Maritime Operations - Skipper Restricted Limits

You will work with our highly experienced Maritime Tutors and use NMIT’s world-class maritime facilities. Enter the bridge simulation suite, build your collision regulation skills, and learn how to skipper a vessel in a wide range of conditions.

Here, you can also build confidence with electronic navigation equipment whilst manoeuvring vessels in New Zealand ports.  

As the MNZ SRL Training Record Book(external link) is an important part of your programme completion, please click on the link to obtain a copy and start straight away. If you choose not to print it, a copy will be supplied to you, free of charge, by Te Pūkenga NMIT IMINZ 3-4 weeks after your enrolment start date.  

Please note there is no arranged workplace component in this programme. Applicants must have access to a powered, commercial vessel to complete their TRB and gain 200 hours of sea service.  

You can enrol any time during the year; however, we recommend you apply as soon as you start your sea service.  

This SRL programme is a combination of distance and classroom learning. The structure is as follows: 

1. Apply with Te Pūkenga NMIT – get set up with online access 
2. Choose your on-campus block course dates.(external link) 
3. Learn online (19 weeks- 10 hours per week) 
4. Work on your MNZ SRL TRB with your commercial skipper 
5. Attend one of the on-campus block courses in Nelson (5 weeks) 
6. Sit your MNZ Oral Examinations. 

Before starting your studies, you should check you can pass the following: 

• Eye exam (form: Eyesight and color vision report(external link))  
• MNZ required medical exam (form: Certificate of Medical Fitness-National(external link))  

This must be presented to Maritime NZ before you can be issued this qualification. You cannot get this qualification if you can’t pass this test. It is a good idea to check this in advance. 

*Before you attend an on-campus block course in Nelson, you also need at least, a GP’s medical certificate to confirm you are fit to do our sea survival and fire extinguisher courses. A copy must be sent to the Programme Administrator prior to these courses. If you’ve completed the “Certificate of Medical Fitness-National”, you may submit this. There is no need for a second medical test. 

Academic requirements

• NCEA Level 1 (80 credits at level 1), including 10 literacy credits and
• 10 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.

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 5.5 General or Academic (no lower than 5.0 in any subtest)

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.

Selection

Applicants will be provided with programme information to ensure the applicant is aware of the programme content, assessment policies, entry requirements, and recommendations. All candidates who meet the entry requirements are accepted on the programme.  

Applicants for part-time study should discuss their plans with the Programme Coordinator.