Swing moorings

New swing mooring within a designated mooring area

You can apply for a new mooring position within a designated mooring area by completing the online application form (HAR001).

Some designated mooring areas have a waiting list. Send us your application form so we can put you on a list. We will notify you when a position becomes available in the area of your choice.

Please include the fee and a photo of your intended vessel with your application form. Once you have received your mooring authorisation, the mooring may be constructed and installed. 

When the mooring is installed you must provide a mooring inspection report (PDF file, 355 KB) to the Harbourmaster’s Office to demonstrate the mooring meets the required specifications.

New swing mooring outside of a designated mooring area

Please note, a new swing mooring outside a designated mooring area will also require resource consent (PDF 93KB). For more information on this, see the mooring resource consent information sheet (PDF 94KB).

Buying an existing mooring

The mooring equipment (eg, block, chain, shackles, etc) are the property of the mooring owner and may be sold.

The position the mooring occupies is not something that may be sold or purchased. There are mooring waiting lists in place for the mooring management areas and any mooring space will be allocated to a person on the waiting list.

It is recommended that you ensure the mooring equipment is right for you and your vessel.

Information on existing moorings

• Information sheet (PDF File, 44.29KB)
• Flow diagram (PDF File, 38.27KB)

If you have checked that the mooring is right for you and your vessel, and are able to proceed, please complete the online application form (HAR001) and pay the application fee (information on "Fees, payment and invoicing" in the dropdown below).

Please contact the Harbourmaster's Office if you have any further questions.

Inspections needed

All moorings must be inspected at least every 12 months and meet specifications. Forward the inspection report to the Harbourmaster’s Office within 10 days of the inspection. An additional fee applies when a mooring report is submitted late. Please fill in the mooring inspection report form (PDF file, 355 KB).

Individual person requesting authorisation to inspect a mooring system

If you wish to apply to the Harbourmaster's Office for authorisation to inspect your own mooring, please read this information sheet (PDF file, 30KB) and complete the online application form (HAR003).

Companies requesting authorisation to inspect a mooring system

If you wish to apply to the Harbourmaster's Office for authorisation to inspect a mooring, please read this information sheet (PDF file 30 KB)and complete the online application form (HAR003).

Details of mooring contractors are below. Please fill in the swing mooring inspection report form (PDF file, 355 KB) (HAR002)

Mooring specifications

Mooring system specifications have changed over the years. A mooring that was authorised during a particular period may meet the specification relating to that period. When a component on the mooring system needs repair, the Harbourmaster requires the component to be replaced to meet the current specification.

Read the current Swing mooring specification for the Canterbury region (PDF file 983 KB).

Updating personal contacts or vessel information

You must notify Environment Canterbury if you change your postal address or contact details.

Also please contact the Harbourmaster's Office to let us know if you would like to change the vessel attached to your mooring. Please include the vessel name, type, length overall, beam, draught and displacement.

If you are a mooring owner who has arranged to lease a mooring out, please fill in this form.

If you are planning to moor your vessel on a mooring that is not owned by you, please complete this form.

Cancel your mooring

If you no longer wish to keep your mooring, you can surrender the authorisation by reading this information sheet (PDF file, 23 KB) and completing this online application form (HAR003). The mooring (block, chain, rope and buoy) may need to be removed from the sea floor.

Waiting lists, register and leaving a mooring vacant

There are often waiting lists for new moorings in designated mooring areas. To apply to be added to the waiting list please complete this authorisation form.

If you wish to advertise or lease a mooring, visit our mooring lease page.

If you wish to leave your mooring vacant for more than 6 months, please read the information sheet (PDF file, 29 KB) and complete the online application form (HAR003).

Mooring contractors

Inspection of a mooring can be carried out by a hired contractor or a competent person. Mooring contractors’ contact details are listed below.

Please note these are contractors that work in the Canterbury region but the council does not provide any approval for them.

Mooring Contractor checklist	Marinetec Engineering	Maritime Specialist Services	Akaroa Moorings
Vessel compliant with MNZ Law MOSS Operating a commercial vessel that is certified under Maritime New Zealand Law, with a current Maritime Operator Safety System
Certificates of Components Can supply test certificates showing safe work loads/breaking strains of chains, shackles, ropes
Carry out Construction, Installation, Inspection and Repairs to Environment Canterbury Standard Inspections and repairs meet Environment Canterbury Standards
Can construct and install specialised new mooring systems Naval Architect/Marine Engineer available/employed to design mooring systems
Offers integrated moorings management to mooring owners Provide regular inspections, maintenance and explanation of moorings, submit inspection reports on behalf of the owner
Qualified Specialists Used Certified Commercial Divers, certified welders, certified lifting equipment and certified operators of lifting equipment
GPS Recording Have the appropriate equipment and knowledge to correctly record the GPS position of a mooring position
Public Liability Insurance Has a current certificate of insurance cover for public liability insurance
Length of time servicing moorings This is the year that this contractor has been registered on Environment Canterbury's website	2012	2009	2012

We only oversee the transfer of slipways and their associated boatsheds (PDF file, 108KB).
Slipways, and sometimes associated boatsheds, are not rateable. The owner is responsible and owns the slipway/boatshed but not the land it occupies.

As long as the slipway/boatshed remains, and is kept in a good state of repair, the slipway/boatshed is a permitted activity, which means the owner does not require resource consent for its use.
Please include transfer fee when submitting the application form.

For information on the rules about slipways and/or associated boatsheds, please read the slipways and boatsheds information sheet (PDF file, 72.26KB).