Marine VHF Radio

Marine VHF Radio Operators Qualification

The minimum requirement for all users of Marine VHF Radio.

Aim: To learn correct Marine VHF Radio operation.
Duration: 6 Hours.
Learning Options: Tutorials or Home Study (See details below).
Prerequisites: None.


Modules:

1. Routine Operation
- Common features & functions
- Pro-words & phonetic alphabet
- Call signs & channel allocation

2. Safety
- Trip reports
- Weather information
- Securite

3. Distress & Urgency
- "Mayday" & "Pan" calls
- EPIRB and SAR


Marine VHF Radio tutorials

Learn from an experienced Coastguard tutor at one of the many delivery sites throughout the country.

Price: Tutorial fees are variable throughout the country. Please obtain a quote from the venue of your choice. Examination fee is $25.
Timetable: Please see the timetable below for details.


Marine VHF Radio Home Study (NEW!!)

Now you can learn in the comfort of your own home at your own pace. Ideal for people who cannot attend a Marine VHF Radio course due to a restricted schedule or geographical location.

Includes: Radio Operator Manual, Study Guide, and Examination Pack.

Available from Coastguard Boating Education, nationwide delivery.

Price: $45
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
Email: info@cbes.org.nz
Office: Floor One, 2 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna, Auckland.


Marine Radio Call signs (nz waters only)

A Marine Radio Call Sign is a unique identification code for your boat. It is registered on the National Search and Rescue database, and provides instant information about your vessel to help SAR personnel find you faster.

Cost: $30
Phone Account: To debit the $30 fee from the phone account you are calling from, dial 0900 54 332.
Credit Card: To charge the $30 fee to your Visa or MasterCard, dial 0800 40 80 90 or download the application from www.cbes.org.nz.
Cheque: To pay the $30 fee by check, download the application from www.cbes.org.nz or phone 0800 40 80 90.


Why it is important to use a Marine VHF Radio:

- To communicate distress immediately.
- Continuous contact with search and rescue nationwide.
- To hear other boaties in distress.
- To get regular weather updates.
- A cell phone lets you talk to one person, a VHF lets you talk to many people.
- It could save your life in an emergency


Ships Radio Licences

A ships radio licence is required for vessels equipped with MF/HF (SSB) and/or
marine VHF radio that are going off shore. To obtain an application form, contact
Coastguard Boating Education (info@cbes.org.nz). Click here to download.

A Maritime Ship (radio) Licence consists of a licence number, a call sign number,
an MMSI number and depending on the vessel type, a radio telex number. The
Maritime Ship Licence is an individual radio licence granted to the owner of the
vessel.

The licence recorded in the online Register of Radio Frequencies (RRF) is
recognized by overseas administrations under agreements with the International
Telecommunications
Union (ITU). A certified extract of the maritime ship licence
can be printed from the RRF (www.rsm.med.govt.nz) as evidence to provide to
overseas port authorities. A “Ship” describes any vessel from a small run-about to
an ocean going cargo vessel.

Vessels that require a ships radio licence include:

- Commercial vessels (New Zealand registered) that are operating within
   New Zealand
waters or going off shore  
- Recreational vessels (New Zealand registered) going offshore
- Compulsory equipped vessels that use Morse code
- Compulsory equipped vessels that use radio telephone for charter services and
   public transport


Note:

- Commercial and New Zealand registered vessels seeking special call signs or
   four-letter call signs (e.g. ZMAB) should contact Radio Spectrum on 
   04 462 4245 or email info@rsm.govt.nz .
- New Zealand call signs can only be issued to vessels registered in New Zealand.
   If the vessel is registered overseas then you must contact the licensing
   authority of that country to obtain a callsign.
- Only persons, who are New Zealand citizens, or permanent residents of New
   Zealand
, may be granted a New Zealand maritime call sign. Please provide a
   copy of proof of New Zealand citizenship or residency with this application. To
   operate a MF/HF (SSB) radio, a Maritime Restricted Operator Certificate (MROC)
   is the minimum requirement.
- Full details are recorded in the Register of Radio Frequencies and made available
   for public inspection. This includes the name and address of the licence holder.
   Clients have the right to request that their residential address be withheld from
   public access. Requests must be made in writing to the Registrar of Radio
   Frequencies, Private Bag 92061, Auckland.

Payment:

The current annual licence fee is $350* for recreational for commercial vessels.
The
fee must be paid in advance before the licence is issued.  Once payment has
been validated the licence is automatically granted and an email sent to the
address supplied. Coastguard Boating Education has an additional $30 fee for
administering the licence application. Both payments will be deducted from the
credit card details you have supplied. Only Visa or Mastercard credit cards will be
accepted as a form of payment.

*The annual licence fee refers to the billing month when you are first registered as

a client of Radio Spectrum Management.




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No courses listed or can't find a course that suits? Contact Coastguard Boating Education:
to make an enquiry or free phone 0800 40 80 90.

Timetable of Tutorials

 Region A - Northland
Venue   Phone Start Finish Contact Comments
Coopers Beach 09 406 1380 Don Hounsell Please contact to register interest
Dargaville High School 09 439 7229 x 709 Community Education Contact to register interest
Dargaville High School 09 439 7229 x 709 21/10/08 28/10/08 Dale Shick 2xTuesday evenings
North Tec - Kerikeri http://www.northland.ac.nz 0800 162 100 14/10/2008 North Tec Tuesday Evenings
Northland Polytechnic - Kerikeri 0800 162 100 Doug Jenkins Contact to register interest
Rawene - Northland 09 405 7704 Graeme Darroch Please contact to register interest
Ruawai College 09 439 2216 Tracey Cartier Contact to Register Interest
Tikipunga High School 09 436 2879 Kerry Thomas Please contact to register interest
Whangarei Coasdguard http://www.coastguard.org.nz 0508 737283 07/09/2008 07/09/2008 Liz Norquay Sunday 9am-3pm.
Whatuwhiwhi - Far North 0274 790 650 John Dunn Contact to register interest
 Region B - Auckland
Venue   Phone Start Finish Contact Comments
Boatcourses Westhaven http://www.markjones.co.nz 0508 262 863 09/11/2008 09/11/2008 Sarah Sunday 9am-3:30pm
Boatcourses Westhaven http://www.markjones.co.nz 0508 262 863 23/08/2008 23/08/2008 Sarah Saturday 9am-3:30pm
Boatcourses Westhaven http://www.markjones.co.nz 0508 262 863 21/09/2008 21/08/2008 Sarah Sunday 9am-3:30pm
Boatcourses Westhaven http://www.markjones.co.nz 0508 262 863 29/11/2008 29/11/2008 Sarah Saturday 9am-3:30pm
Boatcourses Westhaven http://www.markjones.co.nz 0508 262 863 14/12/2008 14/12/2008 Sarah Sunday 9am-3:30pm
Boatcourses Westhaven http://www.markjones.co.nz 0508 262 863 05/10/2008 05/10/2008 Sarah Sunday 9am-3:30pm
Boatcourses Westhaven http://www.markjones.co.nz 0508 262 863 02/08/2008 02/08/2008 Sarah Saturday 9am-3:30pm
Bucklands Beach Yacht Club 09 362 0398 Mick Courtnell Contact to register interest
Bucklands Beach Yacht Club 09 362 0398 04/08/2008 07/08/2008 Mick Courtnell Monday & Thursday 6-9pm
Bucklands Beach Yacht Club 09 362 0398 15/09/2008 18/09/2008 Mick Courtnell Monday & Thursday 6-9pm
Bucklands Beach Yacht Club 09 362 0398 13/10/2008 16/10/2008 Mick Courtnell Monday & Thursday 6-9pm
Bucklands Beach Yacht Club 09 362 0398 17/11/2008 20/11/2008 Mick Courtnell Monday & Thursday 6-9pm
Bucklands Beach Yacht Club 09 362 0398 01/12/2008 04/12/2008 Mick Courtnell Monday & Thursday 6-9pm
Bucklands Beach Yacht Club 09 362 0398 15/12/2008 18/12/2008 Mick Courtnell Monday & Thursday 6-9pm
Coastguard Maritime School http://www.coastguard.org.nz 09 303 9364 05/11/2008 12/11/2008 Liz Norquay Women only course. 2xWednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm
Coastguard Maritime School http://www.coastguard.org.nz 09 303 9364 14/12/2008 14/12/2008 Liz Norquay Sunday 9am-3pm.
Coastguard Maritime School http://www.coastguard.org.nz 09 303 9364 29/09/2008 06/10/2008 Liz Norquay 2xMondays 7pm-10pm.
Coastguard Maritime School http://www.coastguard.org.nz 09 303 9364 08/09/2008 15/09/2008 Liz Norquay 2xMondays 7pm-10pm.
Coastguard Maritime School http://www.coastguard.org.nz 09 303 9364 19/10/2008 19/10/2008 Liz Norquay Sunday 9am-3pm.
Coastguard Maritime School http://www.coastguard.org.nz 09 303 9364 16/11/2008 16/11/2008 Liz Norquay Sunday 9am-3pm.
Coastguard Maritime School http://www.coastguard.org.nz 09 303 9364 27/11/2008 04/12/2008 Liz Norquay 2xThursdays 7pm-10pm.
Green Bay High School 09 817 5376 06/08/2008 13/08/2008 Community Education 2xWednesday 6:30pm-9pm
Mahurangi Technical Institute 09 425 8493 Unknown Contact to register interest
Manurewa High School 09 268 3892 Contact: David Harvey Please contact to register interest
Maraetai http://www.coastguard.org.nz 09 303 9364 23/09/2008 30/09/2008 Liz Norquay 2xTuesdays 7pm-10pm.
Massey University - Albany http://www.coastguard.org.nz 09 303 9364 Liz Norquay Contact to register interest
Massey University - Albany http://www.coastguard.org.nz 09 303 9364 11/10/2008 11/10/2008 Liz Norquay Saturday 9am-3pm.
Massey University - Albany http://www.coastguard.org.nz 09 303 9364 23/11/2008 23/11/2008 Liz Norquay Sunday 9am-3pm.
Northcote College http://www.learn4life.co.nz 09 481 0144 Community Education Contact to register interest
NZ Maritime School - City 09 379 4997 2nd & 4th Monday of the month
Orewa College 09 426 8244 02/12/2008 09/12/2008 Community Education 2xTuesday evenings
Orewa College 09 426 8244 09/09/2008 16/09/2008 Community Education 2xTuesday evenings
Orewa College http://www.orewa.school.nz 09 426 8213 Community Education Contact to Register Interest
Outboard Boating Club http://www.coastguard.org.nz 09 303 9364 08/11/2008 08/11/2008 Liz Norquay Saturday 9am-3pm.
Rutherford College http://www.westaucklandcomed.co.nz 09 834 4099 Community Education Please contact to register interest
Rutherford College http://www.westaucklandcomed.co.nz 09 834 4099 05/11/2008 12/11/2008 Community Education 2xWednesdays 6:30-9pm
Selwyn College 09 521 9623 Community Education 2008 Dates TBA
Selwyn College 09 521 9623 30/07/2008 06/08/2008 Community Education 2xWednesdays 6-9pm
Waiheke High School 09 372 6417 Lynne Stewart Contact to Register Interest
Waiuku College 09 235 8139 Please contact to register interest
Westlake Boys High School http://www.westlakebhs.school.nz 09 4105617 Betty Please contact to register interest
 Region C - Waikato / BOP
Venue   Phone Start Finish Contact Comments
Cambridge High School 07 823 1420 Alan Gooch End of April. Please contact to register interest
Gisborne Area 06 868 6280 TBA Contact to register interest
Hamilton http://www.coastguard.org.nz 0508 737283 07/09/2008 07/09/2008 Liz Norquay Sunday 9am-3pm.
Hamilton Area 07 855 5673 Harry Frisbie Please contact to register interest
Hamilton Area 021 222 1341 Greg Frampton Contact to register interest.
Raglan Coastguard 027 602 8036 Viv Regnier Contact to Register Interest
Rotorua VCG 07 348 3314 Graham Douglas Please contact to register interest
Tauranga VCG 07 578 5579 TBA 3rd Tuesday & Wednesday every month
Thames http://www.coastguard.org.nz 09 303 4303 04/10/2008 04/10/2008 Liz Norquay Saturday 9am-3pm.
Whakatane VCG 07 3087110 Please contact to register interest
Whitianga 07 8671254 Dick Wilson Please contact to register interest
 Region D - Central North Island
Venue   Phone Start Finish Contact Comments
Coastguard Taranaki 06 758 3750 Graham Cowling Please contact to register interest
Hawkes Bay Volunteer Coastguard 06 875 1222 Rod Smith Please phone to register interest
Napier Area 06 875 1222 Rod Smith Contact to Register Interest
 Region E - Lower North Island
Venue   Phone Start Finish Contact Comments
Dolphin Sailing Academy http://www.dolphinsailing.co.nz 04 586 0699 Terry Bach Please contact to register interest
Feilding High School http://www.feildinghigh.school.nz 06 323 4029 31/07/2008 07/08/2008 Community Education 2x Thursdays 7-9:15pm
Lowry Bay Yacht Club 04 586 0699 Terry Bach VHF & SSB Radio. Contact to register interest
Mana College 04 2375424 Ian Webb 2nd Thursday of each month
Manawatu Marine Boating Club 06 3638386 Allan Wakeling Please contact to register interest
Manawatu Marine Boating Club http://www.qec.school.nz 06 359 1592 23/08/2008 23/08/2008 Allan Wakeling 1xSaturday 1pm-5pm. Bookings through Queen Elizabeth College
Queen Elizabeth College 06 359 1592 TBA Contact to register interest
Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club http://www.sailingacademy.org.nz 04 939 6702 Matt Wood Contact to register interest
Waikanae Boating Club 04 2932435 Frank Tilly Please contact to register interest phone 04 902 3584
Wairarapa College 06 379 7802 Graeham Wiblin Please contact to register interest
Wairarapa College 06 379 7802 09/08/2008 09/08/2008 Graeham Wiblin Saturday 9am-3pm
Wanganui City College 06 349 0180 Betty Contact to register interest. RRTOC also available.
Wellington Coastguard 027 244 6098 11/10/2008 Dave Watson Saturday 9am-1:30pm
Wellington Coastguard 027 244 6098 Dave Watson Maritime Restricted Operator. Contact to register interest.
Wellington High School 04 385 8919 Dave Watson Please contact to register interest
Wellington Volunteer Coastguard 04 380 9676 Dave Watson Please contact to register interest
 Region F - Upper South Island
Venue   Phone Start Finish Contact Comments
Greymouth 03 768 0793 Grant Crook Please contact to register interest
Kaikoura Coastguard 03 319 5138 Mike Kennedy Restricted Radio. Contact to register interest
Nelson Fish & Game 03 544 4642 Brian Davis Please contact to register interest
Nelson Sealord Rescue Centre 03 547 3513 02/09/2008 09/09/2008 Brian or Hilary Tear 2 Tuesdays 7-9pm
Nelson Sealord Rescue Centre 03 547 3513 03/12/2008 10/12/2008 Brian or Hilary Tear 2 Wednesdays 7-9pm
Nelson Sealord Rescue Centre 03 547 3513 19/08/2008 19/08/2008 Hilary Tear Women's VHF operator course Tuesday 9.30-2.30pm
Picton area 03 573 6591 Tony Cooper Contact to Register Interest
Takaka 0274 463 891 Allan Kilgour Contact to register interest
 Region G - Christchurch / Canterbury
Venue   Phone Start Finish Contact Comments
Ashburton College 03 308 2188 John Lucking Please contact to register interest
Coastguard Timaru 027 203 0848 Tony Lister Contact to register interest
HMNZS Pegasus 03 3899 259 18/09/2008 18/09/2008 Mike Rossouw 1x Thursday 6:00pm - 9:30pm
HMNZS Pegasus 03 3899 259 28/08/2008 28/08/2008 Mike Rossouw 1x Thursday 6:00pm - 9:30pm
HMNZS Pegasus 03 3899 259 11/12/2008 11/12/2008 Mike Rossouw 1x Thursday 6:00pm - 9:30pm
HMNZS Pegasus 03 3899 259 27/11/2008 27/11/2008 Mike Rossouw 1x Thursday 6:00pm - 9:30pm
HMNZS Pegasus 03 3899 259 30/10/2008 30/10/2008 Mike Rossouw 1x Thursday 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Lyttelton, Christchurch 0800 212 628 28/08/2008 28/08/2008 Peter Marshall Thursday 6-9.30pm
Lyttelton, Christchurch 0800 212 628 25/09/2008 25/09/2008 Peter Marshall Thursday 6-9.30pm
Lyttelton, Christchurch 0800 212 628 23/10/2008 23/10/2008 Peter Marshall Thursday 6-9.30pm
Lyttelton, Christchurch 0800 212 628 27/11/2008 27/11/2008 Peter Marshall Thursday 6-9.30pm
Rangiora High School 0275 262 833 Glenn Scott Please phone to register interest
Timaru Fishing School 0800 22 33 87 Jenni Please contact to register interest
 Region H - Lower South Island
Venue   Phone Start Finish Contact Comments
Invercargill 0800 40 80 90 CBES No tutorials at present. Home Study available .
Lake Dunstan Yacht Club 03 4543 262 Martin Balch Contact to register interest.
Otago Yacht Club 03 454 3262 21/10/2008 23/10/2008 Martin Balch Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm - 9.30pm
Otago Yacht Club 03 454 3262 19/08/2008 21/08/2008 Martin Balch Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm - 9.30pm
Otago Yacht Club 03 454 3262 16/09/2008 18/09/2008 Martin Balch Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm - 9.30pm
Otago Yacht Club 03 454 3262 18/11/2008 20/11/2008 Martin Balch Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm - 9.30pm
Wanaka Marine 03 443 9062 Ian Brown Please contact to register interest
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