Officials from Maritime New Zealand backed up by Far North police have ordered a fishing vessel into port for an inspection.
The 23m boat was tied up at a wharf in Whangaroa Harbour on Monday while a safety compliance inspection was carried out.
A Maritime NZ spokesman said such inspections were performed when a new Safe Ship Management certificate was issued.
Maritime NZ was also making sure the vessel was manned by qualified people.
The spokesman said police were asked to help at times to defuse any possible tension and ensure inspections ran smoothly.
The Advocate understands there had been problems in the past with the vessel, hence the request for police backup. Monday's inspection, however, was without incident.