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Safety on the water

We love the water, and we want everyone to have a great time and get home safe, every time.

If you're new to boating, you'll find the key essentials on this page to get you started. Whatever your waka, we have heaps of safety tips and tools for everyone heading out on the water.

Lifejackets

A lifejacket is your key piece of safety equipment on the water. Like wearing a seatbelt in a moving car, a lifejacket keeps your mates and family safe if anything goes wrong. 

Find out more Old4New

Check the weather

New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable. We've got you sorted with a range of services to keep you on top of the weather is doing, so you don't get caught out.

Marine weather

Trip Reporting

Log a trip every time you head out the water, so if something goes wrong out there, it's easier for us to find you.

Find out how

Communications

Always take two forms of waterproof communications, like a mobile in a waterproof bag and a PLB or EPIRB, to ensure you can call for help if you need to.

Read more

Bar Awareness

Bar Awareness

All safety articles

We could talk about this all day - click the link below to check out all our safety info. There's something for everyone!

Read more
Whether you're new to the water or have been on it for years, here are a few must-haves for everyone.
  • The free Coastguard app

    The free Coastguard app has a boatload of handy features for fishos and boaties, and is the simplest way to stay safe out on the water. You won’t want to leave the dock without this in your pocket.

  • Day Skipper course

    An introductory course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. Day Skipper is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel.

  • Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate

    Don't make the first time you use the radio be in an emergency. This course helps you gain a working knowledge in the use of a marine VHF radio and an EPIRB, through online or in person learning.

  • Callsign

    Like a number plate for your car, a VHF Callsign is a unique ID for your boat. You need one when you get in touch with Coastguard Radio to log a trip report and, most importantly, having a Callsign makes it easier for us to find you if you need help. 

  • Membership

    With a Coastguard Membership you get free non-urgent on-water assistance 24/7 for breakdowns, flat batteries, fuel issues and more. We’ll get you up and running or back to shore safely without a steep towing fee.

OLD4 NEW PAGE IMAGE
Old4New lifejacket upgrade

This year, Old4New has had an upgrade, and now it's even easier than before to get involved. 


From 1 Jan 2026 until 28 Feb 2026, Coastguard, Hutchwilco and Hunting & Fishing are teaming up to remove old, damaged or ill-fitting lifejackets from Kiwi boats, garages and homes across Aotearoa, and replacing them with new Hutchwilco lifejackets at great prices. 

Vintage isn't cool when it comes to lifejackets.

 

Find out more
Before you head out on our oceans, lakes and rivers, follow these tips to help you stay safe.
  • 01
    Prep a grab bag of emergency gear

    Assemble a floating ‘grab bag’ with all the essential emergency gear you'll need if you have to abandon your boat. The bag should include: 

    • Emergency distress beacon (EPIRB) or flares 

    • Waterproof VHF radio 

    • Whistle/torch

    Make sure this is somewhere you can quickly grab it in an emergency, and put your lifejackets on before you get in the water - it's much harder after you're in.

  • 02
    Take the essentials every time

    Make sure you have at least the below every time you go out:

    • Lifejackets 

    • At least two forms of waterproof communication devices (VHF radio, mobile phone in waterproof bag) 

    • Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) 

    • Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) 

    • Navigation tools 

    • Fuel 

    • Boat hook 

    • Throwing line 

    • Warm clothing 

    • First aid kit 

    • Bailing system 

    • Rope 

    • Waterproof torch 

    • Alternative power (spare outboard, oars, or paddles) 

    Read more about what equipment you should have on your boat.

  • 03
    Know your skipper responsibilities

    As the skipper, you have legal and moral responsibility for the safety of everyone on board. It’s crucial to understand and follow all Maritime Rules, including the safe operation of your vessel, obeying speed limits, and using navigation aids like buoys and beacons correctly.  

    Ensure your boat is equipped with essential safety gear, conduct regular safety checks, and be prepared for emergencies. Completing a Coastguard Education course can help you stay informed about these responsibilities and the latest safety practices.  

    Additionally, make sure someone else on board knows how to operate the boat if you are unable to, and brief your crew or passengers on emergency procedures. Practicing different scenarios will help you be mentally prepared for unexpected situations. 

    Check out our skipper's checklist

  • 04
    There's always more to learn about being on the water

    Check out all our safety articles or read more about our Education courses like Day Skipper and Boatmaster.