This qualification provides the domestic and international maritime industry, with marine engineers who are able to work as Engineer Officer of the Watch on merchant navy vessels of any size and propulsion power, anywhere in the world.

Provides the domestic and international fishing industry with Chief Engineers on vessels with a maximum propulsion power of 3,000KW.

A flexible learning approach gives you the option of completing a few components of the courses online, minimising time away from your job.

The blended delivery of the programme also contributes to your employability by enhancing your core transferable skills; particularly digital literacy, problem-solving, communication skills and teamwork.

The Diploma will enable you to pathway into the level 7 programmes leading to Marine Engineer Class 2 and Class 1 (MEC2 and MEC1) qualifications.

Academic requirements

• NCEA Level 2

OR

• A qualification on the NZQF at Level 4 or above in a related discipline

Alternative requirements

Applicants 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, maybe 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:(external link)

• IELTS overall academic score of at least 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each band) issued within the last two years or equivalent

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.

Information for applicants

Applicants should be aware that they must provide a current medical examination certificate issued by a GP, a Seafarers Medical Certificate, or equivalent (not more than two years old) to the Programme Administrator prior to commencing any one of the following courses:

• FAC511 STCW Medical First Aid
• FFT511 STCW Advanced Fire Fighting
• SCC511 STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats

Applicants should be aware that there are MNZ sea time, medical and eyesight requirements for the MNZ licence which this programme contributes towards. Applicants should refer to www.maritimenz.govt.nz(external link) website for details.

More experienced Seafarers who can provide evidence of having achieved all required learning outcomes through at least 36 months of MNZ pre-assessed sea service, may be able to use their experience to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the course

Selection

All applicants will be assessed for suitability for this programme prior to enrolment, which may include submitting relevant documentation and/or a face-to-face interview. Applicants will be provided with programme information to ensure the applicant is aware of the programme content, assessment policies and entry requirements and recommendations. 

Admission to the diploma is gained through

• Option 1: At least 12 months’ sea service as part of an approved training programme (such as a cadet programme) that includes on-board training documented in an approved training record book. The 12 months is to include at least six months in the engine room watchkeeping under the supervision of the Chief Engineer or qualified engineer officer.
• Option 2: At least 36 months’ sea service, including 30 months in the engine department. The 36 months is to include at least six months in the engine room watchkeeping under the supervision of the Chief Engineer or qualified engineer officer. The candidate may or may not have completed an approved training record book. Sea service should be recorded in a Seafarers Log Book. This should be presented and include details of dates served on board and vessel details.

Your main need will be a good calculator. You may also be required to purchase a number of text books - so be prepared and budget accordingly.

There is no arranged work-based training within this programme.

However, students must have completed their Marine Engineering Training Record Book (TAR book) prior to attending the block course. This TAR book is presented to the Maritime New Zealand Examiner prior to the Final Oral Examination.

These are all the different TAR books that MNZ accept.  

• Onboard Training Record Book for Engineer Cadets – International Shipping Federation
• Revised Officers in Charge of an Engineering Watch (Engine Cadets) – International Shipping Federation
• Training and Assessment Record Book for Assistant Engineer Officer – GlobalMET
• Engineering Training Record Book – Merchant Navy Training Board (UK)
• On-Board Training and Assessment Record Book: ‘Foreign Going Voyages’ (Officer in charge Engineering Watch) – Director General of Shipping (India)
• Training and Assessment Record Book (TARB) – Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore