Avoid ruining a day on the water by making sure your battery is in good nick.
Articles
![Handheld flare](/media/1203/handheld-flare-cc.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366496430000000)
All about flares
If you're in an emergency and you need to attract attention, you need to know how to use flares safely and effectively.
![lifejacket](/media/1173/3a-kids.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366483700000000)
All about lifejackets
While it’s true that any lifejacket is better than none when you head out on the water, it’s a good idea to select the best lifejacket for your activity.
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Check your fuel before summer
If your boat has been laid up over winter, now’s a good time to check over it before you head back out.
![boat crossing a bar](/media/1200/bar-crossing-1.jpg?center=0.38805970149253732,0.54929577464788737&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=131821281000000000)
Crossing a bar
Crossing a bar can be very dangerous. Check out our tips for getting across safely.
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Do you have a callsign?
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.
![Snapper swimming in the water](/media/1274/fishing-regulations-swimming-snapper.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366502200000000)
Fishing regulations
At Coastguard we’re all about people being responsible boaties, but we also want you to be responsible fishos out there.
![Woman tying a knot](/media/1282/woman-tying-a-knot.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366502210000000)
Five handy knots to know
You're going to need to know some practical knots for boating.
![Child with lifejacket](/media/1146/lifejacket-sizing-tips-for-kids.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366483700000000)
How to choose a well fitting lifejacket
A lifejacket is only good for saving your – or your child’s – life if it stays on snugly when you need it.
![Child on boat in yellow Hutchwilco lifejacket facing away from camera](/media/1468/child-lifejacket-400x300.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366483840000000)
Looking after your lifejackets
Read our tips on how to best care for your lifejacket over the years.
![Drawing of white and blue dive flag](/media/1363/dive-flag-800x600.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366502200000000)
Looking out for divers
The role of boatperson is a key one for a safe and enjoyable dive. Establish and agree on a plan before leaving the boat.
![Checking out at sea trip reports](/media/1396/bar-crossing-400x300.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366499680000000)
Making a Bar Crossing Report
Crossing a bar is dangerous. A Bar Crossing Report can be made via VHF radio or cellphone, to let Coastguard know and keep watch as you head out over a bar.
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Other handy contacts
A list of handy contact details to make sure you know who to get hold of when out at sea.
![clean NZ environment](/media/1211/lawton-neil-01.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=132366483850000000)
Protecting our marine environment
Here are three easy ways to keep yourself out of trouble and our marine environment clean.
![Two men in a boat following Coastguard safety rules](/media/1179/boaties-in-lifejackets-1500-550.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=131819644390000000)
Safety and regulations
Just like driving a car on the road, there are a laws and safety regulations for when you’re out on the water.
![Diver with scuba gear](/media/1162/diving-cc-image.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=400&height=300&rnd=131817969080000000)
Safety under the water
Taking a minute to prep and get ready for diving will make sure you get home safe with a good haul.
Boatie's Best Mate.
Get a Coastguard membership today for peace of mind when you’re out boating.