New Zealand Certificate in Fishing Vessel Crewing (Level 3)

The New Zealand Certificate in Fishing Vessel Crewing (Level 3) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is designed for learners interested in developing practical skills and knowledge for working as part of a fishing vessel crew. For international students, understanding the programme's study requirements, practical training, entry criteria, career opportunities, and any maritime-specific conditions is essential before applying. The information below is organised for easy copying into a Word document.

Key Benefits

This qualification combines fishing vessel crewing knowledge, maritime safety training, and practical seamanship skills. It supports learners who want to work in fishing operations and progress towards maritime certification.

• Recognised New Zealand qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Fishing Vessel Crewing (Level 3).

• Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) approved training pathway towards the Advanced Deckhand – Fishing (ADH-F) Certificate of Competency.

• Develops practical knowledge of vessel operations, safety procedures, navigation support, and deck duties.

• Includes training related to internationally recognised safety competencies.

• Provides a potential pathway towards further maritime training and certification.

Programme Structure

The programme is delivered through a combination of online learning and a campus-based block course, with training designed around fishing industry employment and maritime certification requirements.

• Level of study: New Zealand Certificate, Level 3.

• Duration: 50 weeks, part-time.

• Total credits: 75.

• Campus: Windermere Campus, Tauranga.

• Mode of learning: Online learning followed by an on-campus block course.

• Employment requirement: Students must be employed in the fishing industry.

• Timetable: Campus attendance is arranged between the tutor and student.

Programme learning stages include:

• Online study and completion of the Maritime New Zealand Skipper Restricted Limits Training Record Book.

• On-campus block course training.

• Maritime New Zealand oral examinations for Nautical and Engineering.

Discipline / Specialisation

The programme focuses on fishing vessel operations and deck crew training. It is specifically aligned with the fishing sector rather than offering multiple academic specialisations.

Key subject areas include:

• Fishing vessel seamanship.

• Maritime safety and emergency procedures.

• Vessel navigation support.

• Vessel construction, stability, and seaworthiness.

• Deck equipment handling and maintenance.

• Mooring, anchoring, and towing operations.

• Marine terminology and operational commands.

• Personal survival, firefighting, first aid, and pollution prevention.

Programme Highlights

The qualification is designed to develop the skills needed to work safely and effectively as part of a fishing vessel crew under the operational conditions specified by Maritime New Zealand.

• Graduates may be able to work under supervision within coastal, offshore, and unlimited operational limits, subject to the relevant certification and operational requirements.

• Training contributes towards the Maritime New Zealand Advanced Deckhand – Fishing endorsement.

• Eligible students may also receive additional STCW-related certificates:

  • Personal Survival.

  • Basic Firefighting.

  • Personal Safety and Social Responsibility.

  • Elementary First Aid.

• The course includes both online learning and practical campus-based training.

• Students should understand that completing the qualification does not automatically guarantee employment or unrestricted maritime certification.

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue entry-level or developing roles in fishing vessel operations, subject to the appropriate certification, employer requirements, and operational limits.

Potential career opportunity:

Fishing Deckhand.

Potential employment areas include commercial fishing and passenger vessel operations, depending on the qualifications and operational scope held by the graduate.

Further study may be possible through additional maritime training, including pathways towards skipper-related qualifications and other maritime certifications.

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students must confirm that the programme is available for enrolment under their intended immigration status and that they meet New Zealand student visa requirements. The course's published employment requirement and maritime certification conditions are particularly important for overseas applicants.

• A valid New Zealand student visa may be required for eligible full-time study in New Zealand, subject to Immigration New Zealand rules.

• Applicants must meet the education provider's international admission and English language requirements.

• The published Level 3 English language requirement is IELTS General or Academic score of 5.0, with no band score below 5.0, or an accepted equivalent.

• Students must confirm whether the programme's part-time delivery and employment requirement are compatible with their intended visa conditions.

• Any medical, eyesight, seafarer certification, and practical training requirements should be checked before enrolment.

• Visa approval, work rights, and eligibility for maritime certification are separate matters and should not be assumed from course admission alone.