To develop the knowledge and skills to operate certain vessel engines.

Graduates will have achieved the Maritime NZ certificate Marine Engineer Class 3 which is required to work as the qualified third engineer of large foreign going commercial vessels. Graduates will also be able to continue with further study.

2012 Dates and Fees
2012 MEC3 Timetable

Nelson Marlborough Institute offers Marine Engineering programmes from levels 3 to 6. Additional ancillary courses may be required to cover all parts of the certificate. Some details are listed below, but we suggest that you contact us or check our 2012 Dates and Fees to confirm the timing of these programmes. Students should enrol on the ancillary courses at the same time as they enrol on the engineering programmes - we do not automatically enrol students onto the ancillary courses.

Please note that our course costs include examination fees, but do not include ancillary course fees or the Maritime New Zealand administration fees. The course dates do not include the examination dates - these generally take place the week following completion of the programme.

Duration:        20 weeks (including ancillary courses)

Entry Requirements

For each of the Marine Engineering programmes, students are required to make an application to the Examiner of Marine Engineers, Maritime New Zealand, P O Box 27006 Wellington, for a permit to sit the examinations. All forms and other documentation can be obtained from Maritime New Zealand. Specific requirements and details of qualifying sea time, engine rating, structured training programmes and other formal training can be found in the Maritime Rules, Part 32, Ships' Personnel-qualifications or on the Maritime New Zealand website (NB - This page has links to Maritime NZ requirements for all levels of Marine Engineering qualifications offered through NMIT).

International Students

Please note that there are additional documents required by overseas students before they can begin their programme. Click here for further information.

Indian students must apply through IndoPacific Education Services. All other International students can apply directly through NMIT. 

Marine Engineering Class 3
Examinations comprise:

• Engineering Knowledge General - 3 hour paper
• Engineering Knowledge Motor - 3 hour paper
• General Engineering Science I - 3 hour paper
• General Engineering Science II - 3 hour paper
• Oral Examination - 1 hour (approx)

Ancillary courses that form part of ME Class 3 Certificate that are offered or arranged by NMIT are:

• International Safety Code of Practice (ISM) - 1 day
• Proficiency in Survival Craft (PISC) - 5 days
• Proficiency in Medical First Aid - 4 days (with St Johns)
• Advanced Firefighting - 5 days
• Tanker Familiarisation Courses: Oil, Chemical and Gas are also offered. Contact us for more information.

Operate certain vessel engines.