Coastguard NZ Day Skipper exam-day guide
Coastguard NZ Day Skipper · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring a current passport or NZ driver licence. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID they accept and whether a photo is taken on the day for your certificate.
Booking confirmation and course materials
Have your booking reference and any pre-course workbook or study notes to hand. The provider may ask to see proof of the course you completed; confirm with the provider what documentation is required.
Pen and pencil
Bring at least two pens and a pencil for the written paper. Some providers supply these, but do not rely on it.
Knowledge of the collision regulations
Be able to state the give-way and stand-on rules, safe speed, lookout obligations, and the meaning of common lights, shapes and sound signals from memory before you arrive.
Chartwork tools if your course included them
If your course covered plotting, bring a parallel ruler or plotter, dividers, a soft pencil and an eraser. Confirm with the provider whether chartwork is assessed and what tools are permitted.
Tide tables and almanac extracts if allowed
Ask the provider in advance whether reference material is provided or permitted. Do not assume you can bring your own notes into the test room.
Knowledge of local bylaws and buoyage
Revise the NZ buoyage system, IALA Region A marks, and the general Harbourmaster and Maritime NZ rules for your area, since these are commonly examined.
Plan your travel and arrival time
Confirm the venue, start time and how early to arrive. Confirm with the provider the arrival window and what happens if you are late.
Rest and a proper meal beforehand
A short, well-slept candidate performs better on recall-based questions. Avoid last-minute cramming the night before.
Check assessment format with the provider
Confirm whether the test is written, oral, practical on the water, or a mix, and the number and type of questions. needs_review
Confirm the pass mark and resit policy
Ask the provider for the pass mark, the result timeline, and the process and cost of a resit. needs_review
Weather and sea-state check
If any part of the assessment is practical or on the water, check the forecast and confirm with the provider the cancellation and rescheduling arrangements. needs_review
Plan the day
Re-read your course notes and summarise the collision regulations, buoyage and lights into one page. Complete any remaining workbook exercises and check you can answer practice questions without notes.
Confirm the venue, start time, ID requirements and what you may bring into the test room with the provider. Resolve any uncertainty now rather than on the day.
Do one timed practice paper under exam conditions. Review only the questions you got wrong and write the correct answer in your own words.
Light revision only: skim your one-page summary, buoyage and sound signals. Pack your ID, pens, and any permitted tools in your bag the night before.
Check travel arrangements and set an alarm. If the assessment is on the water, check the forecast and confirm with the provider that it is going ahead.
Eat a proper meal, arrive with time to spare, and avoid cramming new material. Skim only your summary sheet.
Read each question twice, answer the ones you know first, and flag uncertain ones to return to. For multiple-choice questions, eliminate clearly wrong options before choosing.
Show your working for any calculation or chartwork question, and check units and bearings before submitting. If something is unclear, ask the invigilator rather than guessing at the instructions.
Note any questions you were unsure about and check the answers afterwards, since the same topics often recur in oral or practical follow-ups.
Rules to check
Bring the photo ID the provider requires and present it on request; confirm with the provider which documents are acceptable.
Follow the invigilator's instructions on seating, phones and personal items. Switch off and stow your phone unless told otherwise.
Do not bring notes, reference material or unauthorised tools into the test room unless the provider has confirmed in advance that they are permitted.
Ask the invigilator before you leave the room. Confirm with the provider their policy on toilet breaks and whether leaving early is allowed.
If you believe a question is ambiguous or misprinted, raise it with the invigilator at the time rather than after the test.
Do not discuss or share question content with other candidates during or after the assessment.
Confirm the pass mark, marking scheme and result timeline with the provider before the day so you know what to expect.
If you are unwell or unable to attend, contact the provider as early as possible to ask about rescheduling; confirm their policy on cancellation and resits.