbour Radio (Lyttelton, VHF channel 12 or Timaru, VHF channel 09) prior to departing or entering the harbour.