Modular intakes for this programme mean you can start scheduled courses during the year.
Domestic students: Please contact our Ask Me! Student Services team.
International students: Please contact our International team for more information.
Programme highlights
Take the next step in your career and become a marine engineering officer.
This programme is ideal for you if you are a marine engineer looking to progress to more senior roles or move to larger vessels.
Gain the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain engine room and auxiliary equipment to Marine Engineer Class 4 (MEC4) or Marine Engineer Class 3 (MEC 3) standards under the Maritime New Zealand Seafarer Certification and Operational Limits Framework. You will get hands-on experience with practical on-site workshops and sea time onboard a ship.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have been advised that you will receive a Recognition of Prior Knowledge and Skills (RPKS) towards your sea time, this will incur a fee of $36 per credit. For more information please visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Please note: A small component of this programme is delivered by a sub-contractor.
Entry requirements
General
Applicants must have completed the academic component of the New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Crewing – Able Seafarer Engine strand (L4) (NZ2511-03)
OR
Provide evidence of sea service required for the Watchkeeper certificate of competency as per the STCW code.
Academic
Applicants with no seafaring experience:
- 14 credits in either Mathematics (calculus, algebra or equivalent) and / or physics at NCEA Level 2.
International students: English language entry requirements
For the minimum English language requirements refer to the requirements set out in the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules.
International students will generally be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency, for this programme an IELTS General or Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 is required. Equivalent acceptable evidence can be seen at the following NZQA link.
Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below 41 compulsory courses (300 credits):
Compulsory courses
Year one
Year two
Year three
Optional courses
*If you have completed STCW Basic Training prior to studying on this programme, you will need to enrol in the optional courses above. You will be awarded RPKS where this is applicable. There may be fees associated.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Further training or study
Graduates of this qualification can progress to courses leading to the Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) Marine Engineer Class 2 (MEC 2) or Marine Engineer Class 1 (MEC 1) certificates of competency.
Career opportunities
MEC 4: Marine chief engineering officer on coastal vessels.
MEC 3: Marine engineering officer on foreign-going ships.
Visit Tahatu Career Navigator for further study information.





