To help you navigate your stay at the Yacht Club, we have put together a list of do's and don'ts specifically for yachties. We ask that you take the time to read and familiarize yourself with these guidelines, as they will help you make the most of your time here and ensure that your presence doesn't have a negative impact on our community. From respecting local customs to preserving our natural resources, these guidelines are designed to help everyone have a safe and fulfilling experience in Niue.
In addition we recommend that you download and familiarize yourself with the Maritime Safety Act 2021 which outlines the responsibilities and requirements of vessels travelling into Niue.
DO
- Ask us for help before you arrive or during your stay in Niue.
- Follow the Biosecurity ‘Notice to masters’ that can be found HERE.
- ALWAYS give priority to local fishing and charter vessels at the wharf. Some of these vessels are working to tight schedules so they would appreciate no delays around the crane area.
- ALWAYS return the crane hook back out over the water (close to the wall) and lower down to approx 1m-1.5m above the water line after launching or retrieving. This allows other vessels to haul out without delay.
- Get out and experience the island scenery, variety of experiences and culture.
- Experience the beauty of Niue and the warm hospitality of our community.
- Buy some Yacht club merchandise or a souvenir membership.
- Tell your friends what a great time you had in Niue – and come again!
DON’T
- Do not Scuba Dive without a local licensed dive operator
- Do not Swim or bathe at the moorings when Vaka (Canoe) fishermen are fishing nearby. Please be respectful of their needs
- Do not Sunbath naked or topless (for women) on deck. Niueans are conservative when it comes to this, and you can still be seen from land, so please respect the culture
- Do not bring food, plants or products ashore unless purchased in Niue.
- Do not park your Dinghy across the primary access or parking area on the wharf – it will be removed if it is in the wrong place.
- Do not leave tenders tied alongside the wharf or steps (even in calm conditions). This can hamper local vessel operations. Also conditions can change in a short time. Always lift tenders out onto the wharf.
- Do not leave tenders in the crane vicinity; this area must be kept clear at all times.
- Do not leave tenders or vehicles parked directly adjacent on the seaward side of the crane. This area is reserved for the Niue Search and Rescue vessel if required to be launched.
- Sundays are a day of religion and rest in Niue – please don’t use your engines during church times to access the wharf.
- Do not attempt to swim or snorkel with Humpback Whales or Spinner Dolphins when in Niue waters. This includes from your vessel when it is moored or underway or from tenders. There are strict regulations around the protection of all cetaceans. Interactions are ONLY with a Niue Licenced operator. Prosecution may happen should this rule not be followed.
- Do not disguard of "Black Water" or raw sewage when moored. Please use holding tanks and leave the mooring area to empty or discharge all liquid waste. Please ensure your vessel is at least 800M (1/2 NM) from the nearest shoreline.
- Please ensure grey water is confined to holding tanks. also, if unable to hold grey water - strictly no chemicals are to be used and discharged in grey water. These include bleach, acids, toilet cleaner or non-biodegradable detergents.
- Do not pump bilge water with traces of oil or fuel within Niue's Territorial Sea (12NM), this even includes biodegradable degreasers and emulsifiers.
- Please use "reef safe" sunscreen when swimming or snorkelling. Over 70 tons of sunscreen goes into the ocean each year, certain chemicals in sunscreen can affect coral reproduction.
- Do not go bottom fishing when moored. Snagged lines, broken off nylon or braid is a tangle hazard for wildlife and divers.
- Do not leave your rubbish on or around the wharf. Dispose of your rubbish accordingly abiding by biosecurity’s “NOTICE TO MASTERS”. The bins are located halfway up the wharf, which are strictly for yachts only. Please refer to picture below
- Camping and couch surfing is not available nor permitted in Niue.
Book your stay today and start planning your dream sailing adventure.