Check out our top 10 recommendations to keep your boat in tip top condition at all times.
Articles
![Duty officers in the Coastguard operations room taking trip reports](/media/1159/operations-centre-nico-do-colour.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366483700000000)
Trip reporting basics
A trip report (TR) is a message that you pass to Coastguard Radio to advise us of your intended boating activity.
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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](/media/1195/tif_rl_150801_z8x4610.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366502200000000)
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.
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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](/media/1302/motorcruiser.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366502200000000)
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](/media/1332/bucaneer.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366502200000000)
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](/media/1210/rental-lifejackets.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=131821438330000000)
Rent a lifejacket
Drowning Prevention Auckland lend out lifejackets to the public around Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Waikato.
![Beacon in hand](/media/1303/emergency-beacon-in-hand.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366502200000000)
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.
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Boat insurance
Get a great deal on marine insurance with our friends from Marsh.
![Markers on a maritime chart](/media/1149/boating-education.jpg?crop=0.022222222222222223,0,0.52763532763532761,0&cropmode=percentage&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366483700000000)
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.
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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.
![](/media/1207/vhf3.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=131821366040000000)
Maritime VHF Operator Certificate
Learn how to correctly operate a maritime VHF radio
![Men working with boat charts](/media/1191/boatmaster2.jpg?center=0.28699551569506726,0.6317567567567568&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366494850000000)
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](/media/1208/inboard-engines.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=131821379700000000)
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](/media/1438/working-on-motor.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366474470000000)
Outboard Engine Maintenance
Coastguard receives more callouts for mechanical issues than anything else.
![Navigator](/media/1169/gps-operator-banner-1500-550.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=131819621070000000)
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.