Boaties heading out on the water in the Taupo and wider Waikato region this summer are being reminded to display a boat name on their boats.

Waikato Regional Council's annual boat ramp survey undertaken at the end of last summer indicated that 74% of boaties were displaying a name on their vessel.

Navigational safety manager Nicole Botherway said it was a pleasing result, but it meant 26% of vessel owners still need to catch up.

"The boat naming rules were brought in to the 2009 bylaw to improve search and rescue capabilities and to assist Harbourmasters in their job of managing safety on our waterways. Harbourmasters will be issuing warnings to those not displaying a name this summer and repeat offenders could face a $200 fine," she says.

Power driven vessels four metres or larger and non-powered vessels six metres or larger are required to display a name or similar mark, such as a radio call sign, Coastguard membership number or trailer registration. The vessel's brand, model or make is not adequate identification.

Skippers can go to www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/boatname for more information or phone the council's navigation safety team on 0800 800 401.

Mean while, vesselssuch as kayaks and small dinghys must have emergency contact details and or the owner's name or contact details somewhere clearly visible on or in the vessel.

 These vessels can be marked by using a waterproof marker, writing on waterproof tape, or laminating a card and attaching it to your vessel.