Boatie's HandBook

In this article we spoke with Tower, our preferred insurance partner, to discuss the 5 common boating claims they have seen over the past couple of summers. 

Coastguard have teamed up with Wireless Nation to bring members a great discount on broadband and mobile. It’s for everyone, whatever your lifestyle.  

A few simple steps to winterise your boat now, can save you a lot of aggravation and expense come summer.

Avoid ruining a day on the water by making sure your battery is in good nick.

If you're in an emergency and you need to attract attention, you need to know how to use flares safely and effectively.

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.

Read our tips on how to best care for your lifejacket over the years.

We give you tips on how to keep your boat trailer in top condition.

FishCare promotes best practice techniques to help people contribute to fishery and environmental sustainability.

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

If your boat has been laid up over winter, now’s a good time to check over it before you head back out. 

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.

To help keep you safe out on the water, Coastguard Northern Region – with the help of our friends at Hutchwilco – operate a lifejacket rental service to cover you no matter what situation you're faced with.

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