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Nautical foreign-going
The majority of New Zealand’s trade with the world is transported by ships, it is the safest and most environmentally friendly form of commercial transport.
This is a highly regulated industry governed by international standards.
If you are seeking a career to be a leader in this field where you will be responsible for the safety and wellbeing of a community living and working at sea, launch your training as a navigation officer with New Zealand Maritime School.
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See why more people choose nautical foreign-going at MIT's New Zealand Maritime school
"My value of success lies in being passionate about my career, and I couldn’t think of a more rewarding lifestyle than to work at sea and discover the world from a perspective that a lot of people aren’t able to.
The exciting aspect about this industry is that there is a variety of paths you can take to achieve the sea-going lifestyle you desire, and at NZMS every day in the classroom is inspiring.
Like any career, you must start somewhere, but as long as you keep your end goal in mind, the motivation to continue through the hard work will be rewarding.
I am excited for the day that I graduate with my mates masters' qualification and eventually work my way up to the role of chief officer and one day captain."
Maya Brown
NZMS student
"I wanted to turn my passion for the ocean into a dynamic and flexible career.
The more I get involved with the school the more I realise the potential opportunities further down the line in the maritime industry. It's exciting to think where I might end up in the future and it all starts here. Do the hard work and reap the rewards in the future.
Since I have started studying at the New Zealand Maritime School, I was interested in how they would perform against other educators on the world stage! I was pleasantly surprised by how professional, highly trained, and friendly the school staff are. They are a group of people that are passionate in their areas of expertise and want to see the students succeed. "
Caven Lane
NZMS student
"I have always had an affinity for the ocean growing up on the coastline, so I wanted to choose a career that would allow me to stay on or around the water.
I'm looking forward to travelling around the world, I have always wanted to see the dynamics of how countries work outside of the eye of being a tourist.
I'm also looking forward to the lifestyle of being a sailor. As a first-year cadet of the school, NZMS is helping me by giving me hands-on experience with the simulators and the trips to the port that allow me to see the particulars of port operations and I highly recommend it to anyone that is interested in joining the maritime industry."
Connor Waszak
NZMS student
"My interest in the maritime industry grew when I got my first job working hospitality on the Cook Strait Ferries. After about 8 months into the job, I began thinking about the whole industry. I remember seeing the bridge and was simply amazed by the technology, equipment, and more importantly, the people. This is the workplace I wanted, I started searching online when NZMS popped up.
I gave it a few weeks thought and applied, I'm so glad I applied to do this. The tutors are fantastic at helping each and every student through the challenges whether that's practical such as knots, lifeboat driving or the theory side of things such as physics and maths."
Dathan Barkhausen
NZMS student
"I have for a long time known I wanted a career at sea, having a strong love for the ocean. I researched the maritime industry and determined that studying at NZMS would be the best fit for me.
Considering study with NZMS was at first intimidating as I know the maritime industry is heavily male-dominated. I wasn’t sure if I would be given the opportunity (as a female) to achieve the goals I had set for myself.
This is my first year at NZMS, but I feel I have learned so much so far. I love that women are not only encouraged to be involved but are also encouraged to lead in this field.
I’m excited now more than ever for what the future has in store for me in this industry. "
Toria Maladina
NZMS student
"A career in the maritime industry has allowed me to work whilst travelling the world. The NZMS gave the additional merchant navy training that is not covered in the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). The training at the NZMS was engaging and provided a great insight into the exciting career opportunities within the maritime industry. Conducting training towards the Diploma in Nautical Science has allowed me the opportunity to work towards an international unlimited Deck Watchkeeping Qualification. "
Sam Fox
NZMS graduate
"Here I can turn my passion into a career.
Ever since I was a child, I’ve been sailing, whether it was a Tallship race on the Baltic Sea or a dinghy race in New Zealand. I’ve always loved being on the water, navigating, exploring, or reading the wind and weather. With the help of the NZMS, I can turn my passion into a career.
A career in the maritime industry holds many great opportunities. My ideal career would be working on an icebreaker or offshore supply vessel. I would like to go to places where not many people have been, do things that few people have done. In the shipping industry, both are possible.
I really like the people I am working and learning with, the teachers are friendly, supportive, and have a lot of experience in a large variety of fields. The school is well equipped, and so far, being in the simulators has been my favourite part."
Onno Owen Kutsch
NZMS student