Jamie Kidd has been learning how to operate a VHF radio, navigate charts, and be safe on the water.
The 13-year-old from Ngunguru is one of five young boaties who took part in a four-day student education programme run by Coastguard, where participants obtained their full Day Skipper qualification and completed the Maritime VHF Radio Operator course.
Paula Geard, Coastguard boating education tutor, said through the course, held at Oceans Resort Tutukaka, the youths learn how to be safe on the water so they don't need to be rescued.
"It is really good, because their parents have got boats and in some cases they haven't actually got the qualifications themselves so they're sending their kids off for a great holiday programme to learn a few of the rules and regulations."
Jamie said he'd had fun.