Certificate in Superyacht Crewing

As part of this programme, you will enjoy world-class learning facilities, including local charter yachts, powerboats, navigation simulators, luxury accommodation, and an on-campus restaurant and bar the Rata Room(external link) to gain professional training.

Incorporated into this certificate are the following internationally recognised qualifications.  

NMIT - Nelson Marlborough Institure of Technology

• New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Crewing (Superyacht Crewing) Level 3

IMINZ - International Maritime Institute of New Zealand

• Navigation
• Basic Radar
• Tender Operators
• Seamanship and Maintenance
• Maritime Engineering
• Food Safety Certificate
• Professional Interior Training
• CV Clinic and Interview Prep

STCW – Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping

• STCW Basic Sea Survival
• STCW Basic Fire Fighting
• STCW Basic First Aid
• STCW Basic Personal Safety & Social Responsibility
• STCW Security Awareness Training

RYA – Royal Yachting Association

• RYA Powerboat (Level 2)(external link)
• Competent Crew Certificate(external link)

CBES – Coastguard Boating Education NZ

• Outboard Engine Maintenance

Radio Spectrum NZ

• Maritime Restricted Operators Certificate

Hospitality

• Food Hygiene Level 2
• Licenced Liquor Controller Qualification – Bar Managers

When you have completed this qualification, you may progress to further qualifications recognised internationally by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), check out the Maritime study page to see more options in:

• Domestic Operations
• Offshore Operations
• Maritime Engineering
• Commercial Fishing 

Tourism and Hospitality

You may also want to consider further education in the Hospitality and Tourism industries and pathway onto a New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service or the Tourism industry in a Certificate in Tourism and Travel.

As a training institute, NMIT is often the first port of call for ākonga (students) who aspire to work in the yachting industry, and it’s an honour to encourage diversity from the ground up by pledging our commitment to She of the Sea.

We are committed to building practices and cultures that actively facilitate, cultivate and celebrate diversity and inclusion, at all levels, throughout our organisation, and our industry.

"That includes creating an environment in which all students feel empowered and supported to pursue a rewarding career in the industry, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or orientation."
She of the Sea(external link)

Academic requirements

• 10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits and
• 10 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits

Note: If applicants have undertaken a qualification or examination other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), NMIT will assess this for academic entry equivalence.

Alternative requirements

Applicants (including those over 20 years of age) who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic Entry Requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry by the Curriculum Manager or delegate.

English language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language, applicants will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Table:

• IELTS 5.0 Academic (no lower than 5.0 in each band)

Note: Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact NMIT for an assessment

Applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills

IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Other requirements

Students must be at least 18 years of age at the time of attending the PSI311 Professional Superyacht Interior Training course.

Applicants should be aware that they must provide a current medical examination certificate issued by a GP or equivalent (not more than two years old), to demonstrate that they are physically capable of undertaking crew duties aboard a vessel. The medical examination certificate must be submitted to the Programme Administrator.

Applicants are required to take part in an interview. During the interview, applicants will demonstrate their motivation to work in the superyacht or maritime tourism industry and must sign a form relating to risk and their health before accepting a place on the programme. 

Selection

All admissions to the programme are subject to approval by the Programme Coordinator and Curriculum Manager (or delegate). The students are interviewed either on campus or via phone interview for non-local students.

Applicants may invite a support person and/or whānau to this interview.

The Programme Coordinator together with the Curriculum Manager or delegate will make final decisions on the suitability of students based on the entry criteria.

The interview is designed to learn more about the applicant’s background, experience, motivation and potential ability to succeed in the programme.  During the interview, applicants will receive information about the programme and advice on its suitability.

All applicants who fulfil the entry requirements will be accepted onto the programme until the number of places available on the programme has been filled.

Other applicants who fulfil the entry requirements will be waitlisted in the order their applications are received and may gain entry into the programme if a place becomes available.

You will be required to bring a back pack, sleeping bag, wet weather gear and warm clothes on the boat trips.

This programme is taught over 12 consecutive weeks, with several start dates throughout the year.

The Certificate in Superyacht Crewing programme combines theory with a strong grounding in practical skills. Learning takes place mainly as a class group and incorporates online and self-directed study.

There are lots of opportunities for practical, hands-on learning in this programme through learning activities such as scenarios, role plays and practical tasks and by using a range of specialist equipment.

During the programme, you will also get practical training on board a training sailing yacht for 5 days at sea, and at least 4 days of powerboat training on the water.