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Maritime · Online or group tutor-led

Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate

Required by all users of marine VHF under NZ law. Study online, or in-classroom.

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Fee$250 incl GST
DeliveryOnline / Classroom
StartAnytime
CreditsL3 5 Credits
01 / OverviewVHF Certificate

A Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate (MVOC) is required by all users of marine VHF radio under New Zealand law.

This course delivers the essential skills required to operate marine VHF confidently and legally, and earns 5 NZQA credits.

Course detail

Course topics
  • 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
Teaching method

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

The Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate is also available as group tutor-led training. Contact us to arrange a session.

Who should attend

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.

Why study with SIS Training

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 most of New Zealand’s largest commercial fleet operators — including tourism, aquaculture and fishing companies — and their crews.

Certification
  • 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)
Useful links
FAQVHF Operator's Certificate
Do I need a certificate to use a marine VHF radio in New Zealand?

Yes. A Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate (MVOC) is required by law for anyone operating marine VHF radio in New Zealand under the Radiocommunications Act 1989.

What is the MVOC?

The Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate (MVOC) is the qualification that authorises you to operate marine VHF radio. The SIS course covers routine calling, distress and emergency procedures, pro-words and EPIRB use, and earns 5 NZQA credits (unit standards 19491 and 19492).

Can I complete the VHF course online?

Yes. SIS delivers it as self-directed online study you can start anytime, or as group tutor-led training for crews and organisations.

Who needs a VHF Operator's Certificate?

Anyone required to operate marine VHF in New Zealand. It is illegal to operate marine VHF without an appropriate operator's certificate.

Ready to get started?

Questions about dates, content or which course fits? Ask us anything.

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