The New Zealand Certificate in Marine Engineering Class 6 (Level 4) is an entry-level maritime engineering qualification for students who want to develop practical skills in operating, maintaining and servicing vessel machinery and systems.

NMIT describes it as an entry-level maritime qualification which, together with a completed Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) Training Record Book and 200 hours of sea time in an engineering role, can contribute toward applying for a Marine Engineer Class 6 licence.

The qualification is particularly relevant to students interested in:

• Marine engineering
• Vessel machinery
• Engine-room operations
• Vessel maintenance
• Boat building
• Marine equipment
• Ship services
• Maritime engineering support.

Why Study Marine Engineering Class 6 at NMIT ?

Practical, hands-on training

This is not simply a classroom-based engineering qualification. NMIT's programme is designed around practical maritime engineering skills, including vessel machinery and systems.

Entry point into marine engineering

NMIT positions Class 6 as an entry-level qualification, making it appropriate for students starting a marine-engineering career.

Connection to Maritime New Zealand licensing

The programme can form part of the pathway toward a Marine Engineer Class 6 Certificate of Competency, but students must separately satisfy Maritime New Zealand's sea-time, medical, eyesight, examination and other licensing requirements.

Strong maritime location

NMIT's Nelson campus is located in a region with a major maritime and seafood industry. NMIT notes that Nelson is Australasia's largest seafood port, making it a particularly relevant environment for maritime and marine-engineering training.

Industry-relevant skills

Students can develop skills applicable to:

• Vessel machinery
• Equipment maintenance
• Vessel systems
• Slipway operations
• Engine-room-related work
• Marine equipment
• Vessel construction and maintenance.

Progression opportunity

Students can potentially progress from Class 6 into further marine-engineering training, including NMIT's New Zealand Certificate in Marine Engineering Class 5 (Level 5) and eventually higher-level marine-engineering qualifications.

Programme Structure / Courses

NMIT currently lists four compulsory courses:

STCW Elementary First Aid – MARN3201

Compulsory.

This develops foundational emergency first-aid skills relevant to maritime environments.

Slipway Maintenance – MARN4401

Compulsory.

Students develop practical knowledge related to maintaining vessels and working around slipway operations.

Operate Vessel Machinery and Systems – MARN4402

Compulsory.

This focuses on the operation of machinery and systems used on vessels.

Maintain Vessel Machinery and Systems – MARN4403

Compulsory.

This develops practical maintenance skills for vessel machinery and associated systems.

Main Subjects / Topics

The programme's overall learning areas can therefore be summarised as:

• Maritime first aid
• Slipway maintenance
• Vessel machinery
• Vessel systems
• Machinery operation
• Machinery maintenance
• Practical engineering
• Maritime safety
• Engineering-related vessel operations.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no separate specialisations listed within this 45-credit qualification.

The programme is specifically focused on:

Marine Engineering – Class 6

Students learn the core skills necessary to work with vessel machinery and systems.

Career Outcomes

NMIT says the skills gained through marine-engineering study may support careers in:

• Vessel management
• Vessel and equipment maintenance
• Equipment upgrades
• Ship agents
• Ship chandlers
• Specialist maritime operations
• Research, design and development
• New-vessel construction
• Boat building
• Computer management of assets
• Steam plant operations
• Classic vessel restoration.

Who Should Choose This Programme?

This qualification is particularly suitable for a student who:

• Enjoys mechanical systems
• Likes repairing and maintaining machinery
• Wants to work around vessels
• Is interested in engines and marine systems
• Prefers practical learning
• Wants an entry-level marine-engineering qualification
• Is prepared for physical/practical training
• Wants to progress toward marine-engineering licensing
• Is interested in a maritime career in New Zealand or internationally.