(Also known as Chief Mate or Master)
Study towards your Chief Mate or Master certificate of competency
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 1 year (36 teaching weeks), plus sea time.
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Start dates
February
Modular intakes available
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Qualification
Diploma in Foreign-going Master or Chief (Level 7) also known as Chief Mate or MasterProgramme code: MN3832 -
Credits
120 -
Locations
New Zealand Maritime School
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Domestic fees
$7,900 (approx.)
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International fees
NZD $26,000 (approx.)
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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 charge as the Chief Mate or command of your ship as Master.
You'll develop specialist knowledge in the areas of safety of life at sea, safety of property at sea, and the integrity of the marine environment, crew, cargo and passengers. You will learn how to manage the cargo and the non-technical maintenance of the vessel. You will hold the position of responsibility of managing the ship’s records and administration. You will also learn the essential analytical and problem-solving skills to the level of command for either a foreign-going ship or managerial positions ashore.
Talented individuals can expect to progress quickly and receive good levels of pay, with the opportunity to explore the world’s most exotic locations.
Entry requirements
Entry to the programme is restricted to
- Those students holding a Watchkeeper deck Certificate of Competency issued by Maritime New Zealand or an overseas qualification recognised by MNZ as being equivalent; or
- Those students who have completed the academic components of the NZ2515 NZ Diploma in Nautical Science programme; or
- Those students holding a Marine Engineer Class 3 Certificate of Competency issued by Maritime New Zealand or an overseas qualification recognised by MNZ as being equivalent, and passes within the past five years in the Mathematics and Engineering Drawing courses of the revised Class 3 Certificate of Competency; or
- Those students who have completed the academic components of the NZ2514 New Zealand Diploma in Marine Engineering programme.
English language entry requirements
Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake this programme, which is taught and assessed in English.
Any applicant whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of their English language competency.
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 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: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/
Regulatory and other entry requirements
Students intending to pursue a seagoing career must produce evidence of having met the medical and eyesight/hearing standards currently in force by Maritime New Zealand. These are statutory requirements for working on vessels. Applicants must be physically capable of completing the programme.
Special & discretionary admission
Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme. Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.
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 (120 credits):
Level 6
942.680 Vessel technical operations (10 credits)
To enable a student to determine, evaluate and respond to a vessels condition at management level.
942.681 Risk analysis and human factors (10 credits)
To enable students to analyse and manage risk on board a ship and manage people for the safe operation of the ship.
942.682 Maritime commercial practice and ship master’s business (15 credits)
To enable students to carry out responsibilities under international maritime law, embodied in national and international agreements and conventions that impact the commercial management of a ship.
942.683 Command meteorology (10 credits)
To enable students to evaluate, plan and execute the most effective, safe and efficient ocean and coastal voyage taking all climatological and meteorological elements into account.
Level 7
942.744 Manage maritime operations (15 credits)
To enable students to minimise cargo liability claims by creating, implementing and modifying voyage allocation plans, plan stowage and securing of cargo including ballast programmes, manage loading and discharging programmes and manage cargo security and care during voyage.
942.746 Navigation control and emergency response (15 credits)
To enable a student to manage navigational information derived from a range of sources in order to make and implement command decisions for safe navigation and for emergency response.
942.747 Manage safety and operations (Orals) (15 credits)
To enable students to operate ships safety under routine and emergency conditions.
942.748 Adjust compasses (15 credits)
To enable students to apply knowledge of magnetism to adjust the ships magnetic compasses and the theory of gyrocompasses to ensure safe passage.
942.749 Naval architecture (15 credits)
To enable students to evaluate and control the stability, trim and hull stresses of a vessel under all conditions and make management decisions regarding intact and damage stability conditions and ensure that the shear force and bending moments are within acceptable limits at all times.
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
Postgraduate programmes.
Career opportunities
The chief officer or master on foreign-going ships. Shore-based leadership positions in the maritime cluster and port management, such as maritime pilots, marine managers, harbour masters, ship planners, cargo planners, accident investigators, maritime trainers and educators. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
"My value of success lies in being passionate about my career, and I couldn’t think of a more rewarding lifestyle than to work at sea and discover the world from a perspective that a lot of people aren’t able to.
The exciting aspect about this industry is that there is a variety of paths you can take to achieve the sea-going lifestyle you desire, and at NZMS every day in the classroom is inspiring.
Like any career, you must start somewhere, but as long as you keep your end goal in mind, the motivation to continue through the hard work will be rewarding.
I am excited for the day that I graduate with my mates masters' qualification and eventually work my way up to the role of chief officer and one day captain."
Maya Brown
NZMS student
"I wanted to turn my passion for the ocean into a dynamic and flexible career.
The more I get involved with the school the more I realise the potential opportunities further down the line in the maritime industry. It's exciting to think where I might end up in the future and it all starts here. Do the hard work and reap the rewards in the future.
Since I have started studying at the New Zealand Maritime School, I was interested in how they would perform against other educators on the world stage! I was pleasantly surprised by how professional, highly trained, and friendly the school staff are. They are a group of people that are passionate in their areas of expertise and want to see the students succeed. "
Caven Lane
NZMS student
"I have always had an affinity for the ocean growing up on the coastline, so I wanted to choose a career that would allow me to stay on or around the water.
I'm looking forward to travelling around the world, I have always wanted to see the dynamics of how countries work outside of the eye of being a tourist.
I'm also looking forward to the lifestyle of being a sailor. As a first-year cadet of the school, NZMS is helping me by giving me hands-on experience with the simulators and the trips to the port that allow me to see the particulars of port operations and I highly recommend it to anyone that is interested in joining the maritime industry."
Connor Waszak
NZMS student
"My interest in the maritime industry grew when I got my first job working hospitality on the Cook Strait Ferries. After about 8 months into the job, I began thinking about the whole industry. I remember seeing the bridge and was simply amazed by the technology, equipment, and more importantly, the people. This is the workplace I wanted, I started searching online when NZMS popped up.
I gave it a few weeks thought and applied, I'm so glad I applied to do this. The tutors are fantastic at helping each and every student through the challenges whether that's practical such as knots, lifeboat driving or the theory side of things such as physics and maths."
Dathan Barkhausen
NZMS student
"I have for a long time known I wanted a career at sea, having a strong love for the ocean. I researched the maritime industry and determined that studying at NZMS would be the best fit for me.
Considering study with NZMS was at first intimidating as I know the maritime industry is heavily male-dominated. I wasn’t sure if I would be given the opportunity (as a female) to achieve the goals I had set for myself.
This is my first year at NZMS, but I feel I have learned so much so far. I love that women are not only encouraged to be involved but are also encouraged to lead in this field.
I’m excited now more than ever for what the future has in store for me in this industry. "
Toria Maladina
NZMS student
"A career in the maritime industry has allowed me to work whilst travelling the world. The NZMS gave the additional merchant navy training that is not covered in the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). The training at the NZMS was engaging and provided a great insight into the exciting career opportunities within the maritime industry. Conducting training towards the Diploma in Nautical Science has allowed me the opportunity to work towards an international unlimited Deck Watchkeeping Qualification. "
Sam Fox
NZMS graduate
"Here I can turn my passion into a career.
Ever since I was a child, I’ve been sailing, whether it was a Tallship race on the Baltic Sea or a dinghy race in New Zealand. I’ve always loved being on the water, navigating, exploring, or reading the wind and weather. With the help of the NZMS, I can turn my passion into a career.
A career in the maritime industry holds many great opportunities. My ideal career would be working on an icebreaker or offshore supply vessel. I would like to go to places where not many people have been, do things that few people have done. In the shipping industry, both are possible.
I really like the people I am working and learning with, the teachers are friendly, supportive, and have a lot of experience in a large variety of fields. The school is well equipped, and so far, being in the simulators has been my favourite part."
Onno Owen Kutsch
NZMS student
Ready to put your plans in place?
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.