Foundation Level

Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate

The minimum legal requirement for operating a Marine VHF radio

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Online, Self Study
Duration15 weeks
LevelFoundation Level
QualificationCoastguard Education Certification
Price$135.00 (includes assessment fee)
Classroom Study
Duration8 hours
LevelFoundation Level
QualificationCoastguard Education Certification
Price$185.00

Aim: To obtain a working knowledge in the use of a marine VHF radio and an EPIRB. 

Duration: 30 (notional) hours of learning which includes all planned learning activities, including revision and assessment, which lead toward the achievement of the learning outcomes. 

Qualifications: Maritime VHF Operator’s Certificate (MVOC) and NZQA Unit Standard 19491.

Legal Requirement: Under the Radiocommunications Act 1989, it is a legal requirement that anyone wishing to operate a marine VHF radio holds an appropriate operator’s certificate. For operators of marine VHF radios, the minimum legal operator certification is the Maritime VHF Operator’s Certificate (MVOC).

This course, which aligns with the syllabus specified by Radio Spectrum Management, it covers

  • the general features and functions of a marine VHF radio
  • procedures and operating techniques for routine calling
  • correct distress and urgency and safety procedures
  • pro-words and the phonetic alphabet
  • trip reports
  • weather services
  • EPIRBS and more

In this MVOC course you will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. And don't forget that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore.

Note:  This course does not include the use of either Digital VHF (DSC) or Single Side Band (SSB) radios.  If travelling outside New Zealand waters, we recommend the completion of either the Maritime Short Range Operators Certificate course (MSROC – Digital DSC) – required for Europe, or the Maritime Restricted Radiotelephone Operators Certificate (MRROC – SSB) course instead.  See the related course information on this website for full details.

You can also purchase this course as a Gift.

Course Options

Online Study165 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven, Auckland
Email
Phone0800 40 80 90
Price$135.00 (includes assessment fee)

The online course consists of interactive activities, readings, supplementary resources such as online articles and videos, and knowledge reviews. Your online learning journey is assisted by an online facilitator who is available to answer your queries and offer support while you learn.

The online course content can be successfully engaged with on both Mac and PC desktops and Apple and Android tablets, provided the appropriate web browser is used. The recommended browsers are Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Many course components contain audio, so speakers or headphones are required.

As this course is registered on the NZQA Framework, Coastguard Boating Education will require your National Student Number (NSN) for administration purposes. Please enter it on the booking form (if known) or we can process it for you when the certificate is issued. Information on your NSN can be found here.

Note: The online course and assessment remains available for 15 weeks from the date of your enrolment. If, after this duration, you have not completed the course, you will be automatically un-enrolled.

Timetable of Tutorials

No courses listed or can't find a course that suits? Contact Coastguard Boating Education

Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting November 2024 (Northland)
Whangarei Coastguard Marsden Cove
08:30 - 17:00
This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Sunday 27 October 2024.
Sat 2nd - Sat 2nd Nov
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$185.00
14 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting October 2024 (Auckland)
Coastguard Boating Education office - Westhaven Marina
08:30 - 17:00
This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. The tutor, Michael Wang, also delivers our Day Skipper course in his native Mandarin but will be delivering this VHF course in English. Last day for registering is Thursday, 10 October 2024
Sun 13th - Sun 13th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$185.00
4 places left
Coastguard Boating Education office - Westhaven Marina
17:30 - 21:30
This course will run in the evenings on Monday 21 & Wed 23 October 2024 from 5.30-9.30pm. This course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Thursday, 17 October 2024.
Mon 21st - Wed 23rd Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$185.00
12 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting October 2024 (Waikato / BOP)
Taupo Bowling Club
08:30 - 17:00
This one-day course involves some pre-reading material which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 7 October 2024.
Sat 12th - Sat 12th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$185.00
14 places left
Courses starting November 2024 (Waikato / BOP)
Rotorua Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
This course involves some pre-reading material, the link for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 28 October 2024.
Sat 2nd - Sat 2nd Nov
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$185.00
16 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting October 2024 (Central North Island)
Hawkes Bay Coastguard Operations and Education Centre - Napier
08:30 - 17:00
This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 7 October 2024.
Sat 12th - Sat 12th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$185.00
13 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting October 2024 (Lower North Island)
Manawatu Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
The course will be held at the Manawatu Marine Boating Club, 50 Hartley Street, Foxton Beach. It involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Wednesday 2 October 2024.
Sat 5th - Sat 5th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$185.00
7 places left
Mana Cruising Club
08:30 - 17:00
This course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 14 October 2024.
Sun 20th - Sun 20th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$185.00
12 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting November 2024 (Christchurch / Canterbury)
Coastguard Sumner - Christchurch
08:30 - 17:00
8.30am-5.00pm; last day for registering is Monday 28 October 2024. This course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts.
Sat 2nd - Sat 2nd Nov
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$185.00
16 places left

I just want you to know that I found yesterday's Boatmaster assessment to be a great learning experience. Your positive feedback and wonderfully detailed explanations opened my eyes to so many aspects of the study material, but more it brought to life what has been up to now a largely academic exercise. I am in awe of your knowledge of the subject matter.
Boatmaster CourseP OGrady

Which course format is right for you?

Online Study

Online Study: We have 3 online courses; Beginning Boating, Day Skipper and Maritime VHF. These courses are designed to be studied online and have great content and illustrations, are interactive and easy to navigate.
Home Study: This is a paper based distance learning option which we mail out to you for you to complete at home. This is currently not online. Both options allow you to study at your own pace giving the flexibility to schedule learning around busy lifestyles and commitments. You can also complete the course in blocks and can come back to it on a weekly basis until it is completed.
VS

Classroom Study

Classroom courses offer the student the ability to study intensely over a finite period of time (usually a weekend) to complete a boating course. It is a chance to meet up with other like-minded boaties and learn from their experiences. Having an educated teacher with years of boating knowledge enables the student to be taught face-to-face and ask any questions that may come up.
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DISCOUNT CODES

New Member Day Skipper Course $75 discount:
To use your National Coastguard NZ new member discount for $75 off a Day Skipper course, please in put your membership number in the Discount Code field below (e.g. 123456). Do not use CGM in front of the number.  This discount code may not be used in conjunction with any other offer, and can only be redeemed once. 

10% Membership discount:
To use your National Coastguard NZ 10% membership discount on other selected Home Study courses, input "CGM" and your Coastguard membership number (e.g. CGM78091) into the  "Discount Code" field below. This discount code may not be used in conjunction with any other offer. The courses included in this discount offer are: Day Skipper (Not to be used in conjunction with $75 discount), Boatmaster, Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate, Inboard Engine Maintenance, Outboard Engine Maintenance and GPS Operator.


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