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

Compass New Zealand study companion

New Zealand Day Skipper Study Companion

Direct answer

Independent New Zealand boating preparation for equipment, handling, charts, weather, IALA Region A, Part 91, emergencies, and trip planning. Compass provides independent knowledge preparation only. It does not administer an official examination, award certification, demonstrate practical competence, or replace current instructions from an authorized provider or authority. Regional council bylaws, harbourmaster directions, and current notices must be checked for the operating area.

Price
$39.99 once
Course size
8 modules
Access
Lifetime access
Format
Independent online study companion
Preview the free module

Product tour

Try the revision loop here

This is a working, course-specific sample. Read one rule, answer a real-style question, flip a recall card, and see how the next action is chosen.

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Five-knot limits and local rules

One rule, explained clearly

New Zealand's five-knot requirements create important speed limits near people, vessels, and shore, while local bylaws can add further controls. A skipper must identify the exact area and circumstances, keep a proper lookout, and use a speed that remains safe even where the numerical limit would permit more.

Course route

Learn the knowledge, then take it afloat with an instructor

1Free

Boat Components and Equipment

Hull, deck, propulsion, steering, rig or machinery, safety equipment, stowage, checks, and matching equipment to craft and trip.

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2Full access

Handling, Launching, Berthing, and Anchoring

Wind, current, momentum, steering response, launching, retrieval, berthing, anchoring, mooring, crew preparation, and abort plans.

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3Full access

Charts, Position, and Basic Navigation

Chart symbols, latitude and longitude, distance, depth, compass directions, simple bearings, position sources, paper/electronic limitations, and a navigational log.

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4Full access

Tides, Weather, and MetService

Tidal heights and streams, forecast areas, wind against current, warnings, local acceleration, fronts, sea state, visibility, and go/no-go limits.

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5Full access

New Zealand Marks and IALA Region A

Direction of buoyage, IALA Region A lateral marks, cardinals, isolated danger, safe water, special marks, light characteristics, and local aids.

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6Full access

Collision Prevention, Part 91, and Local Bylaws

Lookout, safe speed, collision risk, basic encounter rules, lifejackets and navigation-safety obligations, the five-knot rule, and local bylaw checks.

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7Full access

Emergencies, Safety, and Skipper Responsibility

Skipper responsibility, crew briefing, person overboard, capsize, flooding, fire, grounding, towing, distress communications, cold water, and abandoning craft.

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8Full access

Knots, Trip Planning, and Practical Boundary

Suitable knots, rope handling, float plans, fuel and range, crew, communications, weather, tides, launching, return options, and the boundary between study and demonstrated skill.

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What the companion includes

Clear knowledge and practical boundaries

  • Original lessons and explanations
  • At least 18 explained questions and 12 flashcards per module
  • Three 40-question mixed knowledge assessments
  • New Zealand terminology, jurisdiction, and primary-source context
  • Practical-awareness prompts clearly separated from assessed knowledge

Not included

  • A Coastguard Boating Education, Maritime NZ, or NZQA certificate
  • Instructor-observed practical assessment or official oral examination
  • DSC or SSB within the current MVOC learning route
  • Copied manuals, charts, examination questions, or official diagrams
  • A substitute for current Part 91, bylaws, notices, or instructor guidance

Editorial record

Primary-source review

Original content is reviewed against current New Zealand course outcomes, maritime rules, radio guidance, and weather sources. Regional bylaws and current notices must be checked separately.