Callsigns

You’ve got the boat, now you need a Callsign to go with it. It’s easy, you can get one online from our Boating Education website, go to Buy a new Callsign. Then fill out your details, and for $60, you have a unique Callsign that's yours for life. 

If you ever need to update your Callsign details, including your contact information, you can do that online too. If you have an AIS (Automated Identification System) you’ll need a MMSI number – contact our Customer Care team and they can help you with this.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, all users of marine VHF radios are legally required to hold a Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate, unless you're using the radio in an emergency or distress situation. So if you want to log a trip report with Coastguard or talk to your fellow boaties on the local ship-to-ship radio channel, you need to get yourself a VHF Operator’s Certificate. We offer online or classroom courses around the country.

Coastguard Members get 10% off the Maritime VHF Operator’s Certificate, so if you’re not already a member join up now to get your discount!

For more details about the course and to book, see Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate.

If the previous owner of the boat you've bought wants to keep the Callsign, you’ll need to get yourself a new one at Buy a new Callsign. 

If they don’t want to keep the Callsign, it can be transferred to you, but you’ll need to get the written consent from the previous owner. For details, go to Change of Callsign ownership.

If you can’t get the consent of the previous owner, then get yourself a new Callsign – transferring the ownership details or getting a new callsign is the same price.

If you ever want to update the details on your Callsign, it's easy. Go to Update your Callsign details and fill in the online form with your updated details or give our Education team a call on 0800 40 80 90.