Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate

• Functions and operations of marine VHF
• Procedures for routine calling
• Initiate and respond to emergency calls
• Pro-words and the phonetic alphabet
• Manage distress, urgency and safety communications

Online, self-directed study through our learning platform — start anytime and progress at your own pace. Reference: the MNZ Radio Handbook (PDF).

Anybody required to use marine VHF in New Zealand. It is illegal to operate a marine VHF without an appropriate operator's certificate. Regulatory context: Radiocommunications Act 1989.

Established in 2000, SIS Training holds the NZQA’s highest rating (Category 1) and is an approved Maritime NZ training provider for SRL, MRROC and VHF qualifications.

We train the South Island’s large commercial fleet operators — including tourism, aquaculture and fishing companies — and their crews.

• An endorsed Certificate of Completion at the conclusion of the course
• NZQA Unit Standard 19491: Demonstrate knowledge of using VHF marine radio and EPIRB (Level 3, 3 credits)
• NZQA Unit Standard 19492: Operate a marine radio in the MF, HF and VHF bands (Level 3, 2 credits)

• MNZ Radio Handbook (PDF)