Why Study Marine Engineering Class 5 at NMIT?

Practical, industry-focused training

The programme is not simply a classroom engineering qualification. It is designed around the operation, maintenance and safety of machinery and systems used on vessels.

Students develop knowledge relating to:

• Vessel machinery.
• Propulsion systems.
• Auxiliary systems.
• Vessel stability.
• Safety.
• Environmental protection.
• Emergency procedures.
• STCW maritime safety.
• Engine-room operations.

Medical Requirement

A Medical Certificate

issued by:

• A General Practitioner, or
• A Seafarers Medical Certificate, or
• An equivalent accepted medical certificate.

NMIT specifically requires this for the programme.

This is particularly important because marine-engineering careers can involve:

• Engine rooms.
• Machinery spaces.
• Vessel operations.
• Emergency situations.
• Physically demanding environments.
• Work at sea.

Physical Fitness Requirement

Students must: Be physically fit and capable of participating in the practical training component.

This is a programme-specific requirement stated by NMIT.

Maritime New Zealand Requirements

This is one of the most important points for international applicants.

NMIT states that students who want to apply for Maritime New Zealand licences after completing the programme must also satisfy applicable:

• Sea-time requirements.
• Medical requirements.
• Eyesight requirements.
• Other MNZ certification requirements.

Key Subjects / Topics Explained

STCW Elementary First Aid – MARN3201

Students develop basic first-aid skills relevant to working aboard a vessel.

The focus is on being able to contribute to first-aid provision onboard.

STCW Personal Survival Techniques – MARN3202

Students learn survival procedures for emergency situations, including circumstances where a vessel may need to be abandoned.

STCW Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting – MARN3203

Students develop knowledge and skills in:

• Fire prevention.
• Fire response.
• Firefighting.
• Emergency procedures onboard vessels.

NMIT confirms this course carries 4 credits.

STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities – MARN3204

This course covers:

• Safe working practices.
• Sustainable working practices.
• Responsibilities onboard.
• Emergency response.

NMIT lists this as a 2-credit course.

STCW Security Awareness Training – MARN3205

Students develop awareness of:

• Shipboard security.
• Security threats.
• Appropriate security practices.

Stability and Safety – MARN5401

This is a major 15-credit Level 5 component.

Students develop knowledge of:

• Marine stability.
• Engine-room safety.
• Machinery-space hazards.
• Vessel safety.
• Emergency procedures.
• Safe vessel operation.

Environmental Protection – MARN5402

This 10-credit course addresses environmental responsibilities associated with maritime operations.

Topics include:

• Pollution prevention.
• MARPOL-related requirements.
• Responsible fishing practices.
• Discards and by-catch.
• Effects on fishery habitats.
• Fishing gear selectivity.
• Environmentally responsible vessel operations.

Vessel Machinery and Systems – MARN5403

This is another major 15-credit component.

Students develop the knowledge and skills required to:

• Operate propulsion engines.
• Maintain vessel machinery.
• Repair machinery and systems.
• Manage auxiliary systems.
• Prepare powered vessels for slipway maintenance.
• Prepare vessels for survey.
• Follow applicable safety regulations and good engineering practices.

Main Disciplines / Specialisation

This qualification does not appear to offer multiple formal specialisations or elective strands on the current NMIT programme page.

Instead, the programme is concentrated on:

Marine Engineering

with supporting areas in:

• Maritime safety.
• STCW training.
• Vessel machinery.
• Engine systems.
• Vessel stability.
• Environmental protection.
• Emergency response.
• Maritime security.

Career Outcomes

NMIT identifies several potential career areas for graduates, including:

Marine engineering

The primary career direction is marine engineering and progression toward the Marine Engineer Class 5 pathway.

Other potential industry areas include:

• Vessel management.
• Vessel and equipment maintenance.
• Vessel equipment upgrades.
• Ship-agent services.
• Ship chandlery.
• Specialist maritime operations.
• Research and development.
• Boat building.
• New-vessel construction.
• Asset management.
• Steam plant operations.
• Restoration of classic vessels. 

Marine Engineer Class 5 Career

A graduate can use the qualification as part of the pathway toward becoming a:

Marine Engineer – Class 5

The qualification is particularly relevant to people who want to work with:

• Marine engines.
• Propulsion systems.
• Auxiliary machinery.
• Engine-room systems.
• Vessel maintenance.
• Marine engineering operations.

International Student Support

NMIT provides international students with dedicated support for:

• Course applications.
• Enrolment.
• Visa applications.
• Medical/travel insurance.
• Accommodation.
• Arrival assistance.
• Orientation.
• Academic support.
• Wellbeing.
• Cultural integration.