If you’re looking for maritime training courses in NZ, here a quick guide to what is available.
The list is split into commercial/professional maritime courses and leisure boating training courses/boatie courses.
Do note that there can be overlaps. For example, a Boatmaster course might be pursued by someone wanting to captain their personal yacht. But it’s also a foundational certification for many professional roles in New Zealand’s maritime industry.
Commercial/Professional Maritime Training Courses:
1. Domestic Commercial Vessel Courses:
2. Commercial Maritime Operations:
- Skipper Restricted Limits (SRL) – previously Local Launch Operator / Inshore Launchmaster (ILM)
- Skipper Coastal/Offshore (SCO) – previously New Zealand Offshore Watchkeeper (NZOW) with ILM endorsement
- Offshore Master
- Qualified Deck Crew
3. Marine Engineering:
- MEC6 / Marine Engineer Class 6
- MEC4, MEC5 / Marine Engineer Class 5 and 4
- MEC3, MEC2 / Marine Engineer Class 3 and 2
- MEC1, Marine Engineer Class 1
4. Fishing Vessel Courses:
- Fishing Deckhand
- Fishing Vessel Skipper
- Fishing Vessel Operator
5. Diving Courses (Commercial Aspect):
- Occupational SCUBA to 30m
- Occupational SSBA to 30m and 50m
- Dive Supervisor
6. Boatbuilding & Ship Construction Courses: Mainly for those interested in a professional career in boatbuilding.
7. STCW Courses: Training aligned with the international standards for professional seafarers (see STCW Training in New Zealand).
8. Port and Harbor Courses: For professional roles in harbor and port operations.
9. Maritime Security and Safety Courses: Mainly for personnel in security roles in the maritime industry.
10. Environmental and Oil Spill Response Training: For professional roles in environmental response in maritime settings.
Recreational/Leisure Boating Training Courses:
1. Domestic Recreational Vessel Courses:
- Day Skipper
- Boatmaster
2. Diving Courses (Recreational Aspect): Courses catering to recreational divers, although not listed above, would fall under this category.
3. Navigation & Seamanship: Advanced courses which could be sought after by enthusiastic recreational sailors.