Foundation Level

Day Skipper Day Skipper

Gain essential boating knowledge relevant to all boat types.

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Online Self Directed Study
Duration15 weeks
LevelFoundation Level
QualificationCoastguard Education Qualification
Price$245.00 (includes assessment fee)
Classroom Study
Duration16 hours
LevelFoundation Level
QualificationCoastguard Education Qualification
Price$355.00

The Day Skipper - CBE Certificate course is an introductory Coastguard Boating Education course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. It is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel.

Course purpose:

This course is for recreational pleasure craft operators and crew and covers general knowledge required to operate a pleasure craft in familiar waters during daylight hours, at an introductory level.

Learning outcomes:

Demonstrate knowledge of:

  • the components of a boat and its equipment
  • basic boat handling techniques
  • the use of navigational charts
  • basic tide and weather terminology
  • navigational marks
  • Maritime Rules and Regulations
  • the causes of and preventative actions to be taken in emergency situations
  • common marine knots and their application.

Certification:

On successful completion of this course, you will have achieved Coastguard Boating Education's Day Skipper Certificate. This is an internal certification only and is not recognised by any qualification authority or standard setting body, i.e. NZQA unit standards do not apply.

Course Type and Duration:

Classroom Study with Online Resources: This is a physical face-to-face classroom course with a tutor. This course is usually run over a weekend or over multiple nights. There is an in-class time commitment of 16 hours that will apply. From August 1st, you will need to bring a wifi capable device to the course (Note: Due to technical issues, Day Skipper cannot be completed on an iPad.) or download and print the resources and bring them with you. There will be no paper resources available on the day.

Virtual Study (Coming Soon): This is a virtual classroom course with a tutor but you will attend virtually via your computer or laptop. This course is usually run over a weekend or over multiple nights. There is a virtual in-class time commitment of 16 hours that will apply.

Online Self-Directed Study: This is where you enrol on an online course which is self-directed from home. You will have 15 weeks from the date of enrolment to complete the course. After the 15-week duration, your enrolment ends and you will be withdrawn from the course.

You can also purchase this course as a Gift.

Course Requirements

We welcome all domestic learners who are 14 years and older.

A NZ citizen or permanent resident, and an Australian citizen or permanent resident are considered domestic learners.

We can only accept international learners if:

  • You are employed by a company in New Zealand; and
  • Your work requires you to do the course; and
  • The course is completed within 10 days. 

Course Certificates

Learners can expect to receive their certificates up to 4 weeks after they have completed a classroom or home study course with us. 

Monthly Prize Drawer

Congratulations to Samuel Moyle of Motueka, who won the $100 marine-deal voucher for June.

To enter July's prize draw, simply purchase an Online Day Skipper course in the month of July, and you will automatically be entered into the draw to win a pair of waterproof binoculars.

Coastguard Membership Offer

Become a Coastguard member for only $150 and receive $75 off an online or classroom Day Skipper course.
Click HERE to join.



Course Options

Coastguard New Zealand cannot enrol international students due to the NZQA and Immigration New Zealand regulations. If you are not sure about your status as an international student, please email us at info@boatingeducation.org.nz
Online Study165 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven, Auckland
Email
Phone0800 40 80 90
Price$245.00 (includes assessment fee)

Coastguard can only enrol domestic learners into courses. Domestic learners are those who are NZ citizens, NZ permanent residents and Australian citizens.

International students are not eligible to enrol in our courses.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please contact info@boatingeducation.org.nz

Studying for the Day Skipper - CBE Certificate online gives you an opportunity to study when and from where you want, in your own time. The course can be completed on desktop computers, laptops and some tablets. Note: Due to technical issues, Day Skipper cannot be completed on an iPad.

As the course includes audio, you will require speakers, headphones or ear plugs to fully engage with the course.

The online course covers the same knowledge as that provided in the classroom courses, delivered through engaging interactive modules. It also provides you with the Day Skipper Handbook, as a printable PDF. This handbook is the same resource as that used in the classroom courses.

Taken as Online Study your course enrolment is valid for 15 weeks from the date of enrolment. This commences as soon as you book the course.



Timetable of Tutorials

No courses listed or can't find a course that suits? Contact Coastguard Boating Education

Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting July 2025 (Northland)
Whangarei Coastguard Marsden Cove
08:30 - 17:00
This is an introductory Coastguard Boating Education course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. It is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel. The course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday. Last day for registration is Monday 7 July 2025.
Sat 12th - Sun 13th Jul
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
6 places left
Courses starting October 2025 (Northland)
Whangarei Coastguard Marsden Cove
08:30 - 17:00
This is an introductory Coastguard Boating Education course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. It is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel. The course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday. The last date for registering is Monday 29 September 2025.
Sat 4th - Sun 5th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
14 places left
Courses starting November 2025 (Northland)
Whangarei Coastguard Marsden Cove
08:30 - 17:00
This is an introductory Coastguard Boating Education course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. It is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel. The course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday. The last date for registering is Monday 24 November 2025.
Sat 29th - Sun 30th Nov
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
13 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting July 2025 (Auckland)
Coastguard Boating Education office - Westhaven Marina
08:30 - 17:00
This course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday at Coastguard Education, Westhaven Marina. Last day for registering is Monday 25 July 2025.
Sat 26th - Sun 27th Jul
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
11 places left
Courses starting August 2025 (Auckland)
Coastguard Boating Education office - Westhaven Marina
08:30 - 17:00
This course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday at Westhaven Marina. Last day for registering is Monday 4 August 2025.
Sat 9th - Sun 10th Aug
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
15 places left
Coastguard Boating Education office - Westhaven Marina
08:30 - 17:00
This Day Skipper course will be tutored in Chinese by our Mandarin speaking tutor, Michael Wang. It will run for both days of the weekend from 8.30am - 5.00pm at Coastguard Boating Education at Westhaven. The last day for registering is Monday, 18 August 2025. You must be a NZ or Australian citizen or permanent resident to enrol.
Sat 23rd - Sun 24th Aug
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
14 places left
Courses starting September 2025 (Auckland)
Howick Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
This course runs for both days of the weekend at the Howick Coastguard base. Last day for registering is 1 September 2025.
Sat 6th - Sun 7th Sep
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
14 places left
Coastguard Boating Education office - Westhaven Marina
08:30 - 17:00
This course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday at Westhaven Marina. Last day for registering is Monday 15 September 2025.
Sat 20th - Sun 21st Sep
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
16 places left
Courses starting October 2025 (Auckland)
Coastguard Boating Education office - Westhaven Marina
08:30 - 17:00
This course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday at Westhaven Marina. Last day for registering is Monday 6 October 2025.
Sat 11th - Sun 12th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
16 places left
Courses starting November 2025 (Auckland)
Howick Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
This course runs for both days of the weekend at the Howick Coastguard base. Last day for registering is 27 October 2025.
Sat 1st - Sun 2nd Nov
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
16 places left
Coastguard Boating Education office - Westhaven Marina
08:30 - 17:00
This course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday at Coastguard Education, Westhaven. Last day for registering is Monday 10 November 2025.
Sat 15th - Sun 16th Nov
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
16 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting July 2025 (Waikato / BOP)
Tauranga Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
This is an introductory Coastguard Boating Education course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. It is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel. The course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday. Last day for registering is Monday 7 July 2025.
Sat 12th - Sun 13th Jul
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
10 places left
Courses starting September 2025 (Waikato / BOP)
Whitianga Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
This is an introductory Coastguard Boating Education course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. It is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel. The course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday. Last day for registering is Monday 1 September 2025.
Sat 6th - Sun 7th Sep
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
16 places left
Tauranga Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
This is an introductory Coastguard Boating Education course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. It is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel. The course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday. Last day for registering is Monday 22 September 2025.
Sat 27th - Sun 28th Sep
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
12 places left
Courses starting November 2025 (Waikato / BOP)
Tauranga Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
This is an introductory Coastguard Boating Education course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. It is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel. The course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday. Last day for registering is Monday 24 November 2025.
Sat 29th - Sun 30th Nov
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
11 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting July 2025 (Central North Island)
Hawkes Bay Coastguard Operations and Education Centre - Napier
08:30 - 17:00
This is an introductory Coastguard Boating Education course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. It is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel. The course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday. Last day for registering is Monday 7 July 2025.
Sat 12th - Sun 13th Jul
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
16 places left
Courses starting October 2025 (Central North Island)
Hawkes Bay Coastguard Operations and Education Centre - Napier
08:30 - 17:00
This is an introductory Coastguard Boating Education course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. It is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel. The course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday. Last day for registering is Monday 29 September 2025.
Sat 4th - Sun 5th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
14 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting September 2025 (Lower North Island)
Mana Cruising Club
08:30 - 17:00
This course runs for both days of the weekend at the Mana Cruising Club. Enrolments close Monday 1 September 2025.
Sat 6th - Sun 7th Sep
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
15 places left
Courses starting November 2025 (Lower North Island)
Mana Cruising Club
08:30 - 17:00
This course runs for both days of the weekend at the Mana Cruising Club. Enrolments close Monday 27 October 2025.
Sat 1st - Sun 2nd Nov
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
15 places left
Courses starting December 2025 (Lower North Island)
Wellington Coastguard
08:30 - 17:00
This is a two day course 8.30am-5.00pm Saturday and Sunday; last day for registering is Monday 8 December 2025. The venue is upstairs and may not suit those with limited mobility.
Sat 13th - Sun 14th Dec
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
12 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting August 2025 (Upper South Island)
Coastguard Marlborough (Ogilvie-Lee Emergency Operations Centre - Picton)
08:30 - 17:00
This is an introductory Coastguard Boating Education course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. It is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel. The course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday. Enrolments close Monday 28 July 2025.
Sat 2nd - Sun 3rd Aug
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
11 places left
Courses starting October 2025 (Upper South Island)
Coastguard Marlborough (Ogilvie-Lee Emergency Operations Centre - Picton)
08:30 - 17:00
This is an introductory Coastguard Boating Education course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. It is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel. The course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday. Last day for registering is Monday 29 September 2025.
Sat 4th - Sun 5th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
12 places left
Courses starting November 2025 (Upper South Island)
Coastguard Marlborough (Ogilvie-Lee Emergency Operations Centre - Picton)
08:30 - 17:00
This is an introductory Coastguard Boating Education course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. It is particularly suited to those who are new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel. The course runs over a full weekend, Saturday and Sunday. Last day for registering is Monday 24 November 2025.
Sat 29th - Sun 30th Nov
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
12 places left
Venue
Date
Contact
 
 
Courses starting August 2025 (Christchurch / Canterbury)
Coastguard Sumner - Christchurch
08:30 - 17:00
This course runs for both days of the weekend. The last day for enrolling is Monday 28 July 2025.
Sat 2nd - Sun 3rd Aug
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
7 places left
Courses starting October 2025 (Christchurch / Canterbury)
Coastguard Sumner - Christchurch
08:30 - 17:00
This course runs for both days of the weekend. The last day for enrolling is Monday 29 September 2025.
Sat 4th - Sun 5th Oct
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
8 places left
Courses starting December 2025 (Christchurch / Canterbury)
Coastguard Sumner - Christchurch
08:30 - 17:00
This course runs for both days of the weekend. The last day for enrolling is Monday 8 December 2025.
Sat 13th - Sun 14th Dec
Email:
Phone: 0800 40 80 90
$355.00
10 places left

took the Day Skipper Classroom course and had a fantastic teacher with plenty of knowledge. I went from not knowing a thing to feeling like I will be safe and competent on the water. Great Course
Day Skipper Course

Which course format is right for you?

Online Study

Online Self-Directed Study: We have 3 online courses; Beginning Boating, Day Skipper and Maritime VHF. These courses are designed to be studied online using your own computer and have great content and illustrations, are interactive and easy to navigate.
Home Study: This is a paper based distance learning option which we mail out to you for you to complete at home. This is currently not online. Both options allow you to study at your own pace giving the flexibility to schedule learning around busy lifestyles and commitments. You can also complete the course in blocks and can come back to it on a weekly basis until it is completed.
VS

Classroom Study

Classroom Courses offer the student the ability to study intensely over a finite period of time (usually a weekend) to complete a boating course. It is a chance to meet up with other like-minded boaties and learn from their experiences. Having an educated teacher with years of boating knowledge enables the student to be taught face-to-face and ask any questions that may come up. 
Virtual Study offers the student the ability to study with a classroom course and tutor but virtually from their own home on their own device. They can interact with the tutor and study at the same pace as the other students in the classroom.
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DISCOUNT CODES

New Member Day Skipper Course $75 discount: 
- Use membership number for discount

To use your National Coastguard NZ new member discount for $75 off a Day Skipper course, please in put your membership number in the Discount Code field below (e.g. 123456). Do not use CGM in front of the number.  This discount code may not be used in conjunction with any other offer, and can only be redeemed once. 

10% Membership discount: 
- Use CGM + membership number for discount

To use your National Coastguard NZ 10% membership discount on other selected courses, input "CGM" and your Coastguard membership number (e.g. CGM78091) into the  "Discount Code" field below. This discount code may not be used in conjunction with any other offer. The courses included in this discount offer are: Day Skipper (Not to be used in conjunction with $75 discount), Boatmaster, Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate, Inboard Engine Maintenance, Outboard Engine Maintenance and GPS Operator.