Getting value for money on vessel cleaning
03 March 2025
When it comes to cleaning your vessel, there are several things to consider to ensure you achieve good results, avoid constant maintenance costs, and pass regional hull inspections. Regular cleaning and anti-fouling your vessel will save you money over time and give you peace of mind when travelling around New Zealand.
1. Choose a cleaning method that aligns with your vessel’s maintenance schedule
Depending on the product used, you should be applying new anti-foul every two years. Using a good quality product can be the difference between having to re-apply anti-foul earlier than expected, or constant cleaning, which leads to extra maintenance costs. Regular haul out and water-blasting, is recommended to keep your hull clear of fouling for longer before the next application of anti-foul product.
2. Decide whether to do it yourself, or hire a professional service.
If you opt for a professional haul out and clean, ensure you can visually inspect the vessel after the job has been completed. If the vessel has not been properly cleaned, fouling can quickly rebuild in areas such as under the keel, around rudders and bow thrusters, and areas where the straps of the travel lift have held the vessel.
When it comes to professional anti-fouling applications, do some research on local companies and read reviews to find one that offers a good quality anti-foul and a track record of satisfied customers. Again, you will want to check the vessel before it is returned back to the water to ensure the job has been completed to your expectations. Be sure to assess the high-risk areas have been covered . Over time, a good anti-fouling application and regular cleaning can lessen your vessel’s maintenance and running costs. Less fouling means greater fuel efficiency.
3. Know the rules
Inadequate cleaning can lead to the rapid return of marine pests and may restrict the vessel’s ability to travel to certain regions around New Zealand.
When entering the Marlborough, Nelson, or Tasman regions, fouling on your vessel's hull and niche areas must not exceed ‘light fouling’ or Level 2 on the Level of Fouling scale, for example, small patches or isolated barnacles (1 - 5% coverage), unless:
- You're entering for a haul-out, which must happen within 24 hours.
- There's an emergency affecting the safety of the craft or people on board.
- There's a declared state of emergency
To ensure these requirements are met, regular cleaning and antifouling at least every two years is recommended. Failure to comply can result in the vessel being refused entry or asked to be hauled out and cleaned at the nearest haul-out facility. This will come at a cost to the vessel owner, and may delay travel plans.
Marinas and ports can also impose specific requirements on visiting vessels and may refuse service if these requirements are not met. Many marinas follow the 6 or 1 rule. This means that boats must have been antifouled within 6 months of entering the marina or lifted and hauled out within 1 month. It is recommended that you check with individual marinas before you plan to visit.
Regular marina surveillance programmes may also flag your vessel as being non-compliant. If the vessel does not meet the requirements, or is harbouring marine pests such as Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii), you may be ordered to haul out and clean.
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