New Zealand Certificate Maritime Operations with strands in Fishing, and Watchkeeping (Level 4) also known as Officer of the Watch <500GT Near Coastal/Mate Fishing Vessel – Limited

Program Overview

The New Zealand Certificate Maritime Operations (Level 4) prepares students for careers in the maritime sector, specifically in fishing or watchkeeping roles. Combining online learning with in-class instruction, the program equips students with essential knowledge and skills in safe vessel operations, navigation, and emergency response. Upon completion, graduates can apply for Maritime New Zealand certification as Watchkeeper Deck <500GT or Mate Fishing Vessel – Limited.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program, the New Zealand Certificate Maritime Operations with strands in Fishing, and Watchkeeping (Level 4), is designed for those seeking to advance their career in the maritime sector, particularly in fishing or watchkeeping roles. It equips students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to work safely on commercial or fishing vessels in New Zealand or international waters. This program caters to individuals already working in the industry who aspire to become a Mate Fishing Vessel or Watchkeeper Deck under 500 gross tonnage (GT). The program's main objectives are to:

• Develop proficiency in safe working practices onboard commercial and fishing vessels
• Master emergency response procedures
• Provide specialization options in Watchkeeping or Fishing, allowing students to tailor their studies to their career goals

Outline:

This 28-week full-time program combines online learning with 18 weeks of in-class instruction. The program structure consists of 12 compulsory courses along with specialized courses based on the student's chosen strand (Watchkeeping or Fishing):

Compulsory Courses:

• Level 2
• 941.212 Proficiency in Security Awareness (2 credits): This course provides knowledge and understanding for personnel who will not have designated security duties while working on ships, equipping them with the necessary skills to ensure safety and awareness.
• 942.210 STCW Basic Safety Training – Basic Sea Survival (5 credits): This course emphasizes safe and sustainable work practices, effective communication, and emergency response procedures in maritime settings.
• 942.211 STCW Basic Safety Training – Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR) (3 credits): This course aims to develop safe and sustainable work practices, foster effective communication, and equip students with the knowledge to respond effectively to emergencies aboard a vessel.
• Level 4
• 941.401 Meteorology (5 credits): This course covers the use and interpretation of meteorological instruments, understanding weather systems, reporting procedures, and recording systems.
• 941.402 STCW Basic Safety Training – Basic Fire Fighting (5 credits): This course focuses on applying safe work practices, enhancing communication skills, and mastering emergency response procedures related to fire onboard a vessel.
• 942.451 Stability (15 credits): This course provides an in-depth understanding of vessel stability, trim, and stress, equipping students with knowledge of stability calculations, stress-calculating equipment, and emergency response procedures in case of partial loss of buoyancy.
• 943.446 Controlling Ship Operations – Cargo/MARPOL/Power Plant (15 credits): This course focuses on ship management, particularly in the areas of cargo operations, pollution prevention, and power plant operations.
• 943.447 Navigational Aids and Equipment (10 credits): This course teaches students to operate navigational aids and equipment safely, determining a vessel's position using common navigational equipment.
• 943.448 Watchkeeping (Orals) (15 credits): This course focuses on watchkeeping and ship handling practices, including the use of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual.
• 943.449 Navigation at the Operational Level (20 credits): This course equips students with the ability to plan and execute voyages, accurately determine positions, and navigate effectively.
• 943.450 Passage Planning OOW 500GT Near Coastal (5 credits): This course provides an introduction to voyage planning, passage execution, and position determination.

Specialized Courses (Chosen Strand):

Fishing Strand:

• 943.451 Fishing Seamanship (15 credits): This course focuses on applying safe and sustainable seamanship practices aboard a fishing vessel.

Watchkeeping Strand:

• 942.452 Proficiency in Survival Craft (PISC) (5 credits): This course focuses on operating survival craft and rescue boats effectively.
• 942.572 Medical First Aid (5 credits): This course prepares students to handle medical emergencies effectively, particularly in scenarios where professional care may be delayed.

Careers:

Upon completion of the program, graduates are well-prepared for careers as:

• Watchkeeper Deck <500GT in near coastal areas: This role involves maintaining watch on passenger and non-passenger vessels operating in near-coastal waters.
• Mate Fishing Vessel – Limited: This role involves assisting with operations and managing tasks onboard fishing vessels within specified limits.

Other:

• Modular Intakes: The program offers modular intakes, allowing students to begin their studies at specific scheduled times throughout the year.
• Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) Certificate: Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for a Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) certificate.
This qualification is required before applying for an operating license as a Watchkeeper Deck or Mate Fishing Vessel.
• Additional Requirements for MNZ Certificate: In addition to the program completion, obtaining a Maritime New Zealand certificate requires:
• Sea Service
• MNZ Medical Fitness Certificate
• Eyesight Test (including color vision)
• Fit and Proper Person Check.
• Further Study: Graduates can continue their education by pursuing the New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Operations (Level 5).