Maritime Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Certificate

The minimum requirement for commercial operators and users of MF/HF (SSB) radio.

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Aim: To learn correct MF/HF (SSB) radio operation.

Duration: 8 Hours.

Completion: Students will have up to two weeks to complete the course.

Qualification: Maritime Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Certificate (MRROC).

Course:

The minimum requirement for commercial operators and users of MF/HF (SSB) radio. Covers routine operation, safety, distress & urgency calling and alarm signals. The assessment includes a written and short oral component with the examiner.

Course Requirements: We welcome all domestic learners.

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

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

If you are interested in this course and would like to enrol, please contact us directly on education@coastguard.nz or call us on 0800 40 80 90.

Classroom Study:
This is a face-to-face classroom course delivered by a tutor. You will need to bring a wifi-capable laptop or tablet with you. From September 2025, all course resources will be delivered digitally. No printed materials will be provided in class. Students will also need to download a copy of the MNZ's Radio Handbook prior to attending the course. Download HERE or head to Maritime NZ's website to download it or if you would like to request a paper copy for your boat.

Online Self-Directed Study: This is an online course which is self-directed from home. You have 4 weeks from enrolment to complete the course which includes an online assessment and oral examination. After the 4-week duration, your enrolment ends and you will be withdrawn from the course.

STILL UNSURE ABOUT WHICH VHF COURSE TO TAKE? CLICK HERE

Course Options

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 Self-Directed Study: We have a range of online courses; Beginning Boating, Day Skipper, Maritime VHF, Boatmaster, Engine Maintenance, MRROC and MSROC. These courses are designed to be studied online using your own computer 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.

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.
Tutor Led Classroom Course offers the student the ability to study with a classroom course and tutor but virtually from their own home on their own device. They can interact with the tutor and study at the same pace as the other students in the classroom.

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DISCOUNT CODES

New Member Day Skipper Course $75 discount:
- Use membership number for 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:
- Use CGM + membership number for discount

To use your National Coastguard NZ 10% membership discount on other selected 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.

All orders are subject to our terms and conditions