New Zealand Diploma in Marine Engineering (Level 6)

Programme highlights

Take the next step in your career and become a marine engineering officer.

This programme is ideal for you if you are a marine engineer looking to progress to more senior roles or move to larger vessels.

Gain the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain engine room and auxiliary equipment to Marine Engineer Class 4 (MEC4) or Marine Engineer Class 3 (MEC 3) standards under the Maritime New Zealand Seafarer Certification and Operational Limits Framework. You will get hands-on experience with practical on-site workshops and sea time onboard a ship.

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.

This qualification leads to a Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) certificate. Expand for more detail. You need to complete this qualification including sea time before applying to Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) for a:

• Marine Engineer Class 4 (MEC 4) certificate of competency, or
• Marine Engineer Class 3 (MEC 3) certificate of competency.

There are two options for sea time requirements:

• Option 1: 12 months sea time and your MNZ approved Training Record Book (TRB); or
• Option 2 (already in industry): At least 36 months experience working as an Engine Watch Rating (EWR).  For more information on this study option, please contact NZ Maritime School.

Award of the MNZ MEC 4 or MEC 3 certificates of competency will also require the completion of:

• Sea service
• MNZ medical fitness certificate
• Eyesight test (including for colour vision)
• Fit and proper person check
• Final exam
• Ancillary certificates.

See maritimenz.govt.nz for all requirements needed before you apply.

Completion of the MEC 3 certificate of competency means you can work as an engineering officer on vessels anywhere in the world. You could find work on a foreign-going cruise liner, cargo ship, oil and chemical tanker ship, ferry, container ship or support vessel. MEC 3 is an internationally recognised programme, meeting the standards of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) STCW code (Standard for Training and Certification for Watchkeepers), (regulation STCW A-III/1).