Boatmaster

Aim: To gain detailed boating knowledge. 

Duration: 30 hours (classroom) plus self-study, followed by a written and oral assessment. 

Qualification: NZ Boatmaster Certificate

Course Requirements: We welcome all domestic learners who are 16 years or 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.

Course Certificates: Learners can expect to receive their certificates up to 4 weeks after they have completed a classroom course with us.

Course:
The Boatmaster course is a comprehensive programme designed for boaties with some existing knowledge and experience (minimum age: 16 years).  The Day Skipper course is a strongly recommended prerequisite.

It applies to a wide range of vessels including yachts, launches, and powerboats.  As part of the pathway of Coastguard Boating Education courses, this course builds on your knowledge of chartwork, navigation techniques, distress signals, emergency procedures, knots, rope work and provides a thorough understanding of the rules of the road at sea.  

The course also uses the latest edition of Safety in Small Craft in digital form: a practical guide packed with full-colour illustrations. 

Classroom Study: 
This is a face-to-face classroom course delivered by a tutor. You will have 8 weeks to complete the course inclusive of 4 days in class and including an online assessment and oral exam.You will need to bring a wifi-capable laptop or tablet with you.  From August 2025, all course resources are delivered digitally.  This includes Rules of the Road at Sea and nautical flash cards, and other learner materials.  No printed materials will be provided in class.

A chartwork plotter is recommended for completing the exam.  Please bring your own with you to the course.  If you would prefer a hardcopy of the textbooks or need to purchase a chartwork plotter, these are available through Boat Books or via the Resources page on our website. 

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 8 weeks to complete the course inclusive of 30 hours of online face to face tutoring through a link and including an online assessment and an oral exam. Look under the Classroom Study tab below to find dates of upcoming virtual study courses.

Online Self-Directed Study: This is an online course which is self-directed from home. You will have 8 weeks from the date of enrolment to complete the course including an oral exam. After the 8-week duration, your enrolment ends and you will be withdrawn from the course. A chartwork plotter is recommended for completing the exam.  If you would prefer a hardcopy of the textbooks or need to purchase a chartwork plotter, these are available through Boat Books or via the Resources page on our website. 

Terms & Conditions: Offer valid for the online Boatmaster course only. Offer cannot be combined with existing offers, discounts or promotions. Course begins on enrolment and must be completed within 8 weeks. A final oral test must be taken after the online assessment.