Unexpected breakdowns can happen to any boatie. A flat battery, engine trouble or an electrical issue can quickly turn a great day on the water into a stressful and expensive experience.
With a Coastguard Membership, you'll have access to non-urgent on-water assistance 365 days a year, helping you get safely back under way or back to shore without worrying about unexpected call-out fees.
MEMBER
One annual fee of $150, gives you access to non-urgent on-water assistance when you need it most.
If you experience a breakdown on the water, we'll help get you safely back under way or back to shore, with no unexpected hourly call-out fees.
NON-MEMBER
Without a Coastguard Membership, non-urgent assistance is charged at $400 per hour.
A single breakdown could cost significantly more than the annual price of membership, turning an unexpected incident into an expensive day on the water.
It's the confidence of knowing that if something goes wrong on the water, help is only a call away. By becoming a member, you're also helping support over 2,000 Coastguard volunteers as they continue to bring Kiwi boaties home safely.
Find the membership option that's right for you below.
You can also buy a Coastguard membership from some boating retailers or from us to give as a gift. For details, see ways to join.
*If you are a commercial operator or won't always be on the vessel, you will need a Vessel Membership. Club Memberships need to be approved and you may need to provide proof of your Club's eligibility. Please call our Customer Care team on 0800 BOATIE (0800 262 843) for more information or to sign up.
Whether they're out fishing, cruising, or exploring the coast, a Coastguard Membership helps them stay prepared for the unexpected, with 24/7 non-urgent on-water assistance and access to a range of member benefits.
Find out more.
Below are common non-urgent situations we often help with. Having a Coastguard Membership gets you that assistance for free.^
Motor or sail, everyone needs an engine and sometimes the old iron spinnaker lets you down. Engines don’t like water or any other form of contamination, bad fuel is a sure-fire way to ruin your day.
Modern boats rely heavily on electrics, and sometimes they can be just as temperamental as your computer at home. Loose cables, or a dodgy connection can quickly take out key systems. Electronics can glitch, screens can freeze, and occasionally things just won’t talk to each other when you need them most.
Batteries don’t last forever, and you may not know if it’s about to die. Fortunately, we carry jump leads.
It only takes a bit of driftwood or floating fishing line to damage your prop, then you’re probably not going anywhere without some help.
Wedged under a rock or an old tree 10 metres down under your boat, it happens.
^ Membership terms and conditions apply, including that the member must be with the vessel at the time of breakdown and assistance. We are unable to assist with salvages.
NON-URGENT ASSISTANCE WHEN YOU NEED IT
Flat battery. Mechanical issue. Electrical fault. Stuck anchor.
Coastguard Membership covers non-urgent on-water assistance, helping you avoid unexpected call-out fees and getting you back under way sooner.
NON-URGENT VS EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Non-urgent assistance covers breakdowns and on-water mishaps such as flat batteries, mechanical issues, and electrical faults among others. Membership covers call-out fees that non-members would otherwise be charged.
If you're in immediate danger or facing a life-threatening situation on the water, Coastguard will respond regardless of whether you're a member.
New Coastguard members get $75 off our Day Skipper course, a great introductory course for the whole crew and if you're new to being skipper. And all members get 10% off five of our most popular courses: Day Skipper, Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate, Boatmaster, Inboard Engine Maintenance, and Outboard Engine Maintenance.
Find out more about all the courses we offer.
Course discounts are not available to Club Members or members of local Coastguard unit membership programmes.
Our incredible partners provide us with vital resources we need to be the best we can be on and off the water. Members can also grab some deals on batteries and boating gear. To find out more, see partners and discounts.
Partner deals are not available to members of local Coastguard unit membership programmes.
You'll receive our In the Loop members-only email newsletter every month, filled with news, tips and offers to help you get the most out of your boating.
Inside, you’ll find practical tips, simple safety know‑how, and all the essentials that come with being a Coastguard member from trip‑planning and local VHF channels to handy tools and member perks. Have a flick through and get set for smoother, safer adventures with your friends and whānau, wherever you’re heading.
