About the Programme

Embark on your maritime career
Do you love the ocean and want a career with a difference in a vital global industry? This 14-week programme covers basic maritime knowledge and skills, and sets you up to move on to further study.

You’ll become familiar with shipping operations, shipboard practice and survival at sea.

The Certificate in Seamanship combined with seatime forms the first year of the Diploma in Nautical Science, and some courses form part of the Diploma in Marine Engineering. It is expected that you’ll continue on to these qualifications.

Offered by

New Zealand Maritime School

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

• A minimum of 40 NCEA credits at Level 2 or above or equivalent or
• Demonstrate equivalent practical, professional or educational experiences and
• Applicants shall meet the medical and eyesight standards currently in force by Maritime New Zealand. These are statutory requirements for working on ships and
• English language competence to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English. Any applicant whose first language is not English must provide evidence of an overall IELTS (Academic) band score of 6.0 (with no score below 5.5) or equivalent and
• Show evidence of a positive attitude to learning and achievement and a high standard of personal discipline eg work references, school testimonials.

Students intending to progress to the Diploma in Nautical Science must meet the higher entry criteria for this programme.

Applicants will generally be required to undertake at least one interview. Applicants will be selected for interview against the following selection criteria:

• Apparent knowledge of the industry
• Leadership aptitude
• Stated reasons for choosing the career
• Work history indicating suitability for working in the industry
• Maturity, responsibility, honesty, reliability.

The interview will comprise at least two staff members. An industry employer may supplement the panel.
The interviewers will also consider:

• Apparent motivation to succeed
• Communication skills
• Whether the applicant’s personality is suitable for the industry.

Programme Summary

Students complete the following courses:

• Assist Bridge Watchkeeping
• Basic Fire Fighting
• Basic Sea Survival
• Cargo Operations
• Mooring, Anchoring and Deck Watchkeeping
• Proficiency in Survival Craft
• Shipboard Familiarity
•  Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Elementary First Aid
• Vessel Operations and Maintenance.

Further Training or Study

Diploma in Nautical Science. 
Diploma in Marine Engineering.

Career Opportunities

Rating or deck officer trainee positions on foreign-going ships.

Apply here now!