Launch My Career - NZ Commercial and Yacht Licensing


If you are new to the industry you will find information here to get yourself progressing down a pathway towards qualification and certification.


NZ Commercial and Yacht Licensing Programmes

Certified Deckhand

CDH is the first certificate that you could gain as you embark on your Maritime career and is issued by Maritime New Zealand.

Local Launch Operator (LLO)

LLO is the entry level licence used by persons operating nominated vessels in sheltered waters. These vessels may be water taxis, charter fishing vessels or small passenger ferries. There are two study structure options. The traditional delivery option involves daily classroom attendance while the blended delivery option combining distance and online learning to meet the course completion requirements.

Inshore Launchmaster (ILM)

This licence is required for any qualified skipper operating vessels in the enclosed and inshore areas. There are two study structure options. The traditional delivery option involves daily classroom attendance while the blended delivery option combining distance and online learning to meet the course completion requirements.

New Zealand Offshore Watchkeeper (NZOW)

This licences is required as a qualified watchkeeper on a vessel in the coastal and offshore areas.

New Zealand Offshore Master (NZOM)

This licence is required as a qualified watchkeeper on a vessel in the coastal and offshore areas.

STCW ’95 Basic Training Course

Includes Basic Survival,Personal Safety & Social Responsibility, Introductory Fire, Basic First Aid

Photographer: Bronwyn Munro, NZ Chief Mate Yacht
Chief Mate Yacht

These certificates are intended for those wishing to serve in professional certificated positions on board overseas vessels registered as 'yachts'. These vessels are commonly referred to as 'superyachts' or 'megayachts'.

Basic Fire Fighting

Topics include shipboard fire-fighting, fire hazards, search and rescue in enclosed and smoke-filled spaces, use of portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets, fire-fighting team procedures and practice, and emergency damage control procedures.

Advanced Fire Fighting

Topics include leading emergency parties, analysing risk and developing tactical emergency strategies, and taking overall charge during emergency operations.

Proficiency in Medical First Aid

Proficiency in Charge of Medical Care

Shipmasters Medical

Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats

Topics include survival craft operation including launch,recovery, and management of craft and survivors after abandoning ship.

MGOC (GMDSS)

Topics include theory, transmission and acknowledgement of distress, urgency, medical and safety calls, sub-system communication, and maintenance of battery systems.