Compass New Zealand is independent and is not affiliated with, approved by, or endorsed by Coastguard Boating Education, Maritime New Zealand, Radio Spectrum Management, or MetService. It does not award Day Skipper, Boatmaster, MVOC, or NZQA certification.

Compass New Zealand pathway

Match knowledge study to the recognised New Zealand route

Day Skipper can build a foundation, Maritime VHF covers the local operator-certificate route, and Boatmaster develops broader skipper knowledge. Compass prepares knowledge only; recognised providers control teaching, assessment, certificates, and any practical requirements.

Take the Day Skipper readiness test

Start with the intended operation

Choose by boat, water, responsibility, communications equipment, and the provider's current prerequisites—not by assuming that course names used overseas have identical scope.

Day Skipper: foundation knowledge and safe-boating decisions
Maritime VHF: current MVOC radio scope
Boatmaster: broader navigation, rules, seamanship, and command knowledge

Keep practice and certification separate

A quiz score cannot demonstrate boat handling, judgement under pressure, communication aboard, or the evidence required by a recognised provider. Use Compass to expose weak knowledge before teaching and on-water experience.

Check local rules for the actual trip

Maritime rules, regional bylaws, harbour directions, notices, weather, bar conditions, and equipment guidance can change. The operational check belongs immediately before the voyage.