Buying a Boat

Before you buy your boat, think about the type of boating you want to do and understand your own knowledge and experience.  It is essential that you get a boat that matches your needs and capabilities. 


Being A Responsible Skipper

Every boat, no matter how big or small, must have a Skipper.  The Skipper is legally responsible for the safety of the boat and all the people on board.  The skipper is also responsible for complying with all the relevant rules and regulations.  You should also encourage your crew and passengers to take part in the operation of the boat to increase their knowledge and enjoyment. 


Educational Boating Courses

Northern Region Coastguard Maritime School offers courses for boaties on various skills. The two most popular being the Day Skipper and Boat Masters as well as the Radio Operator course. For more information, call Northern Region Coastguard on 303 4303 extension 809 or www.coastguard.org.nz.

Day Skipper Course

This course develops more responsible attitudes in small boat users. It is for those who are new to boating or have little experience. This includes family members and crew. The course is broken up into five units of The Boat, Navigation, Rules & Regulations, Emergencies, and Knots. It is a twelve hour course in total, running over times to suit - evenings, weekends or daytime. It is open to people over the age of fifteen. $180.00 per person covers the course, manual and exam costs.

Boatmasters Course

The Boatmasters course is for people with some experience on the water and are moving into ownership or wish to have more advanced knowledge of sheltered water boating. This is open to people over the age of fifteen. It is recommended that the Day Skipper course is completed prior to the Boatmaster course. The course costs $280.00 per person which includes course, manual and exam.

VHF Radio Operators Course

A MVOQ qualification and a call sign is a requirement for all persons who wish to use Marine VHF. A call sign is available at the course. The course is either two week nights or one Saturday. The cost is $80.00 which includes course, manual and exam.