Safe Boating
Safe Boating is a mix of knowledge and competency. As well as ensuring your vessel is seaworthy, well maintained and fully prepared and equipped for any trip, however short, putting into practice a good knowledge of safe boating vastly improve your chances of survival on the water.
The highest levels of boating Competency are achieved with comprehensive training combined with experience. Coastguard Units throughout New Zealand run regular Boating Education to ensure that recreational boating enthusiasts are equipped with the knowledge and skills to avoid danger and stay alive on the water. 
Of all the factors that will affect you, the Weather is most likely to dictate whether or not you go out. In emergency you will need to communicate quickly if you are to be found and rescued. There is an endless list of things to know, to have and to do, however the important ones are:
- Have the lastest weather and forecast available - if it looks doutful, do not go!
- Know the relevant Coastguard Units applicable to your trip.
- Know the VHF Radio frequencies and hours of operation of those local coastguard units, plus distress frequencies.
- Know how to make a Marine Radio Distress Call ... click here
- Possess a Radio Operator's certificate proving your qualification to operate a Radio.
- Make Trip Reports to the applicable Coastguard Unit.
- Know the "Rules of the Road" at Sea.
- Have the latest coastal charts and know how to read them so you can navigate safely.
- Know how Buoys, Beacons and markers help you navigate safely.
- Ensure your vessel is properly equipped and prepared.
- Ensure there is a clear skipper of the craft and respect the skipper's responsibilities for your safety at all times.
