Running on water – a faster fleet

Thinking of avoiding Customs when entering New Zealand on a yacht or small craft? Think again.  

Crossing New Zealand’s maritime border without the correct border processing requirements is set to become even more difficult as a result of the introduction of four new inshore patrol vessels (IPVs) into the Royal New Zealand Navy.  

Greg Davis, Acting Manager Customs Response group says, “Customs is pleased to see the IPVs as they will certainly enhance our maritime operations. The ships, which are part of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Patrol Force, are specifically designed to undertake a range of tasks for Government agencies.”  

“The 55 metre vessels — with a range in excess of 3,000 nautical miles — are fast, highly manoeuvrable, and far more sophisticated and comfortable than previous naval patrol boats.”   

In the last year, Customs’ Response group has been further developing staff on other naval vessels, particularly around interacting with small craft and boarding at sea.   

This training culminated in an at-sea training phase over 10 – 21 August on IPV HMNZS Rotoiti, where, in a test environment, Response officers conducted a wide range of maritime interception exercises including boarding and questioning crew members of non-compliant target yachts.  

The operational deployment of these vessels will contribute significantly to patrolling New Zealand’s maritime borders, particularly during the busy international yacht arrival and departure season.  


Customs' yacht and small craft arrival information.



Customs officers boarding a yacht


Sea Boat and Navy IPV

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