CBES Information

Coastguard Boating Education is New Zealand’s leading provider of recreational boating courses. There are courses for all levels of knowledge and ability.

Core courses are delivered throughout the country. Specialty and practical courses are available at selected venues. Course study options include correspondence, tutorials, CD Rom or Home Study. Course durations times are indicated.

Core Courses

Day Skipper (15 hours)

An introductory course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. Applies to all vessels including yachts, launches, powerboats, jet skis, sea kayaks, and waka.

Boatmaster (30 hours)

A comprehensive course for boaties with some existing knowledge and experience. Applies to a range of vessels including yachts, launches, and powerboats.

Marine VHF Radio Operators Qualification (6 hours)

A requirement for all users of Marine VHF Radio. Marine VHF call signs are also available from Coastguard Boating Education, phone 0800 40 80 90.

Specialty Courses

Coastal Skipper (55 hours)

An advanced course covering coastal navigation, weather, passage planning, and seamanship relevant to those wishing to undertake coastal voyages.

Ocean Yachtmaster (72 hours)

An advanced course covering ocean navigation and passage making, for skippers and crew intending to race offshore or cruise overseas.

Radar (6 hours)

A comprehensive course to help you understand and safely operate the radar set on your vessel.

GPS Operator (6 hours)

Covering all principles and limitations, including use of chart plotters and techniques for more complex navigation tasks.

Race Medic (6 hours)

An essential course covering basic lifesaving skills.

Coastal Medic (16 hours)

An intermediate course to manage trauma for up to 24 hours. (Recognised by Maritime NZ for commercial qualifications).

Offshore Medic (16 hours)

An advanced course to manage trauma and medical emergencies offshore, where medical assistance is not available.

Outboard Engine Maintenance (6 hours)

An essential course covering outboard care and trouble shooting.

Inboard Engine Maintenance (15 hours)

A comprehensive course covering diesel engine care, maintenance, and fault finding.

Basic Sea Survival (4 hours)

An essential classroom based course covering sea survival techniques and equipment.

Advanced Sea Survival (16 hours)

A two day course required by crew competing in offshore races (Category 1). Recognised by Yachting NZ and ISAF.

Club Safety Boat Operator (8 hours)

A practical on-water training course for operators of yacht club safety boats.

Sea Kayak (2 hours)

A short course covering sea kayaks, equipment, communication, emergencies, planning, weather, rules, and navigation.

Maritime Restricted Radio Operator (Formally RRTOC)

A legal requirement for commercial operators and users of HF/SSB Radio.

Practical Courses

In association with the Royal Yachting Association

Introductory through to advanced practical courses specific to:

Powerboating (runabouts, ribs, and other outboard driven craft)
Sail Cruising (keelers and multihulls)
Motor Cruising (Launches)
PWC (Personal Water Craft)

RYA/MCA Certificates of Competence (Sail or Power) and commercial endorsements are available.

School Programmes

Safe Boating Programme

A teaching and learning resource designed for year 5 – 8 students, which link to the Health and PE; Science; Technology; and English curricula. The programme provides preparation for EOTC boating experiences such as kayaking, yachting and power boating. Free to download from www.cbes.org.nz (school programmes).

Day Skipper Experience

A half day practical experience for Intermediate and Secondary school students, to discover the thrill of crewing a vessel and learn essential boating safety.

For more information including a course schedule contact Coastguard Boating Education:
Phone 09 489 1850  Free phone 0800 40 80 90  Email info@cbes.org.nz Website www.cbes.org.nz