Maritime Operations - Mate Fishing Vessel Limited

Locations and dates

Nelson:

12 February 2026
Study options

Full time or part time
Length

24 weeks total duration - includes online/distance learning components and a 15–18 week block course here in Nelson prior to your MNZ Final Examination.
Total credits

120
Fees

2026: $8,599 plus $350 Student Services Fee

A Student Service Fee applies (2025; $2.17 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.

N.B. The 2026 SSF final fee is currently subject to consultation with learners.
National qualification code

NZ2513

This programme contributes to graduates obtaining their Maritime New Zealand licence: Mate Fishing Vessel – Limited

The Mate Fishing Vessel Limited Strand is suitable for people who are working as a deckhand on a fishing vessel, who want to progress to managing fishing operations on a fishing vessel operating within the coastal and offshore limits (currently up to 200 nautical miles off the NZ coast).

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If you already hold the Maritime New Zealand Advanced Deckhand – Fishing licence and/or have been working as a deckhand on a fishing vessel then this programme is for you.
If you do not hold the MNZ Advanced Deckhand – Fishing licence, then you will need to complete a Training Record Book whilst you are at sea, prior to attending the programme.

What will I learn?

The programme will give you the skills you need to demonstrate safe watchkeeping practices and operation of a range of equipment specific to fishing vessels, in accordance with safe working practices. You will learn to manage fishing operations including planning, catch handling, stowage and discharge of fish on a fishing vessel operating within coastal and offshore limits under the Maritime New Zealand Seafarer Certification and Operational Limits Framework.

Additional information

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

No minimum academic requirements.

English language requirements

All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to undertake this programme, which is taught and assessed in English. Those students whose first language is not English should have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall academic score

Level 4 Programmes: IELTS of at least 5.5 (with no band score lower than 5.0) issued within the last two years, or equivalent.

Level 5 Programme:IELTS of at least 5.5 (with no band score lower than 5.0) issued within the last two years, or equivalent.

Other requirements

Applicants for each Programme must hold the MNZ Licence (or equivalent) as listed below:

Applicants for Maritime Operations- Skipper Coastal Offshore- must hold an SRL or equivalent
Applicants for Maritime Operations- Skipper Fishing Vessel Limited/ Master 500t Near Coastal - must hold either Mate FV Limited or Watchkeeper Deck 500t Near Coastal
Applicants should be aware that there are MNZ sea time, medical and eyesight requirements for the MNZ licence which their programme contributes towards.

Applicants should refer to www.maritimenz.govt.nz website(external link).

In order to undertake the Fire Training Courses (FAC303 and/ or FFT511)

Applicants must also:

Be physically fit and capable of participating in the practical training component
Students must provide a Medical Certificate issued by a General
Practitioner, or provide a Seafarers Medical Certificate or equivalent.

Short courses

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