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New Zealand

1. Do you need certification in New Zealand?

Below is the full certification pathway — from eligibility check to receiving your MNZ CoC. By the end of §1–§3, you will know exactly which certificate you need, where to train, and what it costs. §4 walks you through the application. §5 covers immigration, medical, and MLC requirements.

You need a Maritime NZ (SeaCert) STCW endorsement if you intend to serve on a New Zealand-flagged vessel and you hold a non-New Zealand STCW Certificate of Competency (CoC). Specifically:

  • You need SeaCert recognition of your foreign STCW certificate if you hold a CoC from another administration and want to serve on a New Zealand-flagged vessel.
  • You need a NZ Certificate of Competency (NZ CoC) if you hold no prior STCW CoC and want to qualify for NZ-flag service.

New Zealand regulatory framework:

  • Maritime Transport Act 1994 — primary maritime statute
  • Maritime Rules Part 32 — Seafarer Certification (national certificates + STCW-corresponding certificates)
  • Maritime Rules Part 31 — Crew Training and Certification (operational standards)
  • Maritime Rules Part 52 — Crew Accommodation (MLC-derived)
  • STCW Convention and STCW Code, 2017 edition — incorporated by reference
  • Immigration Act 2009 — immigration framework

You do not need a SeaCert endorsement if:

  • You serve exclusively on domestic vessels operating within NZ waters (different recreational or commercial operator framework)
  • You serve as a passenger in a non-watchkeeping role

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2. What certification do you need by position?

STCW divides seafarer certification into four departments plus ratings and MLC catering. Each position has a corresponding STCW regulation and a Maritime Rules Part 32 reference.

Deck department

Position STCW regulation Maritime Rules reference Required certificate
Master (≥500 GT) II/2 Part 32 Subpart B + STCW Code A-II/2 Master Foreign-going
Chief Mate (≥500 GT) II/2 Part 32 Subpart B + A-II/2 Chief Mate
Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OOW) II/1 Part 32 Subpart B + A-II/1 Watchkeeper Deck
Master (<500 GT, near-coastal) II/3 Part 32 Subpart B + A-II/3 Master <500 GT
Able Seafarer Deck (AB) II/5 Part 32 Subpart C + A-II/5 AB endorsement
Rating forming part of a navigational watch (OS) II/4 Part 32 Subpart C + A-II/4 General Purpose Rating

Engine department

Position STCW regulation Maritime Rules reference Required certificate
Chief Engineer / Second Engineer (≥3000 kW) III/2 Part 32 Subpart B + A-III/2 Chief/Second Engineer
Chief/Second Engineer (750-3000 kW) III/3 Part 32 Subpart B + A-III/3 Chief/Second Engineer (limited)
Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (OOW Engine) III/1 Part 32 Subpart B + A-III/1 Watchkeeper Engineer
Able Seafarer Engine III/5 Part 32 Subpart C + A-III/5 Able Seafarer Engine
Rating forming part of an engineering watch III/4 Part 32 Subpart C + A-III/4 General Purpose Rating (Engine)

Electro-Technical department

Position STCW regulation Maritime Rules reference Required certificate
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) III/6 Part 32 Subpart B + A-III/6 ETO
Electro-Technical Rating (ETR) III/7 Part 32 Subpart C + A-III/7 ETR

Radio department

Position STCW regulation Maritime Rules reference Required certificate
GMDSS Radio Operator IV/2 Part 32 Subpart B + A-IV/2 GMDSS Operator

Catering (MLC, not STCW)

STCW does not regulate ship cooks and catering roles. However, MLC 2006 Regulation 3.2 and Standard A3.2 require that ships providing food to crew have a qualified ship's cook. New Zealand implements this through Maritime Rules Part 52 and the Maritime Transport Act 1994.

A ship's cook does not need an STCW certificate but must:

  • Hold a commercial cookery qualification (NZQA Certificate III or equivalent)
  • Have completed food hygiene and safety training recognised by the relevant NZ authority
  • Be registered with Maritime NZ as a qualified ship's cook on vessels to which MLC applies

Source: Maritime NZ — Ship's cooks.

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Related guides:

3. Where to get the training

STCW courses must be completed at Maritime NZ-approved training providers within New Zealand, or at training providers in countries whose certificates Maritime NZ recognises under STCW Regulation I/10.

Deck training

  • Basic STCW courses (per Regulation VI/1): Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid at Sea, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities — `coupon=libertydreams` on checkout.
  • Watchkeeping Deck (II/1, II/2): Recognised training programs at NZ maritime training providers (Maritime New Zealand Training Organisation, NZ Maritime School).
  • ECDIS (Operational and Management) for vessels fitted with ECDIS: ECDIS (MPA).
  • ARPA (Operational and Management) for vessels fitted with ARPA radar: VMA course (ref=1567).
  • Bridge Resource Management (BRM) per STCW II/1, II/2: VMA course (ref=1567).

Engine training

  • High Voltage (Operational and Management) for vessels with HV systems: High Voltage Familiarization (MPA).
  • Engine room resource management: ERM (VMA).
  • LNG cargo operations if serving on LNG carriers: LNG Cargo Pumps (MPA).

Tanker and specialised training (STCW Chapter V)

  • Oil and Chemical Tanker Familiarisation (V/1-1): VMA course (ref=1567).
  • Advanced Oil Tanker Operations (V/1-1 para 3-4): VMA course (ref=1567).
  • Liquefied Gas Tanker Familiarisation (V/1-2): VMA course (ref=1567).
  • Passenger Ship Crowd Management (V/2): VMA course (ref=1567).

Security and MLC training

  • Ship Security Officer (SSO) per ISPS Code: CSO (VMA).
  • Security Awareness for all crew: Security Awareness (MPA).
  • Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) familiarisation for ship's cooks: MLC (MPA).
  • Designated Person Ashore (DPA) per ISM Code: DPA (VMA).

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4. How to apply for the Maritime NZ endorsement

Submit applications to:

Maritime NZ — Seafarer Certification — by post or via the Maritime NZ online portal.

Phone: +64 4 473 0111 (Wellington headquarters).

Verification

Maritime NZ certificate verification: Maritime NZ Online Services — employers and port authorities can verify the authenticity of SeaCert endorsements.

For broader context, compare New Zealand certification requirements with other flag states, and review your flag state options before applying.

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5. Other requirements

Immigration and Maritime Transit Visa

The rules for foreign seafarers in New Zealand depend on whether you qualify as a “transit passenger” or “maritime crew member” under New Zealand immigration law. New Zealand has a specific Maritime Transit Visa (MTV) for foreign seafarers transiting NZ to join or leave a vessel.

Foreign seafarers entering NZ waters are governed by:

When you need a Maritime Transit Visa (MTV)

Per Immigration Act 2009, Section 15, foreign seafarers travelling through NZ to join a vessel at a NZ port, or travelling from a NZ port to join a vessel at a foreign port, generally require a Maritime Transit Visa (MTV) issued by Immigration New Zealand.

Eligibility:

  • You must be employed or engaged as a crewmember of a vessel that is in NZ waters or arriving at a NZ port
  • The vessel must be engaged in international trade or be a foreign-flag vessel calling at a NZ port
  • The crewman must have a valid passport and maritime credentials

Coverage:

  • Authorises entry into New Zealand to join the vessel
  • Authorises transit through NZ territory (including airports) for the purpose of joining the vessel
  • Single entry, valid for up to 7 days before vessel departure

Limitations:

  • MTV is a transit-only visa — does not authorise extended shore-side activities
  • MTV does NOT authorise shore-based work beyond immediate crew change
  • MTV holders must depart with the vessel when it sails

Source: Immigration New Zealand — Maritime Transit Visa.

When you do NOT need a visa (visa waiver countries)

Citizens of NZ visa waiver countries may transit through NZ without a visa, provided they:

  • Hold a valid NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travel (typically $17 NZD if applying via app, $23 NZD if applying via website, plus IVL if applicable)
  • Are transiting directly to join a vessel (within 24 hours of arrival)
  • Hold a confirmed booking for onward travel
  • Meet character and health requirements

Visa waiver countries include the UK, most EU countries, Canada, USA, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and many others.

Source: Immigration New Zealand — Visa Waiver Countries.

When you need a work visa (long-term engagement)

For seafarers serving on NZ-flagged vessels for extended periods in NZ waters, a work visa may be required if the engagement exceeds the MTV's 7-day limit. Relevant visa categories include:

  • Essential Skills Work Visa (now superseded by Accredited Employer Work Visa from October 2019) — for temporary work where the employer has been accredited by Immigration NZ
  • Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa — for skilled workers seeking permanent residence
  • Working Holiday Visa — for citizens of participating countries (ages 18-30 typically)

Note: NZ-flagged vessel operators rarely recruit foreign seafarers for shore-based employment due to NZ's domestic labour market requirements.

Confirm current visa requirements at Immigration New Zealand — Find a Visa at least 4 weeks before the joining date.

Medical certificate

All seafarers on NZ-flagged vessels must hold a valid NZ Certificate of Medical Fitness, issued under the Maritime Rules Part 32 (certification) and the Maritime Transport Act 1994.

The medical examination covers fitness for duty at sea, including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and psychological suitability. It must be conducted by a Maritime NZ-approved medical practitioner.

For joining NZ-flagged vessels from overseas, foreign seafarers may use STCW-compliant medical certificates from their home administration (e.g., ENG1, USCG, AMSA) for the first 3 months, after which a NZ marine medical examination is required.

The certificate is typically valid for 2 years with some roles requiring annual renewal.

For NZ visa applications (work visas), a separate Immigration Medical Examination (IME) by a panel physician is required if the engagement exceeds 12 months.

Source: Maritime NZ — Seafarer medical fitness.

MLC 2006 implementation

New Zealand ratified the MLC 2006 and implements it through the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and Maritime Rules Part 52 (Crew Accommodation, etc.).

Maritime NZ administers MLC compliance and conducts MLC inspections on NZ-flagged vessels. The MLC covers seafarers' working conditions, repatriation, accommodation, food and catering, health protection, and social security.

Source: Maritime NZ — MLC 2006.

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Compare your pathway with neighbouring maritime flag states:

For more context on the certifications mentioned on this page:

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about certification, training, and endorsement pathways for seafarers on the New Zealand maritime register.

Do I need New Zealand certification to work on a New Zealand-flagged vessel?
Yes. Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) requires a New Zealand Certificate of Competency or equivalent recognition for officers serving on New Zealand-flagged commercial vessels subject to STCW.
How long does MNZ certification take?
Typical processing is 3 to 4 weeks for endorsements once documentation is complete. New Zealand CoC applications require examination booking.
What is the difference between MNZ and STCW certification?
STCW is the IMO international standard; MNZ administers New Zealand-specific certification under that framework. New Zealand certification adds MNZ maritime law, the NZ seafarer certificate pathway, and New Zealand-specific safety requirements.
How much does NZ certification cost?
MNZ fees are published in their fee schedule. Costs include application fees, examination fees, and any required training. Budget from low-hundreds to low-thousands NZD depending on rank.
What medical certificate do I need for NZ certification?
A valid ENG1 or equivalent accepted by MNZ, issued by an approved physician.
Can I use my STCW from another country in New Zealand?
Yes, via the MNZ endorsement pathway. Officers holding CoCs from countries with which New Zealand has reciprocal arrangements can apply for a NZ endorsement without repeating all STCW courses.