FAQs

How do I get my Commercial skippers licence?

Skippers of commercial vessels need an operators licence. Information on how to gain a "Skipper Restricted Limits" licence can be found at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/commercial. It is not a legal requirement to hold a licence to operate a recreational vessel in New Zealand, but to ensure the safety of yourself and others, and ensure you know how to comply with all maritime rules, all skippers should complete at least some form of training. Day Skipper is the minimum qualification recommended.

Is it compulsory to sit a skippers course in NZ?

It is not a legal requirement to hold a licence to operate a recreational vessel in New Zealand but to ensure the safety of yourself and others, and ensure you know how to comply with all maritime rules, all skippers should complete at least some form of training. Day Skipper is the minimum qualification recommended.

What if I want to get a commercial qualification?

Information on how to gain a "Skipper Restricted Limits" licence can be found at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/commercial

Do you offer practical courses?

We offer two practical on-water training courses - these are Advanced Sea Survival and In Water Survival (for private bookings only).

I want to talk about anything related to my Coastguard membership.

If you have any questions about membership, including (but not limited to) membership number, change of contact details, new membership and renewing membership, please contact the Coastguard membership team on 0800 BOATIE (0800 262 843) or email membership@coastguard.nz.

Can I use my Boatmaster certificate to charter a vessel overseas?

Different countries have different requirements. Please check with the charter company to ensure you meet any local requirements. 

I am going overseas and want to charter a boat, what qualification do I need?

Different countries have different requirements. Please check with the charter company to ensure you meet any local requirements. Our Maritime Short Range Operator Certificate is a requirement for anyone wishing to operate a VHF radio in Europe.

What is a callsign?

A Maritime VHF Callsign is a unique identifier for your vessel and holds important information to enable you and your vessel to be identified in an emergency. It belongs to a person, not a vessel.

Do I have to do a course?

Except in an emergency, it is a legal requirement for any person operating a VHF or SSB marine radio to hold an appropriate operator's qualification.  To choose the best VHF course for you, click here for more information to help you decide.  

Do I have to display my Callsign or vessel name on my boat?

There is no requirement for a callsign to be displayed on the exterior of any vessel. However, many Regional Councils require vessels to be identifiable, often with a minimum requirement of lettering size (e.g. 90mm). This can be achieved by marking it with the boat's name or callsign. Also, if you are requesting assistance, your name and callsign displayed on your vessel makes you easier to find and identify. 

What is an MMSI/DSC/AIS?

DSC means Digital Selective Calling - this system is perhaps best described as like sending and receiving text messages through your VHF radio. To set up any radio or beacon to send DSC messages, it must have an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Safey Identity) number entered into the menu system of the radio. An MMSI number identifies where any DSC "text" message is coming from - like showing what phone number a phone text message has been sent from. AIS stands for Automatic Identification System. AIS units can be either transceivers (that constantly transmit and receive) or just receivers. AIS transceivers must be registered with an MMSI to activate/identify them. That vessel's identity, speed, course, and a range of other information is then displayed on all AIS receiver screens within range, which helps improve safety between vessels.

Do I need an MMSI number?

You will need an MMSI number if you have a DSC radio, AIS transceiver and/or for some diver beacons.

What is the difference between VHF and SSB?

VHF (Very High Frequency) radios use low power, and the radio waves travel in a straight line (line-of-sight). SSB (Single Side Band) radios transmit at much higher power, at a lower frequency. SSB radio waves can "bounce" off the ionosphere, enabling world-wide communications over enormous distances in the right conditions.

How do I set up my VHF with my MMSI number?

You will need to enter the 9-digit MMSI number into your DSC radio. This is usually done through the radio's menu system. All radios are different, so if in doubt check the user manual.

How do I order a Warrant Card?

We no longer issue warrant cards - the wallet-sized ID card that evidenced the qualifications you achieved while studying with us.

I have lost my certificate, how do I get a replacement?

Download replacement certificate forms for both MRROC and MSROC certificates, and all other course certificates, here. A $40 charge applies for a digital replacement and a $50 charge applies for a hard copy plus digital replacement.

Note: Only certificates issued after 1986 are able to be replaced.

I have not received my certificate?

All certificates are emailed to those who have successfully completed their course, no later than four (4) weeks after the course has finished.  Please check your junk mail or spam folder, if it is not appearing in your email inbox.  If you have not received your certificate, please e-mail certficates@boatingeducation.org.nz with course details (type of course, date, and tutor if you have their name) within three months after your course has finished, otherwise you will be charged for a replacement certificate. 

Is there an age restriction for Coastguard Education Courses?

There is a minimum age for Coastguard Education courses, because we are a tertiary education organisation.  The minimum age for the Boatmaster Course is 15 years, and for our other courses, you must be 14 years or older.

When does my certificate expire?

We recommend redoing courses every 5 years as refreshers. Marine Medic and Advanced Sea Survival certificates do expire (after 5 years) and the Coastal Medic NZQA - Blended (every 2 years for workplace compliance and 5 years for Maritime NZ compliance).  For any enquiries about the Medic course certificate expiry, please contact Triple One Care directly.  They are the NZQA approved training provider delivering these courses.

Is my Boatmaster equal to ICC?

Boatmaster is a comprehensive theory course. It covers the knowledge required to gain an ICC but is not a direct equivalent. You must pass an on-water practical "driving test" and theory knowledge test at a recognised RYA Training Centre to gain an ICC.