Maritime changes good news for NZ skippers

Looming changes to Maritime New Zealand’s (MNZ) Seafarer Certification is great news for seafarers looking to gain their skipper’s ticket.

Maritime Standards spokesperson Sharyn Forsyth, says the new SeaCert will provide a new, simpler and competency-based domestic certificate framework as well as increased recognition of New Zealand certificates overseas, making it easier for New Zealand seafarers to work in other jurisdictions.

Tony Martin, maritime programme coordinator at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic says the new changes will come into force on 1 April.

“The new SeaCert affects two of the Polytechnic’s most popular maritime programmes – ILM (Inshore Launch Master) and LLO (Local Launch Operator),” says Tony. “The biggest change is around sea time – this has reduced from 6 months to 200 hours for the new LLO equivalent and from 18 months to 6 months for the new ILM equivalent.”

Of course the change in sea time also places limits on what vessels SeaCert holders can operate – in main, smaller vessels depending on the amount of sea time they’ve completed.

Upon meeting the new examination requirements, students will now receive from MNZ a Skipper Restricted Limits (SRL) Certificate of Competency (endorsed up to 24m) and/or a SRL Certificate of Competency (endorsed up to 12m).

“These changes will make things more straight forward and in line with what’s happening internationally,” says Tony. “We’re also expecting the changes to be of benefit to people looking at obtaining skipper’s tickets for smaller vessels. Bay of Plenty Polytechnic operates the course throughout various times of the year and we offer some of the most competitive fees around.”

For further information visit boppoly.ac.nz or call 0800 BOP POLY.