Ready to set sail on the beautiful waters of New Zealand? Getting a boating license or certificate is your key to safe and thrilling boating adventures. 

Follow our guide as we take you through the essential steps to becoming a certified and confident skipper.

How to obtain a boating license or certificate in New Zealand?

It is not a legal requirement to hold a boating license to operate a recreational vessel in New Zealand. However, it is recommended that all skippers complete at least some form of training to obtain a certificate that certifies them to drive a boat.

To get a boating certificate in New Zealand, you must complete a boating training course from an approved provider. Once you have finished the course, you will be issued a certificate of completion.

The following are the steps involved in obtaining a boating certificate in New Zealand.

Difficulty	Moderate ●●●○○
Number of steps	4
Time to perform steps	Several days to few weeks (including completion of the course)
Things you need	• Access to the Maritime New Zealand website • Information about the specific course you wish to enroll in

STEP 1. Find an approved boating training provider.

To start your journey towards obtaining a boating certificate, the first step is to find an approved boating training provider. There are numerous training providers across New Zealand offering courses to help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge for safe boating practices.

When selecting a training provider, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you receive the best possible training:

• Experience and Qualifications of the Instructors: Look for a training provider with experienced instructors who possess the appropriate qualifications and certifications. Experienced instructors can provide valuable insights and practical tips for safe boating, enhancing your learning experience.

• Quality of Facilities: Consider the training facility’s quality, as a conducive environment can contribute to effective learning. Adequate resources and equipment will ensure you receive hands-on experience, which is crucial for practical boating skills.

• Availability of Courses That Meet Your Needs: Check if the training provider offers courses that align with your specific needs. Courses may vary in duration, content, and level of expertise, so it’s essential to choose one that suits your requirements and goals.

To simplify your search for approved boating training providers, Maritime New Zealand provides a comprehensive list of accredited courses on their website. 

Follow these steps to access the information:

1. Go to the Maritime New Zealand website.
2. Click on the ‘Recreational’ tab in the navigation menu.
3. Look for the ‘Boating Courses’ link and click on it to access the list of approved training providers and their respective courses.

Now that you have explored the list of approved boating training providers in New Zealand, it’s time to take the next decisive step and enroll in the course that best caters to your specific needs and aspirations.

STEP 2. Book a course that meets your needs. 

You’ll find a wide selection of boating courses tailored to different skill levels and interests. From basic Day Skipper courses to more advanced Boatmaster courses, there’s something suitable for everyone. 

To ensure you get the most out of your learning experience, it’s crucial to pick a course that matches your experience level and aligns with the type of boating you wish to pursue.

Enrolling in your preferred course is made simple by Maritime New Zealand, granting you easy access. Just follow these steps:

1. Visit the Maritime New Zealand: To access a list of approved boating courses, begin by visiting its website.

2. Navigate to the ‘Recreational’ Tab: Locate and click on the ‘Recreational’ tab in the navigation menu, which is typically dedicated to providing information about leisure boating and safety.

3. Click on ‘Boating Courses’: Look for the ‘Boating Courses’ link and click on it. This will lead you to a page that displays the available boating courses.

4. Explore the Course Options: Once you’re on the ‘Boating Courses’ page, you’ll find a list of different courses offered. Take your time to explore the options and find the course that aligns with your needs and aspirations.

5. Select Your Desired Course: Click on the course that interests you to view more details about it. This will lead you to a page dedicated to the specific course you’ve chosen.

6. Review Course Details: Carefully review the course description and duration, which will give you an idea of what the course entails. Additionally, look into the learning outcomes to understand what skills and knowledge you’ll gain upon completion.

7. Compare with Other Courses: If you’re considering multiple courses, you can go back to the previous page to explore the details of other available courses. If you can’t find the course you want, scroll down and click the “Find a course” link, and you’ll be directed to a page full of boating courses.

Compare the offerings to ensure you make an informed decision.

8. Choose Your Preferred Study Option: On the detailed course page, you’ll find the ‘Course Options.’ Here, you’ll need to decide whether you prefer classroom study or an online learning format. Choose the option that suits your learning style and schedule.

9. Book Your Course: After selecting your preferred study option, click on the ‘Book Now’ button to initiate the enrollment process. This will lead you to the course booking page.

STEP 3. Complete the course and pass the assessment.

So, you’ve found a boating course that meets your needs, and you’ve enrolled. Now it’s time to complete the course and pass the assessment, so you can get your certificate of completion.

The course will cover a lot of important topics, which are likely as follows:

• Navigation, boat handling, safety procedures, and VHF radio operation 
• Theoretical aspects of boating in the classroom
• Practical sessions

Now, the assessment will test your knowledge and skills in these areas. To give you an overview, the typical assessment process for a boating certificate in New Zealand is as follows:

• Written Exam: The assessment begins with a written exam that tests your knowledge of the topics covered in the course.

• Practical Assessment: Following the written exam, you will undergo a practical assessment. In this phase, you will operate a boat in a controlled and safe environment, showcasing your navigation skills, safe boat handling, and ability to respond to emergencies.

• Passing the Assessment: Successfully completing both the written exam and practical assessment will qualify you to receive your certificate, indicating that you have met the requirements for safe boating practices in New Zealand.

STEP 4. Receive your certificate of completion.

Once you have successfully completed the course and passed the assessment, the training provider will issue you a certificate of completion. 

Typically, you can expect to receive the certificate by mail within a few weeks after finishing the course.

If you prefer a quicker delivery option, some training providers may offer the option to request the certificate be emailed to you. This way, you can have your boating certificate in hand sooner and start enjoying your boating adventures with confidence.

What are the benefits of having a certificate of completion of a boating course in New Zealand?

While a certificate of completion is not legally required to operate a recreational vessel in New Zealand, having one is highly recommended. Obtaining the certificate can contribute to your safety and the safety of others on the water.
Moreover, having your boating certificate may prove beneficial in certain situations. If you happen to encounter a Maritime New Zealand inspector during your boating adventures, they might ask to see your certificate of completion.
Here are the benefits of having a certificate of completion:
• It can demonstrate to others that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a boat safely.
• It can give you peace of mind knowing that you have been trained in the proper procedures for boating.
• It can make you a more attractive hire to boating charter companies and tour operators.

FAQs About Obtaining a Boating License or Certificate in New Zealand