Programme highlights
Want to start your marine engineering career?
If you are new to the industry with no experience and want to become an Engine Watch Rating (EWR) or start your training towards becoming a marine engineering officer, this is the programme for you.
Get basic maritime knowledge and skills about survival at sea and contribute as an engineer to shipboard maintenance and repair as well as onboard engineering.
You will gain the skills and knowledge required by the international convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) to work independently and with only broad guidance as engineering crew on vessels operating in unlimited waters. Graduates will carry out crewing duties at a support level to senior engineers.
You will be prepared for a rewarding career in a global industry which has continuous demand for well-trained and motivated people. You may find yourself working on a wide range of foreign-going ships from cruise liners, ferries and container ships through to oil and chemical tanker ships.
This qualification leads to a Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) certificate. Expand more for detail.
You need to complete this qualification including sea time (2 months) and your Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) approved Training Record Book (TRB), before applying to MNZ for a:
With further sea time (6 months as a certified EWR) you could apply to MNZ for a:
Award of these MNZ certificates of proficiency will also require the completion of:
- Sea service
- MNZ medical fitness certificate
- Eyesight test (including for colour vision)
- Fit and proper person check
- Final exam * Ancillary certificates.
See maritimenz.govt.nz for all requirements needed before you apply. This is an internationally recognised programme, meeting the standards of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) STCW code (Standard for Training and Certification for Watchkeepers), (regulation STCW III/5).
Entry requirements
General
Open entry for domestic studentsThere 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.
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 five compulsory courses as well as the courses from your chosen strand (60 credits):
Compulsory courses
Level 2
Level 4
Courses related to your chosen strand
Engineering
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
Career opportunities
Combined with sea time this programme leads to a career as an Engine Watch Rating (EWR).
Completion of this certificate leads to entry into the New Zealand Diploma in Marine Engineering (Level 6).
EWR trainee, EWR qualified (after 2 months at sea) and AB Engine qualified (after a total of 14 months at sea).
