Coastguard App: Your Essential Marine Rescue App

The App is a game changer - it's what every boatie needs in their pocket when they're getting ready to hit the water.

Log your trips, check the weather and save your secret fishing spots where the big ones are biting. Download it free from the App Store and Google Play.

Key features

Log a trip

Quick fish or a weekend mission? Let us know where you’re headed and when you’ll be back for peace of mind out on the water.
Nowcasting

Keep an eye on the current conditions at your spot – or someone else’s’. Get live weather updates including up-to-the minute live wind data with Coastguard Nowcasting.
Save your spots

Can’t remember where that whopper was caught? Save your favourite spots for quick access next time.
Forecasts

Don’t set sail if she’s blowing a gale. Get 5 day forecasts for wind, weather, swell and tides.

GETTING THE MOST
OUT OF THE APP

Watch now

Questions? Let us help!

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Logging a trip - should I use the Coastguard App or my VHF radio?

The choice is yours. Most importantly, Coastguard strongly encourages you to carry at least two waterproof forms of communication at all times. Please note, if you do log a trip using the Coastguard app then close it via VHF radio or a phone call, you will still need to close the trip on the app as well.
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Will Coastguard follow up on my trip report if it hasn't been closed?

It is the responsibility of the app user to close their trip report once safely at their destination. However, if the Coastguard app calculates that you haven’t closed your trip report, the app will prompt you to close it. After three such prompts, if your report hasn’t been closed, the app will automatically send your shore contact an SMS.
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What does Coastguard do with my trip report information?

Your trip report information is stored on Coastguard’s secure trip reporting system. Providing trip information enables Coastguard to find you faster if you need our help.
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Who should I choose as my shore contact?
It depends, and may vary from trip to trip, so you can use different contacts under different circumstances, but here are some guidelines:
- The person should be ashore.
- The person should be a responsible adult who can receive an SMS on their phone.
- Choose someone who knows a bit about your boating habits – what safety kit you have on board, where you go, where you launch etc
- It sometimes helps if it’s someone local who knows if your boat is back in the driveway – not your parents who don't live nearby.
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What to do if my phone battery runs out or I'm out of mobile coverage?

Close your trip report by VHF on your local Coastguard channel or by calling *500 from another phone. Please note you will still have to close the trip on the app later, when you’re able.
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Where does the weather information come from?

All of the weather information is provided by MetService. The five-day forecast is based on your location and is specific to within a 5km radius.
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With location services on, can Coastguard track my position?

Yes, that’s right. If you switch location data on, your phone will send your position to Coastguard every 30 minutes for as long as the app is open. In the event of an emergency, this information becomes invaluable to help us reach you faster.
We encourage you to switch location data on, but please be aware that it does impose an extra load on your smartphone battery.
All of your information is stored in a secure location and will always be used in line with our Privacy Policy.
You can disable location data on the Settings page of the app or on the Settings page of your phone.
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Can I use the App outside New Zealand?

The Coastguard app is only able to be downloaded if you have an NZ-based account on the Apple App store or in Google Play.

Crossing a Bar?

Crossing a bar can be dangerous in some circumstances.

If your launching point requires a lengthy transit to the bar, we encourage you to log a trip report by VHF or through the App and follow that up with a VHF bar crossing report before you cross.

Bar crossing reports can't be made through the App but can be logged by VHF Radio or by calling *500 from your mobile phone. Coastguard will actively monitor your passage and will promptly follow it up in the event that you don’t close it.

Bar Awareness

Troubleshooting

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I got an error message on the App, what can I try?

If you receive an error message, first ensure your phone is in a coverage area and you have sufficient mobile data. Try logging out and closing the app completely, before restarting.
If you continue to get error messages, please email the Coastguard team at [email protected] with details of the error, including your phone make
and brand, and where/when you encountered the error.
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Why does the app give me the error message “”Email already exists” when trying to register?

That’s because you’re already registered in the app, instead go to the “Log in now” option and enter your email and password.
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I’m locked out of the app and/or I’ve changed my mobile phone number so I can’t reset my own password– how can I log in?

Please contact the Customer Care team and we’ll reset your password for you.

A huge thanks to our mates

It’s because of their support we've been able to bring this app to life providing Kiwis with the tools to keep safe out on the water. Like us, they've got your back and for that, we simply can't thank them enough.

Major Funders