New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Crewing (Level 4) with a strand in Engineering also known as Engine Watch Rating (EWR)

Program Overview

The New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Crewing (Level 4) with a strand in Engineering prepares students with no prior experience for an Engine Watch Rating (EWR) role. The program covers basic maritime knowledge and skills, including survival at sea, shipboard maintenance and repair, and onboard engineering. Graduates are eligible for an EWR certificate of proficiency after completing the program, sea time, and ancillary requirements. This qualification is internationally recognized and meets the standards of the IMO (International Maritime Organization) STCW code.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Crewing (Level 4) with a strand in Engineering, also known as Engine Watch Rating (EWR) or STCW Able Seafarer Engine (AB Engine), is a 17-week full-time program plus sea time. It aims to provide students with basic maritime knowledge and skills regarding survival at sea, shipboard maintenance and repair, and onboard engineering. The program is designed for individuals with no prior experience in the maritime industry who wish to become an EWR or start their training towards becoming a marine engineering officer. Graduates will be prepared to work independently or under broad guidance as engineering crew on vessels operating in unlimited waters, carrying out crewing duties at a support level to senior engineers. This qualification is internationally recognized and meets the standards of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) STCW code.

Outline:

The program comprises five compulsory courses and courses related to the chosen strand (Engineering) totaling 60 credits:

Compulsory Courses:

• STCW basic safety training - basic sea survival (personal survival techniques) (5 credits): Focuses on safe and sustainable work practices, communication, and emergency response on board a vessel.
• STCW basic safety training - basic first aid (elementary first aid) (5 credits): Covers safe work practices, communication, and emergency response related to first aid onboard a vessel.
• STCW basic safety training - personal safety and social responsibility (3 credits): Covers safe and sustainable work practices, communication, and emergency response on board a vessel.
• Proficiency in security awareness (2 credits): Provides knowledge, understanding, and proficiency for personnel working on ships without designated security duties.
• STCW basic safety training - basic fire fighting (fire fighting and fire prevention) (5 credits): Covers safe work practices, communication, and emergency response related to fire on board a vessel.

Engineering Strand Courses:

• Introduction to engineering watchkeeping (10 credits): Provides general knowledge of engine room plant and equipment, as well as watchkeeping practices and procedures.
• Main and auxiliary machinery systems (20 credits): Equips students with the ability to carry out routine maintenance in the engine room and assist the Engineer of the Watch.
• Electrical equipment (10 credits): Familiarizes students with electrical systems onboard a vessel and safe measurement techniques using electrical test equipment.

Optional Course:

• Marine dangerous goods (5 credits): Covers the principles involved in ship operations carrying hazardous cargoes.

Careers:

Upon completion of the program and required sea time, graduates are eligible to work as an Engine Watch Rating (EWR). The qualification also provides a pathway to the New Zealand Diploma in Marine Engineering (Level 6). The program prepares individuals for careers as:

• EWR trainee
• EWR qualified (after 2 months at sea)
• AB Engine qualified (after a total of 14 months at sea)

Other:

• The program leads to a Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) certificate.
• Graduates need to complete the qualification including sea time (2 months) and the Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) approved Training Record Book (TRB) before applying to MNZ for an Engine Watch Rating (EWR) certificate of proficiency.
• With further sea time (6 months as a certified EWR), graduates can apply to MNZ for an Able Seafarer-Engine (AB Engine) certificate of proficiency.
• The award of these MNZ certificates of proficiency requires:
• Sea service
• MNZ medical fitness certificate
• Eyesight test (including for color vision)
• Fit and proper person check
• Final exam
• Ancillary certificates.