New safety laws for boaties have been passed and will come into effect in time for next summer.
The Navigation Safety Bylaw was adopted at the first Bay of Plenty Regional Council meeting of the year this week.
The new regulations will come into effect on July 1 2017.
Bay of Plenty Harbourmaster Peter Buell said if you are a sensible skipper who makes considered decisions, knows the laws, and generally behaves on the water, it is business as usual.
"It's been a lengthy review process but it was important that we got the best bylaw for the community. This week councillors adopted the independent commissioners report and recommendations and we will now work with all water users to raise awareness of the changes.