IALACOLREG
Academy
All countries

New Zealand

Who issues it
Maritime New Zealand (Maritime NZ); radio operator certificates: Radio Spectrum Management, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and Approved Radio Examiners.
Buoyage
IALA region A
Collision rules
Maritime Rules Part 22 - Collision Prevention

Do you need a licence?

No, you do not need a skipper licence for a pleasure boat in New Zealand.

You don't need one for:

  • a pleasure boat in New Zealand

If you are under 15, you may operate a powerboat capable of over 10 knots only with direct supervision by someone over 15 within immediate reach of the controls, or a written exemption from the regional council or Maritime NZ Director.

Professional deck titles

  1. Deck Watch Rating

    STCW II/4
    What it lets you do
    You can be part of a navigational watch on ships of any gross tonnage, in any operating area.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  2. Able Seafarer Deck

    STCW II/5
    What it lets you do
    As a deck rating, you can take part in a navigational watch on ships of any gross tonnage, in any operating area.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  3. Watchkeeper Deck on ships less than 500 gross tonnage in the near-coastal area

    STCW II/3
    What it lets you do
    You can lead a navigational watch on ships under 500 GT within coastal and offshore limits.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  4. Watchkeeper Deck

    STCW II/1
    What it lets you do
    This allows you to lead a navigational watch on ships of any gross tonnage, in any operating area.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  5. Chief Mate

    STCW II/2
    What it lets you do
    You can serve as chief mate on ships of any gross tonnage, in any operating area.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  6. Master

    STCW II/2
    What it lets you do
    You can command ships of any gross tonnage, in any operating area.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

Radio certificates

  1. Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate (MVOC)

    What it lets you do
    You can operate marine VHF radio. It is administered by Coastguard Boating Education Service.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  2. Maritime Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (MRROC)

    What it lets you do
    You hold a legacy maritime radiotelephony certificate for non-GMDSS operation.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  3. Maritime General Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (MGROC)

    What it lets you do
    You hold a legacy non-GMDSS qualification covering ship radio operation, adjustment and simple maintenance.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  4. Maritime Short-range Operator's Certificate (MSROC)

    SRC
    What it lets you do
    You can hold a GMDSS short-range radio qualification for non-SOLAS vessels.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  5. Maritime Long-range Operator's Certificate (MLROC)

    LRC
    What it lets you do
    With this, you hold a GMDSS long-range radio qualification for non-SOLAS vessels.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  6. Maritime Restricted Operator's Certificate (MROC)

    ROC
    What it lets you do
    You can qualify as a restricted GMDSS radio operator for SOLAS ships.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  7. Maritime General Operator's Certificate (MGOC)

    GOC
    What it lets you do
    You can qualify as a general GMDSS radio operator for SOLAS ships.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  8. GMDSS Radio Operator

    What it lets you do
    You can carry out GMDSS radio duties as a navigational watchkeeper under the Maritime NZ STCW IV/2 certificate.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  9. Radio Officer

    What it lets you do
    You can carry out radio officer duties on ships required to use GMDSS under the Maritime NZ STCW IV/2 certificate.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

Ready to study for it?

The Academy is free with an account: lessons for every topic, timed mocks marked like the real exam, and your progress saved.

Study the theory in the Academy See the Exam Pass

Official sources: Maritime New Zealand — Skipper responsibilities · Maritime New Zealand — Maritime Rules Part 91: Navigation Safety Rules (9 October 2026), rule 91.5 · Maritime New Zealand — Maritime Rules Part 32: Seafarer Certification (21 September 2026), Subpart C · Radio Spectrum Management — Radio Operator Certificate and Callsign Rules (PIB 46), issue 19.1, July 2025 · Maritime New Zealand — New Zealand’s system of buoys and beacons, System of Buoyage and Beaconage · Maritime New Zealand — Maritime Rules Part 22 - Collision Prevention