Diploma in Foreign-going Master or Chief (Level 7)

Program Overview

This Diploma in Foreign-going Master or Chief (Level 7) qualifies students to become Chief Mates or Masters of ships, equipping them with specialist knowledge in safety, vessel management, and crew handling. The internationally recognized program meets IMO standards and leads to a Maritime New Zealand certificate, opening doors to careers in leadership positions in the maritime industry, both onboard and ashore. With opportunities for global travel and career advancement, this program prepares students for success in the maritime field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: This Diploma in Foreign-going Master or Chief (Level 7) equips students to take charge as the Chief Mate or Master of a ship.
• Objectives:
• 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.
• Learn how to manage the cargo and the non-technical maintenance of the vessel.
• Hold the position of responsibility of managing the ship's records and administration.
• Develop essential analytical and problem-solving skills to the level of command for either a foreign-going ship or managerial positions ashore.
• Description:
• The program leads to a Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) certificate.

Outline:

• Program Content:
• Students will cover a wide range of topics, including:
• Safety of Life at Sea
• Safety of Property at Sea
• Marine Environment Protection
• Crew Management
• Cargo Management
• Vessel Maintenance
• Ship's Records and Administration
• Maritime Law and Conventions
• Commercial Practice
• Risk Analysis and Human Factors
• Command Meteorology
• Navigation Control
• Emergency Response
• Compass Adjustment
• Naval Architecture
• Program Structure:
• The program consists of nine courses (120 credits):
• 942.680 Vessel technical operations (10 credits)
• 942.681 Risk analysis and human factors (10 credits)
• 942.682 Maritime commercial practice and ship master’s business (15 credits)
• 942.683 Command meteorology (10 credits)
• 942.744 Manage maritime operations (15 credits)
• 942.746 Navigation control and emergency response (15 credits)
• 942.747 Manage safety and operations (Orals) (15 credits)
• 942.748 Adjust compasses (15 credits)
• 942.749 Naval architecture (15 credits)
• Course Schedule:
• Full-time for 1 year (36 teaching weeks), plus sea time.
• Modular intakes available, starting in January.

Careers:

• Career Paths:
• 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
• Opportunities:
• Talented individuals can expect to progress quickly and receive good levels of pay.
• Opportunity to explore the world's most exotic locations.

Other:

• Sea Time Requirements:
• To become a Chief Mate:
• Complete the Diploma in Foreign-going Master or Chief (Level 7).
• Minimum of 12 months sea time as a Watchkeeper Deck before applying to MNZ for a Chief Mate certificate of competency.
• To become a Master:
• Minimum of 36 months sea time as a Watchkeeper Deck before applying to Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) for a Master certificate of competency.
• MNZ Requirements:
• Award of the MNZ Chief Mate or Master certificate of competency will require the completion of:
• Sea service
• MNZ medical fitness certificate
• Eyesight test (including for colour vision)
• Fit and proper person check
• Final exam
• Ancillary certificates
• International Recognition: