Diploma in Marine Engineering Class 3 and Class 4
Mechanical
A course by
NMIT
Prepare for employment in the merchant navy as a marine engineer with this diploma, meeting key Maritime NZ training requirements for Class 3 and Class 4 certificates of competency. Study full-time or part-time with blended delivery at NMIT (Te Pūkenga) in Nelson.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Nelson, Nelson
It will take a total of 30 weeks
Core skills this course teaches
Qualify for international and domestic marine engineering certification
Gain Maritime NZ (MNZ) and international (STCW) requirements for Officer in Charge of Engineering Watch Class 3 and Chief Engineer (Class 4) roles.
Demonstrate key technical marine engineering skills
Apply core skills in mechanics, thermodynamics, electrical systems, electronics, engine systems, safety, and maintenance for merchant or fishing vessels.
Enhance transferable professional skills
Develop problem-solving, communication, digital literacy, and teamwork skills essential for marine engineering careers.
What You're Signing Up For
The Diploma in Marine Engineering Class 3 and Class 4 at NMIT equips students for roles as Engineer Officer of the Watch on merchant vessels (any size or propulsion), and as Chief Engineers in the fishing industry. The programme covers major blocks of theory and practical skills—mechanics, thermodynamics, electrical/electronics, legislation, safety, watchkeeping, and more—meeting international (STCW) and Maritime NZ standards. Blended online and on-campus learning helps students maintain job flexibility and develop digital and teamwork skills. Graduates are eligible to progress to higher-level marine engineering and oceangoing qualifications.
Course Content
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- STCW Seafarer Security Awareness
- Mathematics
- Applied Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Hand Tools and Workshop Skills
- Electrical, Electronics and Control Engineering - Operational
- Main Machinery Systems
- Electrical, Electronics and Control Engineering - Maintenance and Repair
- Auxiliary Machinery Systems
- STCW Medical First Aid
- STCW Advanced Firefighting
- STCW High Voltage Vessel Systems - Operational
- STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats
- Ship Construction
- Engine Room Watch-Keeping
- Marine Engineering Workplace Practicum
- Leadership and Teamwork
- Maritime Legislation
- Ship Stability
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 2 OR a NZQF qualification at Level 4 or above in a related discipline
IELTS Academic: overall 6.0 (with no band < 5.5) or equivalent if English is not first language
Medical examination certificate (no older than 2 years), including Seafarers Medical Certificate
MNZ sea time, medical and eyesight requirements for qualification—see Maritime NZ website for details
Option 1: At least 12 months’ sea service in an approved training/cadet programme including 6 months engine room watchkeeping
Option 2: At least 36 months’ sea service (30 in engine department), including 6 months engine room watchkeeping, documented in Seafarers Log Book
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Maritime
Merchant Navy
Fishing Industry
Marine Engineering
Future employment opportunities might be
Engineer Officer of the Watch (merchant navy vessels, any size, any propulsion, internationally)
Chief Engineer (fishing vessels up to 3,000KW, domestic/international)
Marine engineering roles within shipping and fishing industries