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Boatie's HandBook

Child on boat in yellow Hutchwilco lifejacket facing away from camera

Looking after your lifejackets

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

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.

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.

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. 

Checking out at sea trip reports

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.

Lifejackets on a rack

Rent a lifejacket

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

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.

lifejacket

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.

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.

Boatie's Best Mate.

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