Diploma in Nautical Science & Certificate in Seamanship

By MARK STORY

The course

Developed by the New Zealand Maritime School with guidance and support from employers in the shipping sector, the programme is approved and endorsed by the Maritime Safety Authority and meets the requirements of the United Nations International Maritime Organisation.

"Even though there's been an industry downturn, students who graduate from this deck officer cadet programme can end up working on large commercial vessels anywhere in the world," says Tim Wilson, director of the Maritime School.

The only dedicated fulltime programme available in New Zealand, the diploma programme prepares students for jobs in the seagoing sector of the shipping industry.

"Students who graduate from our diploma programme have qualifications suited for cruise-liners, merchant ships, container vessels, bulk tankers, ferries, fast ferries and other foreign-going vessels," says Wilson.

The programme has two elements.

The six-month Certificate in Seamanship comprises various safety courses and basic training. Students must complete this before going to sea.

The Diploma in Nautical Science training includes modules in electronic navigation, anti-collision radar, celestial navigation, deck watchkeeping, meteorology, ship construction and stability and stress.

As the school does not guarantee sea time, students must find their own sponsor. But they can also rejoin the programme after taking time to accumulate the necessary time at sea without being penalised.

Entry requirements include fluency in English and Sixth Form Certificate or Bursary at prescribed levels.

Students must also meet the medical and eyesight standards.

This year the cost of the Certificate in Seamanship is $1893. The Diploma in Nautical Science is just under $10,500 for the remaining 2 1/2 years of the programme. Intakes are in February each year for the certificate and July for the diploma.

What past students think

Daniel Orchard

Third officer

21, Maersk NZ

Auckland, graduated 2002


"I came up from the Marlborough Sounds to do this course after completing 7th form.

"What spurred my interest in this career was a meeting with one of the captains on the Top Cat ferry between Wellington and Picton.

"After various IQ and personality tests I managed to get sponsored as a cadet by Maersk NZ.

"The programme gave me the training and skills to take charge of a navigational watch and become a third officer.

"The on-ship training puts everything into perspective for what's required on a commercial ship.

"It also provides good insight into on-the-job positions, like on the bridge or taking part of mooring stations.

"Overall, the programme taught me how to channel my time into areas that really interest me. I am planning to go back and get my mates and masters licences, which I'll need to become a senior officer.

What employers think

Neville Kershaw

Manager Marine Operations

Maersk NZ, Auckland


"This course trains students to become officers on international ships worldwide. Maersk has trained and sponsored several young people.

"Once they complete their required sea time of 12 months, cadets receive an internationally recognised Second Mates Foreign Going Certificate of Competency."

The qualification

Diploma in Nautical Science & Certificate in Seamanship

NZ Maritime School - MIT

Phone (09) 379 4997

New Zealand Maritime School