Study towards your Skipper Coastal and Offshore (SCO) certificate of competency
-
Duration and study methods
Block delivery for 17 weeks.
Block courses can be taken across consecutive years.
Max 5 years to complete programme.
-
Start dates
March
Modular intakes available
-
Qualification
New Zealand Certificate in Domestic Maritime Operations (Coastal and Offshore) (Level 5) also known as Skipper Coastal and OffshoreProgramme code: NZ2892 -
Credits
85 -
Locations
New Zealand Maritime School
Online
-
Entry requirements
Open entry
-
Domestic fees
$5,600 (approx.)
-
International fees
NZD $18,417 (approx.)
-
Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
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 your career as a skipper to the next level.
If you hold a Skipper Restricted Limits (SRL) certificate of competency (endorsed to 24 metres), then this is your next step to progress your career.
Learn the skills to work as a skipper on a working, passenger, or fishing vessel (less than 24 metres in length) operating within the coastal and offshore limits.
Entry requirements
General
Open entry for domestic students
There are no academic requirements that need to be met to enter this programme.
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 https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/qa-system-for-teos/english-international-students/
International students will generally be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency, for this programme an IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 is required. Equivalent acceptable evidence can be seen at the following NZQA link: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/
Important information
Entry to this qualification is open but completion does not guarantee the award of a Maritime New Zealand licence.
All persons wishing to qualify for a seafarer licence must also check the Maritime New Zealand prior certification and minimum service requirements for that licence. Also: Seafarers Framework which outlines medical fitness requirements https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/rules/part-34/default.asp and Maritime New Zealand Part 34:Medical Standards https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/rules/part-34/Part34-maritime-rule.pdf.
Need IELTS?
Book your British Council IELTS test with us.
You will complete your test in one day, plus get free online tuition to help you succeed. We offer paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS. Choose computer-delivered IELTS and get your results in 3-5 days.
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 nine courses (85 credits):
Level 2
723.221 STCW basic safety training basic first aid (5 credits)
Apply safe work practices and contribute to effective communication and emergency response to first aid onboard a vessel.
942.210 STCW basic safety training basic sea survival (5 credits)
Apply safe and sustainable work practices and contribute to effective communication and emergency response on board a vessel.
Level 4
942.450 STCW basic safety training basic fire fighting (5 credits)
Apply safe work practices and contribute to effective communication and emergency response to a fire on board a vessel.
943.441 Meteorology – SCO (5 credits)
By the end of the course you will be able to: Obtain and interpret coastal and offshore meteorological information to assist in safe passage making.
943.443 MGROC radio (2 credits)
By the end of the course, you will be able to utilise MF, HF and VHF radios in the maritime radio telecommunications network to obtain and broadcast Maritime Safety Information, including the sending and response to distress messages.
Level 5
943.554 Coastal Navigation and Passage Planning (25 credits)
By the end of the course, you will be able to plan and conduct a coastal and/or offshore passage and determine position.
943.555 Electronic navigation aids (10 credits)
To plan and conduct a coastal and/or offshore passage and determine position and utilise Electronic Navigation Aids and demonstrate an ability to operate safely and determine the ship’s position by use of all navigational aids and equipment commonly fitted on board the ships.
943.556 General knowledge – orals prep SCO (13 credits)
By the end of the course, you will be able to manage safety aboard a coastal and offshore vessel.
943.557 Stability SCO (15 credits)
By the end of the course, you will be able to maintain vessel stability.
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
Qualifications recognised internationally under the Standards for Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW):
- New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Operations (Level 4) with strands in Fishing, and Watchkeeping
- New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Operations (Level 5)
- New Zealand Certificate in Marine Engineering (Level 4) (MEC 6 and MEC 5)
- New Zealand Diploma in Yacht Operations (Level 6)
- New Zealand Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 6)
Career opportunities
Skipper on a working ferry or fishing vessel less than 24 metres in length, operating within the coastal and offshore limits.
Fees Free scheme: Free study for the first or final year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the Government’s Fees Free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must be eligible to study as a domestic student. Note: The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from January 2025. Learners who have already used Fees Free in their first year of study won’t be able to access Fees Free under the new final-year policy. However, from now until the end of 2025, first-year Fees Free will operate under ‘first-year transition rules’. For more information, visit feesfree.govt.nz/2025. All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.
Information is correct as at 28 August 2024. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2025 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2025 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2025 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2025 are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2025. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.