New Zealand Certificate Maritime Operations with strands in Fishing, and Watchkeeping (Level 4)

Fisheries

A course by

Manukau Institute of Technology

This Level 4 certificate prepares you for operational roles on commercial and fishing vessels, with options to specialise in fishing or watchkeeping. Gain the skills to become a Mate Fishing Vessel or Watchkeeper in New Zealand or international waters.

NZ$7,900

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing

This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 4 Certification (120 Credits)

Study Level

Entry

1
2
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4
5
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10

Blended study

This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions

Available in 2 locations

It will take a total of 28 weeks

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Unlock these abilities

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Operate Safely Onboard Vessels

Demonstrate safe and sustainable work practices, emergency response skills, and first aid proficiency required for service on commercial or fishing vessels.

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Navigational Operations and Compliance

Understand and apply fundamental navigation, meteorology, and compliance with national and international maritime laws and regulations.

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Vessel Stability and Shipboard Management

Manage vessel stability, cargo, and pollution prevention operations, ensuring safe ship handling and passage planning.

What You're Signing Up For

The New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Operations with strands in Fishing and Watchkeeping (Level 4) equips students with the professional knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed to work as a Mate Fishing Vessel – Limited or Watchkeeper Deck Officer aboard commercial or fishing vessels up to 500 gross tonnage in near coastal and offshore areas. The programme includes core maritime safety, navigational, emergency response, and operational management subjects, as well as practical experience through simulator training and on-campus sessions. Completion leads towards Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) certificates of competency.

Course Content

  • STCW Basic Safety Training – Basic First Aid
  • Proficiency in Security Awareness
  • STCW Basic Safety Training – Basic Sea Survival
  • STCW Basic Safety Training – Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
  • Meteorology
  • STCW Basic Safety Training – Basic Fire Fighting
  • Stability
  • Controlling Ship Operations – Cargo/MARPOL/Power Plant
  • Navigational Aids and Equipment
  • Watchkeeping (Orals)
  • Navigation at the Operational Level
  • Passage Planning OOW 500GT Near Coastal
  • Fishing Seamanship (Fishing strand)
  • Proficiency in Survival Craft (PISC) (Watchkeeping strand)
  • Medical First Aid (Watchkeeping strand)
  • Advanced Fire Fighting (Watchkeeping strand)

What you need to know first

Open entry for domestic students: No specific academic prerequisites.

Sufficient competence in English (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent for international students)

Maritime New Zealand medical and eyesight requirements apply for certification (licence not guaranteed by qualification alone).

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Maritime

  • Fisheries

  • Transport/Logistics

Employment opportunities icon

Future employment opportunities might be

  • Mate Fishing Vessel – Limited

  • Watchkeeper Deck <500GT Near Coastal

  • Deck officer or crew on commercial or fishing vessels