New Zealand Diploma in Yacht Operations (Level 6) with optional strand in Master Yacht also known as Chief Mate Yacht/ Master Yacht

Program Overview

This program equips yacht crew with the qualifications to become Chief Mates or Masters on yachts exceeding 24 meters. It comprises two strands: Chief Mate Yacht (requiring 15 courses) and Master Yacht (optional, with an additional 5 courses). Graduates receive a Maritime New Zealand certificate, enabling them to assume watchkeeping or command positions aboard yachts. Modular intakes and optional courses provide flexibility, and the qualification allows for further advancement in the maritime industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This programme is designed for individuals already working as yacht crew in the superyacht industry who want to advance their careers and become Chief Mates or Masters. The qualification provides the necessary training to take command of yachts exceeding 24 meters and up to 3000GT. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will possess the expertise, knowledge, and practical experience required for leadership roles within the yacht industry. This qualification leads to a Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) certificate, allowing graduates to assume watchkeeping or command positions at a management level aboard yachts.

Outline:

The program consists of two main strands: Chief Mate Yacht and Master Yacht (optional strand).

Chief Mate Yacht:

This strand requires the completion of 15 courses totaling 120 credits:

• Level 2:
• 942.212 STCW – Basic Safety Training – Basic Sea Survival (5 credits): Covers safe work practices, communication, and emergency response on board a vessel.
• 942.213 STCW – Basic Safety Training – Basic First Aid (5 credits): Covers safe work practices, communication, and emergency response related to first aid on board a vessel.
• 942.214 STCW – Basic Safety Training – Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR) (3 credits): Covers safe work practices, communication, and emergency response on board a vessel.
• 942.215 Proficiency in Security Awareness (2 credits): Provides knowledge and understanding for personnel working on ships without designated security duties.
• Level 4:
• 942.459 STCW – Basic Safety Training – Basic Firefighting (5 credits): Covers safe work practices, communication, and emergency response related to fire on board a vessel.
• 942.464 Proficiency in Survival Craft (PISC) (5 credits): Covers operating survival craft and rescue boats.
• Level 5:
• 942.585 Medical First Aid (5 credits): Prepares students to respond effectively to medical emergencies when professional care is not readily available.
• Level 6:
• 942.614 Advanced Fire Fighting (5 credits): Teaches students how to direct fire-fighting operations on board a vessel.
• 942.671 Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) (5 credits): Covers GMDSS theory, distress call procedures, communication using GMDSS subsystems, and battery system maintenance.
• 943.630 Chief Mate Yacht Navigation and Passage Planning (10 credits): Teaches passage planning, navigation, and position determination considering tides and vessel safety information.
• 943.631 Chief Mate Yacht Celestial Navigation (10 credits): Teaches celestial navigation techniques, compass error determination, and star sight planning.
• 943.632 Chief Mate Yacht Electronic Navigational Aids (10 credits): Covers determining the ship's position using various navigational aids and equipment, considering their limitations.
• 943.633 Chief Mate Yacht Stability (15 credits): Covers maintaining vessel stability across various operating conditions.
• 943.634 Chief Mate Yacht Watchkeeping (20 credits): Provides simulated experience in conducting a safe passage, including BRM principles, watch-keeping practices, ship handling, and IAMSAR Manual application during emergencies at sea.
• 943.635 Chief Mate Yacht General Knowledge and Orals Prep (15 credits): Covers global meteorological patterns, vessel construction, workload management, international compliance, and preparation for the final MNZ Oral Exam.

Master Yacht (Optional Strand):

This strand builds upon the Chief Mate Yacht curriculum, adding 5 courses and 80 credits:

• Level 6:
• 941.601 Master Yacht Business and Law (20 credits): Covers ship operation control, care for persons on board, and compliance with legislative requirements at the management level.
• 943.636 Navigation Command and Control of Emergencies (20 credits): Covers passage planning, position determination, maintaining a safe navigational watch, responding to and controlling emergencies and distress at sea on a vessel up to 3000GT.
This course prepares candidates for the final MNZ Oral Examination.
• Level 7:
• 943.732 Proficiency in Charge of Medical Care (5 credits): Covers leading the provision of medical care to sick or injured persons on board a ship when assistance is distant.

Optional Course:

Careers:

Graduates of this program can pursue the following careers:

• Watchkeeper
• Command positions as Chief Mate or Master on a yacht up to 3000GT

Other:

• Modular intakes are available for this program, allowing students to start scheduled courses throughout the year.
• Domestic students should contact the "Ask Me!"
• This qualification is the highest level for yacht crew.
• Graduates can further their studies by pursuing the New Zealand Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 6) and then a degree to become Chief Mate or Master of a foreign-going ship.
• Holders of the UK Chief Mate Yacht may progress to the optional strand in Master Yacht.
Upon application, their Chief Mate Yacht certificate of competency will be recognized as prior learning.
• To become a Chief Mate Yacht, you must complete the New Zealand Diploma in Yacht Operations (Level 6) before applying to MNZ for a Chief Mate Yacht certificate of competency.
• To become a Master Yacht, you must complete the qualification with the optional strand before applying to MNZ for a Master Yacht certificate of competency or Master Yacht less than 500 gross tonnage (Master Yacht <500 GT) certificate of competency.
• The award of the MNZ certificate of competency also requires: sea service, MNZ medical fitness certificate, eyesight test (including for color vision), fit and proper person check, final exam, and ancillary certificates.