New Zealand Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 6)
Program Overview
This program trains individuals to become watchkeeper deck officers on seagoing ships by equipping them with skills in watchkeeping, navigation, cargo management, vessel maintenance, and emergency response. Upon completion, students will be eligible for a Maritime New Zealand certificate, enabling them to work on ships of any gross tonnage. The program adheres to IMO STCW code standards, ensuring international recognition and competence.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This program is designed to train students to become watchkeeper deck officers on seagoing ships.
Objectives:
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Complete all the duties required of a watchkeeper deck officer.
- Manage the planning of a passage and maintain a safe navigational watch.
- Utilize electronic navigation aids and traditional celestial navigation.
- Manage cargo and non-technical maintenance of the vessel.
- Lead the response to emergencies and distress at sea.
Careers:
Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to work as watchkeeper deck officers on ships of any gross tonnage under the MNZ SeaCert licencing system.
Other:
- This qualification leads to a Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) certificate.
- Holders of this certificate of competency will have the licence required to work as a watchkeeper deck officer on ships of any gross tonnage.
Entry Requirements:
- General: Students intending to pursue a seagoing career must produce evidence of having met the medical and eyesight standards currently in force by Maritime New Zealand.
- Academic:
- Applicants with no seagoing experience: 14 credits in either Mathematics (calculus, algebra or equivalent) and/or Physics.
- Applicants with seagoing experience: Completed the academic component of the New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Crewing - Able Seafarer Deck strand (L4) (NZ2511-01) OR Provide evidence of sea service required for the Watchkeeper certificate of competency as per STCW code.
- Special & Discretionary Admission:
- Special 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.
- Discretionary Admission: 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.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- English Language Entry Requirements:
- Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English.
- Note: For this programme this means applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of IELTS (Academic) band score of 6.0 or no band lower than 5.5.
