Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate

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.

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).

View a Short Introduction

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