Bar Awareness Seminars

A comprehensive seminar for those likely to encounter bar crossing situations.

Important information to consider when planning a bar crossing:

Bar crossings can be dangerous, so it's important to have the right local knowledge and skills before heading out. You must:

- understand the state of the bar

- be able to interpret the conditions

- be able to assess the ever-changing shape and location of the channel

Before attempting to cross a bar:

Before attempting to cross a bar you must do the following:

1. Prepare your boat and crew by securing all moveable objects and ensure the weight, including the passenger load is low. Check that the engine and steering are performing correctly and secure all the hatches.

2. Ensure all passengers on board are wearing a well-fitted life jacket.

3. Make sure you keep an eye on the conditions and study the nature of the seas to find the best route to take. Remember the best time to cross a bar is at high water. Avoid crossing when the tide is going out.

4. Make sure you put a call in on your VHF radio to Coastguard or Maritime Radio immediately before AND after crossing the bar

Helpful Tips about Bar Crossings

Watch the video and take a look at these helpful tips before you cross a bar.

For more information on bar crossing safety, click here.

Bar Awareness Seminars

Bar Awareness seminars will include information on how a bar works, the best times to cross a bar, boat handling tips and describe the local area and conditions to consider.

There are seminars available that are run by specific Coastguard Units.

Please click on links provided below to register for the seminars.

Here is a list of upcoming Bar Awareness Seminars for 2024:

Watch this space for the next one coming up for May 2024.

For more information, please contact barsafety@coastguard.nz

Raglan Coastguard are hosting a Bar Safety Day on 28 April 2024.

Registration desk opens at 8am for 9am start. Registration is essential as spaces are limited.

Please email Raglancoastguard@gmail.com to pre-register and obtain payment information.

Cost: $45 if paid prior to event or $50 on the day.
Please wear closed-in shoes.

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 and Home study boating courses offer many benefits for those seeking boating education. Firstly, these courses are designed to be studied either online or with a home study booklet so they have great content and illustrations, are interactive and are easy to navigate. You can also 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.

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DISCOUNT CODES

To use your National Coastguard NZ new member discount for $100 off a Day Skipper course, please in put your membership number in the Discount Code field below (e.g. 123456). This discount code may not be used in conjunction with any other offer, and can only be redeemed once.

To use your National Coastguard NZ 15% 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 $100 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