Get your VHF Call Sign in an instant click

by Coastguard Boating Education . on 21 Dec 2010 The VHF radio is an important means of communication on any boat, large or small, recreational or commercial. Are you aware that maritime radio users are required to hold a Marine VHF Radio Operators Qualification and have a call sign for their vessel (except in an emergency or distress situation)?

A call sign enables all radio transmissions to be individually identifiable. Details are held on a national database and used solely for search and rescue purposes.

Coastguard Boating Education (CBES) has just made the task of obtaining your call sign a whole lot easier. Call Signs are now being assigned automatically via online applications on the CBES website. You will receive an instant email detailing your call sign number, the details of which are entered into the national database within 1 working day. There is a one-off charge of $30.

With the primary means of communication between boats and shore stations being by marine VHF radio, recreational boaties should prepare for a safer summer and obtain their Marine VHF Radio Operators Qualification and Call Sign. Marine VHF Radio courses are held at various venues throughout New Zealand. Timetables can be viewed on the CBES website, www.cbes.org.nz, or by phoning 0800 40 80 90. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.


Coastguard Boating Education