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Diver with scuba gear

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.

Boat on a trailer.

Taking care of your trailer

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

Person holding fish

The five principles of FishCare

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

Navigation diagram

The give way rules on the water

If you’re looking to take a boat out for the first time, you need to know the rules of the road at sea.

beautiful NZ weather

Things to check before you hit the water

Make sure you kick off your boat trip smoothly, by checking these key things every time you head out.

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.

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.

Boatie's Best Mate.

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