Modular intakes for this programme mean you can start scheduled courses during the year.
Domestic students: Please contact our Ask Me! Student Services team.
International students: Please contact our International team for more information.
Programme highlights
Take the next step as Chief Mate or Master on a superyacht.
If you’re already working as yacht crew in the superyacht industry, this qualification will give you the training you need to become a Chief Mate or Master on yachts over 24 metres and up to 3000GT.
Holders of this qualification will have the skills, knowledge and experience required to work in a watchkeeping and/or command position at management level on a yacht.
This qualification leads to a Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) certificate. Expand for more detail.
To become a Chief Mate Yacht
You will need to complete the New Zealand Diploma in Yacht Operations (Level 6) before applying to MNZ for a:
See maritimenz.govt.nz for all requirements needed before you apply.
Master Yacht (optional strand)
Take your career to the highest level of qualification for yacht crew with an additional 12 weeks of study. You will learn the skills and knowledge to take command as Master Yacht.
You need to complete this qualification with the optional strand before applying to Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) for a:
- Master Yacht certificate of competency, or
- Master Yacht less than 500 gross tonnage (Master Yacht <500 GT) certificate of competency
Holders of the UK Chief Mate Yacht may progress to the optional strand in Master Yacht. Upon application, your Chief Mate Yacht certificate of competency will be recognised as prior learning.
Award of the MNZ certificate 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.
Entry requirements
General
This programme of study is intended for persons who have completed sea service on a vessel according to MNZ guidance documents, and completed their ‘Chief Mate Yacht Training Record Book’ and whom wish to gain their MNZ Certificate of Competence as a Chief Mate Yacht. It is also recognised that some candidates will choose to study over a two or three year period due to leave constraints and industry operational needs so these students will not have completed all sea service prior to commencing their first courses. This ensures flexibility within the programme and the meeting of the industry needs.
A number of identified courses may be studied by distance. There is no intention that the complete qualification be studied by distance.
Entry to this qualification is open but completion does not guarantee the award of a Maritime New Zealand license.
All persons wishing to qualify for a seafarer license must also check the Maritime New Zealand prior certification and minimum service requirements for that license.
English language entry requirements
Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English.
This will be demonstrated by meeting the current NZQA requirements. For the minimum English language requirements refer to the following website the table and Rule 18
International students will generally be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency, for this programme an IELTS Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 is required.
Important information
Entry to this qualification is open but completion does not guarantee the award of a Maritime New Zealand licence.
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 15 courses (120 credits):
Chief mate yacht
Level 2
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
For master yacht strand, you will also need to complete the below five courses (80 credits)
Master Yacht
Optional course
942.732 Crisis Management and Human Behaviour (5 credits)
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
This is the highest level of qualification for yacht crew.
Graduates can progress to the New Zealand Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 6) and then to degree level study to become Chief Mate or Master of a foreign-going ship.
Career opportunities
Watchkeeper, command positions as chief mate or master on a yacht up to 3000GT.
