Skippers of commercial vessels need an operators licence.
Information on how to gain a "Skipper Restricted Limits" licence can
be found at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/commercial It
is not a legal requirement to hold a licence to operate a recreational vessel
in New Zealand, but to ensure the safety of yourself and others, and ensure you
know how to comply with all maritime rules, all skippers should complete at
least some form of training. Day Skipper is the minimum qualification recommended.
It is not a legal requirement to hold a licence to operate a
recreational vessel in New Zealand but to ensure the safety of yourself and
others, and ensure you know how to comply with all maritime rules, all skippers
should complete at least some form of training. Day Skipper is the minimum qualification recommended.
Information on how to gain a "Skipper Restricted Limits" licence can be found at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/commercial
Working on Super Yachts is a great way to see the world and
get paid to do it. Super Yacht skippers are very picky about the crew they
employ, so showing you have at least some boating knowledge and experience will
be a good start. Day Skipper, Boatmaster and VHF would be the minimum
recommended qualifications, with practical courses such as RYA Powerboat Level 2 and the STCW
modules also forming the minimum requirement.
Practical on-water training is offered through the practical training centres listed at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/rya
All boats handle differently. Learning from a professional, highly experienced practical instructor on your own boat is a great way to accelerate the learning process and to avoid any scrapes, dings or stress along the way. Practical on-water training is offered through the practical training centres listed at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/rya
Updating your details is easily done by calling the Membership team on 0800 BOATIE (262 843) or email us at membership@coastguard.org.nz
If you lose your membership card, phone the membership team on 0800 BOATIE (262 843) and we can organise a replacement card to be sent out. If you’re heading out on the water and your membership card hasn’t arrived yet, not to worry, we will be able to look you up in the system based on your other contact details if you require assistance. Don't hesitate to call 0800 BOATIE (262 843) or email us at membership@coastguard.org.nz
Go to www.coastguard.nz/join or call 0800 BOATIE (262 843). Once payment is received, your Coastguard Membership pack will be sent out to you in the mail within 10 working days. It includes your personalised membership card, receipt, and membership booklet which gives details to all your exclusive Coastguard member benefits and discounts, and a range of safety information and services available.
Go to www.coastguard.nz/membership/. The Individual membership is $115 and covers the member, their partner, and any dependants up to the age of 18, no matter what boat they’re on. The Lifetime membership is $1,725 and is the same as the individual membership but with a convenient one-off payment - it gives peace of mind for a lifetime of boating. A Vessel membership is $400* and is the perfect solution for larger families, boat share situations or charter vessels, covering the vessel no matter who’s on the boat. *Only available in the Northern Region.
You’re covered in all the major boating population areas around the country. We have 64 strategically located units around the country to help you out - head to www.coastguard.nz/units to find your local unit.
Different countries have different requirements. Please check with the charter company to ensure you meet any local requirements.
Different countries have different requirements. Please check with the charter company to ensure you meet any local requirements. An increasing number of European countries require an ICC or equivalent and a GMDSS-compliant radio certificate, such as an MSROC. You must pass an on-water practical "driving test" and theory knowledge test at a recognised RYA Training Centre to gain an ICC. Information on gaining an ICC can be found atwww.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/42/international-certificate-of-competence-icc
Information on gaining an MSROC can be found at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/62/maritime-short-range-operator-certificate-msroc
ICC means International Certificate of Competence - this is like an international driver's licence. You must pass an on-water practical "driving test" and theory knowledge test at a recognised RYA Training Centre to gain an ICC. Information on gaining an ICC can be found at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/42/international-certificate-of-competence-icc
You must pass an on-water practical "driving test" and theory knowledge test at a recognised RYA Training Centre to gain an ICC. Information on gaining an ICC can be found at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/42/international-certificate-of-competence-icc
A Maritime VHF Callsign is a unique identifier for your vessel and holds important information to enable you and your vessel to be identified in an emergency. It belongs to a person, not a vessel.
Except in an emergency, it is a legal requirement for any person operating a VHF or SSB marine radio to hold an appropriate operator's qualification. To book a Maritime VHF Radio Operator course click here
There is no requirement for a callsign to be displayed on the exterior of any vessel. However, many Regional Councils require vessels to be identifiable, often with a minimum requirement of lettering size (e.g. 90mm). This can be achieved by marking it with the boats name or callsign. Also, if you are requesting assistance, your name and callsign displayed on your vessel makes you easier to find and identify.
DSC means Digital Selective Calling - this system is perhaps
best described as like sending and receiving text messages through your VHF
radio. To set up any radio or beacon to send DSC messages, it must have an MMSI
(Maritime Mobile Safey Identity) number entered into the menu system of the
radio. An MMSI number identifies where any DSC "text" message is
coming from - like showing what phone number a phone text message has been sent
from. AIS stands for Automatic Identification System. AIS units can be either
transceivers (that constantly transmit and receive) or just receivers. AIS
transceivers must be registered with an MMSI to activate/identify them. That
vessel's identity, speed, course, and a range of other information is then displayed
on all AIS receiver screens within range, which helps improve safety between
vessels.
You will need an MMSI number if you have a DSC radio, AIS transceiver and/or for some diver beacons.
VHF (Very High Frequency) radios use low power, and the radio waves travel in a straight line (line-of-sight). SSB (Single Side Band) radios transmit at much higher power, at a lower frequency. SSB radio waves can "bounce" off the ionosphere, enabling world-wide communications over enormous distances in the right conditions.
You will need to enter the 9-digit MMSI number into your DSC radio. This is usually done through the radio's menu system. All radios are different, so if in doubt check the user manual.
You'll need to complete a form to apply for RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). You can download the RPL application form from the resources section at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/commercial
Download replacement certificate forms for both MRROC and MSROC certificates, and all other course certificates, here. A $35 charge applies for a digital replacement and a $45 charge applies for a hard copy plus digital replacement.
Note: Only certificates issued after 1986 are able to be replaced.
Please e-mail certficates@boatingeducation.org.nz with course details (type of course, date, and tutor if you have their name). Please note assessments may take time to be returned to CBE to be processed.
You can share the resources (books,
It may be helpful for revision, however in order to receive the best from the course an old pack is not ideal. In order to keep
Practical on-water examinations for RYA/MCA Certificates of Competence (Yachtmaster Coastal, Yachtmaster Offshore) whether sail or power endorsed, must be organised through a recognised RYA Training Centre. All NZ RYA centres are listed at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/rya. Examinations can be organised without completing any preparation training,
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased is the only course we offer that teaches Celestial Navigation. To enquire about an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased course, please contact the RYA Training Centres listed at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/rya. If you are a CBE Ocean Yachtmaster Home Study student, please contact the Manager
There is no minimum age limit to attend Day Skipper and VHF courses. You must be at least 15 years old to complete and attain a Boatmaster certificate.
Most certificates are for life and never expire. Marine Medic and Advanced Sea Survival certificates do expire (after 2 years and 5 years respectively).
Boatmaster is a comprehensive theory course. It covers the knowledge required to gain an ICC but is not a direct equivalent. You must pass an on-water practical "driving test" and theory knowledge test at a recognised RYA Training Centre to gain an ICC. Information on gaining an ICC can be found at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/42/international-certificate-of-competence-