KEY POINTS:
THE QUALIFICATION
* What: Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 5)
* Where: New Zealand Maritime School, Manukau Institute of Technology
* Contacts: Phone (09) 379 4997 or 0800 744722. Email or visit: www.nzmaritime.com or www.manukau.ac.nz
* Prerequisites: Minimum of 48 credits NCEA level 2 or higher, including at least 14 credits in English and 14 credits in maths or physics. International students need IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. There are alternative requirements for people with maritime experience.
* Availability: 25 places open in 2008. Interviews are part of process. Women are encouraged to apply.
* 2007 course costs: $4690
* Starting salary: $55,000.
Imagine getting paid to sail around the world in a cruise ship? A worldwide shortage of deck officers offers many opportunities to people with an interest in going to sea who have leadership qualities and have an independent, responsible nature.
The New Zealand Maritime School is the sole provider of practical training for deck and engineering officers in New Zealand - training endorsed by Maritime New Zealand and internationally recognised.
The three-year long diploma starts with an introductory six month course, followed by six months at sea. The second year is based on land - at the Maritime School. The final year involves another six months at sea and a number of short courses before final oral examinations.
Central to the training is the use of a mission ship-bridge simulator and slow and medium engine room simulators. Through the simulator, students learn to steer, plot and execute routes, handle the ship and learn about collusion avoidance - without disaster.
Course applicants need to demonstrate team and leadership qualities. Self sufficiency and independence are important because they spend long periods of time at sea. All applicants must also meet Maritime New Zealand medical and eyesight standards.
THE GRADUATE
Tobias Forsyth (20)
Deck cadet/junior officer
Queen Elizabeth 2
I heard about cruise ship officer jobs through my mum, who'd been talking to a tutor from here. I'd just finished my auto engineering apprenticeship and thought it would be cool to try something different. I have done a lot of sailing and my parents have their local launchmaster tickets.
During my first year, I was lucky to be one of five students to get a cruise ship cadetship on the Queen Elizabeth 2, which is huge. There were 3000 people on board. It was for six months and I learned a hell of a lot. The officers were so supportive. I loved being at sea but not everyone does. We've had a couple in our group who didn't and pulled out.
As a cadet, you're understudying everything; driving the ship, navigating, bridge equipment, safety drills, crowd management and passenger drills. And you're not just observing, you're really doing it with a senior officer watching to make sure you're doing it properly. It is also socially interesting. I had to wear a tuxedo and bow tie to cocktail parties. Getting invited to the captain's table was pretty scary because of the etiquette required. I'm now into my second year, which is a full academic year and includes stuff like celestial navigation which I really enjoy.
The Maritime School simulator is a great way to learn to navigate and drive ships. It is exactly like the bridge of a real ship. Sometimes at sea, we'd be entering a real port and I'd think this is strangely familiar and it would be because I'd been there in the simulator.
THE EMPLOYER
John Nell
Director Land-Based Operations
Carnival Australia
Carnival Australia is the Australasian recruiter for Princess Cruises, Cunard and P&O. We take New Zealand Maritime School student cadets on Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2, Aurora, Oriana, Sapphire Princess, Diamond Princess, Ocean Princess, Pacific Sun and Pacific Star.
The P&O and Princess Cruises aim to have 300 deck and engine cadets in their systems by the end of this year.
According to the international code of standards for training of watch-keepers (STCW), a prescribed number of certificated and qualified officers and engineers must be on board each vessel, but there is a major shortage.
The Diploma in Nautical Science is the first step to reaching that certification.
From the first assignment on board the student, or cadet as we call them, is adding value to the navigation team.
Training is first and foremost about the practical aspects of navigating.
Cadets also assist with maintaining safety equipment on board and training fellow crew and guests in their safety duties.
Cruise ships typically have more advanced navigation equipment than most other vessels, and the ability to operate these systems is very important. The deck officer is also in charge of the maintenance of the vessel so cadets spend a lot of time working for the boatswain and alongside sailors.
We are happy with the quality of New Zealand Maritime School training, particularly their mandatory simulator training which is quite distinctive from elsewhere in the world.
As a result, the competency of the students is high when they board.
