(Also known as Officer of the Watch (OOW) or 2nd mates ticket)
Study towards the Watchkeeper Deck certificate of competency
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 2.5 years (30 teaching weeks per year)
Includes 2 years of class attendance and 12 months (360 days) practical seatime on board approved vessels.
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Start dates
June
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Qualification
New Zealand Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 6) also known as Officer of the Watch or 2nd mates ticketProgramme code: NZ2515 -
Credits
300 -
Locations
New Zealand Maritime School
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Domestic fees
$7,900 (approx.) per year
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International fees
NZD $26,000 (approx.)
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
Develop your skills to become a watchkeeper (officer of the watch) on seagoing ships.
This programme is for you if:
- You are a new trainee entering the industry and need to complete your training before you commence your job at sea. You will need to complete the 17 week New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Crewing (Level 4) Deck Crew strand before progressing into this programme; or
- You are in the industry, training to become a watchkeeper on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more, operating in unlimited waters.
This programme can be completed full-time, or in short blocks in between periods at sea.
Learn the skills and knowledge to complete all the duties required of a watchkeeper deck (officer in charge of a navigational watch) onboard seagoing ships. You'll work directly under the Chief Mate or Master and have a very high level of responsibility for the safety of the vessel.
You will learn to manage the planning of a passage and the maintenance of a safe navigational watch using electronic navigation aids and traditional celestial navigation on a seagoing vessel. You will learn how to manage the cargo and the non-technical maintenance of the vessel at an operational level. You will also learn advanced leadership skills to manage resources and crew onboard, and lead the response to emergencies and distress at sea.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have been advised that you will receive a Recognition of Prior Knowledge and Skills (RPKS) towards your sea time, this will incur a fee of $36 per credit. For more information please visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Entry requirements
General
- Students intending to pursue a seagoing career must produce evidence of having met the medical and eyesight standards currently in force by Maritime New Zealand. These are statutory requirements for working on ships.
AND
- Completed the academic component of the New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Crewing - Able Seafarer Deck strand (L4) (NZ2511-01)
OR
- Provide evidence of sea service required for the Watchkeeper certificate of competency as per STCW code
Academic
Applicants must meet the following criteria for admission into the programme
Applicants with no seagoing experience:
- 14 credits in either Mathematics (calculus, algebra or equivalent) and/or Physics
English Language entry requirements
Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English.
International students: English Language Entry Requirements
For the minimum English language requirements refer to the requirements set out in the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/qa-system-for-teos/english-internationalstudents
Note: For this programme this means applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of IELTS (Academic) band score of 6.0 or no band lower than 5.5.
Special & discretionary admission
Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme. Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.
Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below 26 courses (300 credits):
Year one
Level 2
942.204 Maritime Preparatory (7 credits)
Introduction to solving problems using applied mathematics and the principles of physics in the maritime environment.
Level 3
141.318 Maritime Mathematics (15 credits)
Solve problems using applied mathematics in the maritime environment.
942.306 Maritime Computing (7 credits)
Introduction to computers in the maritime environment.
Level 4
942.418 Bridge Preparatory (10 credits)
Preparatory for students about to complete their 6 months understudying the officer of the watch at sea.
942.419 Basic Fire Fighting (6 credits)
Control and extinguish fires on board ship and conduct blind search and rescue operations.
942.430 Proficiency in Survival Craft (6 credits)
Take charge of survival craft.
942.431 Maritime Industry (7 credits)
Demonstrate knowledge of the maritime industry.
942.445 Maritime Physics (19 credits)
Apply physics principles to appreciate systems and to solve problems in the maritime environment.
Year two
Campus course component
Level 4
942.446 Ship Construction (7 credits)
Demonstrate knowledge of ship construction.
Level 5
942.507 Coastal Navigation (4 credits)
Navigate a foreign-going ship using coastal navigation techniques.
942.514 Deck Watchkeeping (8 credits)
Perform the duties of a deck watchkeeper in port and dry dock.
942.521 Plan Passages (15 credits)
Plan passages for foreign-going ships.
942.522 Anti-Collision Radar (4 credits)
Utilise radar on foreign-going ships for collision prevention.
942.523 Tidal Predictions (8 credits)
Determine tidal windows for port entry and departure.
942.524 Meteorology (12 credits)
Apply the principles of meteorology to forecast future conditions.
942.526 Compass Work (4 credits)
Utilise compasses, repeaters and automatic pilots of foreign-going ships.
946.501 Celestial Navigation (14 credits)
Navigate a foreign-going ship using celestial techniques.
Level 6
942.662 Stability and Stress (15 credits)
Demonstrate knowledge of ship construction.
942.664 Cargo Work (15 credits)
Determine criteria for the handling and carriage of cargoes in a foreign-going ship.
942.666 Electronic Navigation (10 credits)
Navigate a foreign-going ship using electronic aids.
942.668 Bridge Watchkeeping (16 credits)
Perform the duties of a watchkeeping officer.
Sea course component
Level 4
942.444 Ship Construction (4 credits)
Demonstrate knowledge of ship construction.
Level 5
942.529 Meteorology (4 credits)
Apply the principles of meteorology to forecast future conditions.
942.556 Plan Passages (3 credits)
Plan passages for foreign-going ships.
942.557 Anti-Collision Radar (4 credits)
Utilise radar on foreign-going ships for collision prevention.
942.559 Tidal Predictions (3 credits)
Determine tidal windows for port entry and departure.
942.564 Coastal Navigation (4 credits)
Navigate a foreign-going ship using celestial techniques.
942.565 Deck Watchkeeping (4 credits)
Perform the duties of a deck watchkeeper in port and dry dock.
942.567 Compass Work (4 credits)
Utilise compasses, repeaters and automatic pilots of foreign-going ships.
946.502 Celestial Navigation (4 credits)
Navigate a foreign-going ship using celestial techniques.
Level 6
942.663 Stability and Stress (4 credits)
Demonstrate knowledge of ship construction.
942.665 Cargo Work (4 credits)
Determine criteria for the handling and carriage of cargoes in a foreign-going ship.
942.667 Electronic Navigation (5 credits)
Navigate a foreign-going ship using electronic aids.
942.669 Bridge Watchkeeping (5 credits)
Perform the duties of a watchkeeping officer.
Year three
Level 4
942.428 GRTOC (2 credits)
Conduct external communications using general radiotelephone subsystems.
Level 5
942.511 Officer's Maritime Medic (5 credits)
To enable the appropriate medical response to be offered where professional care may be at least a week away.
942.525 GMDSS (6 credits)
Conduct external communications using GMDSS subsystems.
946.503 MSA Safety Oral (17 credits)
This course is to prepare students to take the MNZ oral examination for Watchkeeper or Second Mate of a Foreign-Going Ship.
Level 6
942.614 Advanced Fire Fighting (6 credits)
Take charge of fire-fighting and damage control activity.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Further training or study
Diploma in Foreign-going Masters and Chief (Level 7) - this programme with sea time leads to the certificate of competency as Chief Mate, and Master.
For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
Career opportunities
Navigation officer positions on seagoing ships. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
"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
Ready to put your plans in place?
Fees Free scheme: Free study for the first or final year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the Government’s Fees Free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must meet New Zealand residency criteria. Note: The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from January 2025. Learners who have already used Fees Free in their first year of study won’t be able to access Fees Free under the new final-year policy. However, from now until the end of 2025, first-year Fees Free will operate under ‘first-year transition rules’. For more information, visit feesfree.govt.nz. All free study is subject to availability and funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.
Information is correct as at 11 December 2024. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. Where the fees are indicative, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2025 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2025 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2025 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2025 are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2025. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.