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.
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
Core skills this course teaches
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.
Navigational Operations and Compliance
Understand and apply fundamental navigation, meteorology, and compliance with national and international maritime laws and regulations.
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
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Maritime
Fisheries
Transport/Logistics
Future employment opportunities might be
Mate Fishing Vessel – Limited
Watchkeeper Deck <500GT Near Coastal
Deck officer or crew on commercial or fishing vessels