The well established and highly regarded Boatmaster course is a programme of approximately 30-hours, run over two to three weekends or 11 evenings, or in block courses. No qualifying courses are necessary but it is recommended that people without any previous experience or knowledge attend the NZ Day Skipper Course before attempting the more in-depth Boatmaster syllabus.

The course builds on the Day Skipper programme, and introduces basic navigation, including chartwork and positioning. Here is an outline of the areas you’ll cover:

• International regulations for the prevention of collisions at sea
  
  
• Buoys and beacons
  
  
• Lifesaving
  
  
• Firefighting
  
  
• Distress
  
  
• Equipment
  
  
• Chartwork and publications
  
  
• Compass
  
  
• Tides
  
  
• Boat handling
  
  
• Regulations
  
  
• Weather
  
  
• Accidents
  
  
• Search and rescue organisation
  
  
• Ropes

E-mail Coastguard Northern Region for information education@coastguard.org.nz or book your course now.