Day SkipperThe Day Skipper - CBE Certificate course is an introductory Coastguard Education course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. It is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel.
Course purpose:
This course is for recreational pleasure craft operators and crew and covers general knowledge required to operate a pleasure craft in familiar waters during daylight hours, at an introductory level.
Learning outcomes:
Demonstrate knowledge of:
- the components of a boat and its equipment
- basic boat handling techniques
- the use of navigational charts
- basic tide and weather terminology
- navigational marks
- Maritime Rules and Regulations
- the causes of and preventative actions to be taken in emergency situations
- common marine knots and their application.
Certification:
On successful completion of this course, you will have achieved Coastguard Education's Day Skipper Certificate. This is an internal certification only and is not recognised by any qualification authority or standard setting body, i.e. NZQA unit standards do not apply.
Course Type and Duration:
Classroom Study with Online Resources: This is a face-to-face classroom course delivered by a tutor. This course is usually run over a weekend or over multiple nights. You will have 4 weeks to complete the course inclusive of 2 days in class and including an online assessment. You will need to bring a wifi-capable laptop with you. From August 2025, all course resources are delivered digitally. No printed materials will be provided in class.
(Note: Due to technical issues, Day Skipper cannot be completed on an iPad.)
Virtual Classroom: This is a virtual classroom course with a tutor but you attend virtually via your computer or laptop. This course would run over a weekend or over multiple nights. You will have 4 weeks to complete the course inclusive of 16 hours of online face to face tutoring through a link and including an online assessment. Look under the Classroom Study tab below to find dates of upcoming virtual study courses.
Online Self-Directed Study: This is where you enrol on an online course which is self-directed from home. You will have 4 weeks from the date of enrolment to complete the course including an online assessment. After the 4-week duration, your enrolment ends and you will be withdrawn from the course.
Day Skipper Unit Standards: This is an 8 week self-directed learning including an online assessment.
Course Requirements
We welcome all domestic learners who are 16 years and older.
A NZ citizen or permanent resident, and an Australian citizen or permanent resident are considered domestic learners.
We can only accept international learners if:
- You are employed by a company in New Zealand; and
- Your work requires you to do the course; and
- The course is completed within 10 days.
Enrolment options for recreational international learners are now being accepted. For more information, please email education@coastguard.nz
Learners can expect to receive their certificates up to 4 weeks after they have completed a classroom or home study course with us.
Coastguard Membership Offer
Become a Coastguard member for only $150 and receive $75 off an online or classroom Day Skipper course in your first year. Click HERE to join.
