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fuel gauge on a boat

Top 10 tips for boat maintenance

Check out our top 10 recommendations to keep your boat in tip top condition at all times.

Duty officers in the Coastguard operations room taking trip reports

Trip reporting basics

A trip report (TR) is a message that you pass to Coastguard Radio to advise us of your intended boating activity.

VHF Callsigns

All VHF radio transmissions in New Zealand are legally required to be individually identifiable, and the best way to do this is with a callsign.

Man using radio on boat

VHF radio and Nowcasting channels

Broken down, need a tow, or simply looking to make a trip report? Use these VHF channels to contact us.

What to do in an emergency

Most emergencies occur unexpectedly and very quickly. Being ready for any issue can help you and your mates survive a dramatic incident.

beacon

What you need on your boat

Here's the Coastguard approved list of what you should have on your vessel when you head out.

Buccanneer boat

When to check your gear through the year

Here's a handy checklist for when it comes to checking the gear aboard your boat.

Lifejackets on a rack

Rent a lifejacket

Drowning Prevention Auckland lend out lifejackets to the public around Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Waikato.

Beacon in hand

Emergency beacons

Your beacon, be it a PLB or EPIRB, is a key piece of safety equipment to have with you when you’re exploring the great outdoors – whether on the water, or on land.

Boat insurance

Get a great deal on marine insurance with our friends from Marsh.

Markers on a maritime chart

Courses for new boaties

Check out a range of boating courses for all levels including the Day Skipper, Maritime VHF Radio Operators, VHF Callsigns and more.

Day Skipper

The Day Skipper course is suitable for all members of the family or crew, and applies to a wide range of vessels including yachts, launches, powerboats, jet skis, sea kayaks, and more.

Maritime VHF Operator Certificate

Learn how to correctly operate a maritime VHF radio

Men working with boat charts

Boatmaster

The Boatmaster course is a comprehensive course for boaties with current knowledge and experience encompassing a wide range of vessels such as yachts, launches and powerboats.

Iveco marine engine

Inboard Engine Maintenance

The inboard engine course is for anyone who wants to gain essential knowledge on the operation and care of inboard diesel engines.

Man working on outboard engine

Outboard Engine Maintenance

Coastguard receives more callouts for mechanical issues than anything else.

Navigator

GPS Operator

A great course for boaties who wish to understand how to use chart plotters and techniques for more complex navigation tasks.

Boatie's Best Mate.

Get a Coastguard membership today for peace of mind when you’re out boating.