Foundation Level

Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate

The minimum legal requirement for operating a Marine VHF radio

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Online Self Directed Study
Duration15 weeks
LevelFoundation Level
QualificationCoastguard Education Certification
Price$150.00 (includes assessment fee)
Classroom Study
Duration8 hours
LevelFoundation Level
QualificationCoastguard Education Certification
Price$205.00

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.

Legal Requirement: 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).

This course, which aligns with the syllabus specified by Radio Spectrum Management, it 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 assessment has been revamped to better align with the needs of everyday comms on the water. The update ensures that the assessment process is more streamlined and user-friendly, allowing participants to gain relevant skills for safe and effective maritime operations.

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.

Course Type and Duration:

Classroom Study: This is a physical face-to-face classroom course with a tutor. This course is usually run over a weekend or over multiple nights. There is an in-class time commitment of 8 hours that will apply.

Virtual Study (Coming Soon): This is a virtual classroom course with a tutor but you will attend virtually via your computer or laptop. This course is usually run over a weekend or over multiple nights. There is a virtual in-class time commitment of 8 hours that will apply. 

Online Self-Directed Study: This is where you enrol on an online course which is self-directed from home. You will have 15 weeks from the date of enrolment to complete the course. After the 15-week duration, your enrolment ends and you will be withdrawn from the course.

Course Requirements

We welcome all domestic learners who are 14 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. 

ID Verification: This qualification is a Certificate of Competency required under national law for the operation of a VHF radio transmitter and to use a call sign. Photographic proof of your identity must be confirmed before you start the course. Any photo ID such as, but not limited to, your driver's licence, passport, or 18+ card that confirms your full name and date of birth is required. You will need to have this on hand when you login to start your course. Our team will verify your ID within 2 working days, and once this is confirmed you may begin the course. 

For the CLASSROOM course, ID verification instructions will be sent to you with your course confirmation for all enrolments from Monday, 26 May 2025 onwards.

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. 

You can also purchase this course as a Gift.

STILL UNSURE ABOUT WHICH VHF COURSE TO TAKE? CLICK HERE

Course Options

Coastguard New Zealand cannot enrol international students due to the NZQA and Immigration New Zealand regulations. If you are not sure about your status as an international student, please email us at info@boatingeducation.org.nz
Online Study165 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven, Auckland
Email
Phone0800 40 80 90
Price$150.00 (includes assessment fee)

Coastguard can only enrol domestic learners into courses. Domestic learners are those who are NZ citizens, NZ permanent residents and Australian citizens.

International students are not eligible to enrol in our courses.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please contact info@boatingeducation.org.nz

ID Verification: This qualification is a Certificate of Competency required under national law for the operation of a VHF radio transmitter and to use a call sign. Photographic proof of your identity must be confirmed before you start the course. Any photo ID such as, but not limited to, your driver's licence, passport, or 18+ card that confirms your full name and date of birth is required. You will need to have this on hand when you login to start your course. Our team will verify your ID within 2 working days, and once this is confirmed you may begin the course. 

The online course consists of interactive activities, readings, supplementary resources such as online articles and videos, and knowledge reviews. Your online learning journey is assisted by an online facilitator who is available to answer your queries and offer support while you learn.

The online course content can be successfully engaged with on both Mac and PC desktops and Apple and Android tablets, provided the appropriate web browser is used. The recommended browsers are Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Many course components contain audio, so speakers or headphones are required.

As this course is registered on the NZQA Framework, Coastguard Boating Education will require your National Student Number (NSN) for administration purposes. Please enter it on the booking form (if known) or we can process it for you when the certificate is issued. Information on your NSN can be found here.

Note: The online course and assessment remains available for 15 weeks from the date of your enrolment. If, after this duration, you have not completed the course, you will be automatically withdrawn.


Timetable of Tutorials

No courses listed or can't find a course that suits? Contact Coastguard Boating Education

Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting July 2025 (Northland)
Whangarei Coastguard Marsden Cove
08:30 - 17:00
This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 21 July 2025.
Sun 27th - Sun 27th Jul
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
14 places left
Courses starting October 2025 (Northland)
Whangarei Coastguard Marsden Cove
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 13 October 2025.
Sat 18th - Sat 18th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
14 places left
Courses starting December 2025 (Northland)
Whangarei Coastguard Marsden Cove
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 8 December 2025.
Sat 13th - Sat 13th Dec
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
14 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting July 2025 (Auckland)
Howick Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 7 July 2025.
Sat 12th - Sat 12th Jul
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
16 places left
Courses starting August 2025 (Auckland)
Outboard Boating Club of Akld
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 28 July 2025.
Sun 3rd - Sun 3rd Aug
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
14 places left
Courses starting September 2025 (Auckland)
Howick Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 8 September 2025.
Sat 13th - Sat 13th Sep
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
16 places left
Courses starting October 2025 (Auckland)
Coastguard Boating Education office - Westhaven Marina
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 29 October 2025.
Sun 5th - Sun 5th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
16 places left
Courses starting November 2025 (Auckland)
Howick Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 3 November 2025.
Sat 8th - Sat 8th Nov
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
15 places left
Te Atatu Boat Club
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 24 November 2025.
Sat 29th - Sat 29th Nov
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
16 places left
Courses starting December 2025 (Auckland)
Coastguard Boating Education office - Westhaven Marina
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 8 December 2025.
Sat 13th - Sat 13th Dec
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
16 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting July 2025 (Waikato / BOP)
Tauranga Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 21 July 2025.
Sat 26th - Sat 26th Jul
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
10 places left
Courses starting September 2025 (Waikato / BOP)
Whitianga Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 15 September 2025.
Sun 21st - Sun 21st Sep
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
16 places left
Courses starting October 2025 (Waikato / BOP)
Tauranga Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 6 October 2025.
Sat 11th - Sat 11th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
16 places left
Courses starting December 2025 (Waikato / BOP)
Tauranga Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 1 December 2025.
Sat 6th - Sat 6th Dec
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
16 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting October 2025 (Central North Island)
Hawkes Bay Coastguard Operations and Education Centre - Napier
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 13 October 2025.
Sat 18th - Sat 18th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
15 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting July 2025 (Lower North Island)
Mana Cruising Club
08:30 - 17:00
This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 7 July 2025.
Sat 12th - Sat 12th Jul
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
7 places left
Courses starting September 2025 (Lower North Island)
Wellington Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Please note there is limited accessibility to this venue as the room is upstairs and there is no ramp. Last day for registering is 8 September 2025.
Sat 13th - Sat 13th Sep
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
12 places left
Courses starting November 2025 (Lower North Island)
Mana Cruising Club
08:30 - 17:00
This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 17 November 2025.
Sat 22nd - Sat 22nd Nov
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
16 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting August 2025 (Upper South Island)
Coastguard Marlborough (Ogilvie-Lee Emergency Operations Centre - Picton)
08:30 - 15:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Course registration closes Monday 11 August 2025.
Sat 16th - Sat 16th Aug
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
8 places left
Courses starting October 2025 (Upper South Island)
Coastguard Marlborough (Ogilvie-Lee Emergency Operations Centre - Picton)
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 13 October 2025.
Sat 18th - Sat 18th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
12 places left
Courses starting December 2025 (Upper South Island)
Coastguard Marlborough (Ogilvie-Lee Emergency Operations Centre - Picton)
08:30 - 17:00
You will learn how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence: a must in any emergency. Also be aware that marine VHF radios can be used for receiving weather forecasts, safety information, communicating between boats, or communicating boat to shore. This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Course registration closes Monday 8 December 2025.
Sat 13th - Sat 13th Dec
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
12 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting June 2025 (Christchurch / Canterbury)
Coastguard Sumner - Christchurch
08:30 - 17:00
This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 23 June 2025.
Sat 28th - Sat 28th Jun
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
9 places left
Courses starting August 2025 (Christchurch / Canterbury)
Coastguard Sumner - Christchurch
08:30 - 17:00
This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 4 August 2025.
Sat 9th - Sat 9th Aug
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
8 places left
Courses starting October 2025 (Christchurch / Canterbury)
Coastguard Sumner - Christchurch
08:30 - 17:00
This one-day course involves some pre-reading material, the links for which will be sent to you before the course starts. Last day for registering is Monday 13 October 2025.
Sat 18th - Sat 18th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$205.00
10 places left

Lots of content  - quite intense but hugely informative. The practical component was very valuable and I gained lots of experience for the future. Great to have a course tutor with so much experience and knowledge that kept us all engaged. Excellent.
Sea Survival Course

Which course format is right for you?

Online Study

Online Self-Directed Study: We have 3 online courses; Beginning Boating, Day Skipper and Maritime VHF. 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.
VS

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. 
Virtual Study 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:
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:
To use your National Coastguard NZ 10% membership discount on other selected Home Study 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.


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