VHF Radio

Important message to all owners and users of VHF radios

All users of Marine VHF Radios are required to hold a minimum of a Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate (an exception is made for radio use only in emergency or distress situations). To find out how to obtain this simple qualification, click here.

All radio transmissions are required to be "individually identifiable". Countries throughout the world have adopted the marine VHF call sign system as being the best option available.

Marine VHF call signs are held on a national database and are used solely for Search and Rescue purposes.

Marine VHF call signs for recreational and commercial boaties are available from Coastguard Boating Education, who maintain the database on behalf of Radio Spectrum Management; a division of the Ministry of Economic Development.

There is a one-off charge of $50. To obtain your call sign, click here.

Should any of your personal details change or if you change vessels you MUST advise Coastguard Boating Education. Phone 0800 40 80 90 to update your records.

VHF on Lake Taupo

Our primary objective is to promote safety on Lake Taupo. Around Lake Taupo, Coastguard Radio provides radio services, creating a safety net for boat users equipped with VHF.

Channel 61 is the correct channel for contacting Coastguard. (NB: When calling Coastguard on VHF, address all calls to "Coastguard Radio")

24 Hours per Day, 7 Days per Week, 365 Days per Year

Radio communications are monitored from Coastguard Eastern Region, with the use of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology, from 0630 – 2045 during NZDT, and 0730- 1830 NZST. Outside of these hours, they are monitored from Coastguard Northern Region. No matter what time of day or night, simply call “Coastguard Radio” on channel 61 for service.

There are two VHF marine repeater channels operating for boat users, 61 and 63. Boat users who wish to communicate with each other should make the first contact call on channel 61 then switch to channel 63 or if in line of site use channel 6 or 8.

Weather

Marine Weather forecasts for Lake Taupo will be transmitted daily at 0735,1135, and1535 with an extra transmission at 2015hrs during the Summer period.(NB Summer period is SDST)