New Zealand Certificate of Competency (CoC)
A New Zealand Certificate of Competency (CoC) issued by Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) is internationally recognised and offers excellent career opportunities in the global maritime industry. OMTC assists both deck and engine officers in obtaining their New Zealand CoC through leading maritime institutes in New Zealand.
Key Highlights
- Globally recognized MNZ Certificate of Competency
- Pathway for both Deck and Engine Officers
- Training through leading New Zealand institutes
- Practical and industry-focused learning
- Excellent international career prospects
- Student visa with part-time work opportunities
- Complete admission and documentation support by OMTC
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Deck Officer of the Watch (OOW)
Candidates should generally possess:
- Minimum 12 months sea service as a Deck Cadet on vessels above 500 GRT with an approved Training Record Book or
- Minimum 36 months sea service, including at least 6 months of bridge watchkeeping under the supervision of the Master or a qualified Deck Officer.
- Valid Seafarer’s Log Book (where applicable).
- IELTS Academic Overall 6.0 with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent accepted qualification).
Deck Chief Mate / Master
Candidates should generally possess:
- A valid New Zealand Watchkeeper Deck CoC or an overseas Certificate of Competency recognised by Maritime New Zealand.
- Minimum 12 months sea service as an independent Watchkeeping Deck Officer on commercial vessels above 500 GRT while holding a STCW II/1 CoC.
- IELTS Academic Overall 6.0 with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent accepted qualification).
Marine Engineer Class 3/4 (EOOW)
Candidates should generally possess any one of the following:
- Option 1: 12 months sea service through an approved Engine Cadet Programme, including 6 months Engine Room Watchkeeping under supervision.
- Option 2: 36 months sea service, including 30 months in the Engine Department and 6 months Engine Room Watchkeeping.
- Option 3: For Mechanical or Marine Engineering Degree/Diploma (including GME, DME, HND, etc.) with 12 months qualifying sea service, including 6 months Engine Room Watchkeeping.
- Sea service must be on commercial vessels with engines of 750 kW or above.
- IELTS Academic Overall 6.0 with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent accepted qualification).
Marine Engineer Class 2 / Class 1
Candidates should generally possess:
- A valid Marine Engineer Class 3 Certificate of Competency issued by Maritime New Zealand or an overseas qualification recognised as equivalent.
- Minimum 12 months sea service as an independent Watchkeeping Engineer Officer on vessels of 750 kW or above while holding a STCW III/1 CoC.
- Alternatively, candidates who have completed the academic components of the NZ Diploma in Marine Engineering may also be eligible.
- IELTS Academic Overall 6.0 with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent accepted qualification).
Eligible candidates include:
- Marine Engineer Class 3 CoC Holders
- Overseas EOOW CoC Holders recognised by MNZ
- NZ Diploma in Marine Engineering Graduates
Important Notes:
- Sea service must have been completed within the period specified by Maritime New Zealand.
- Admission is subject to verification of qualifications and sea service by MNZ and the respective institute.
Deck Officer of the Watch (OOW)
The New Zealand Officer of the Watch (OOW) programme is designed to develop competent watchkeeping officers through a combination of classroom learning, practical training, simulator exercises, and oral examination preparation. The programme equips candidates with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to serve safely and efficiently on-board commercial vessels.
Duration
- 1 Year full-time study in New Zealand.
- Includes 36–43 weeks of classroom learning, simulator training, and practical instruction.
- Available intakes: February and July.
Programme Highlights
- Classroom-based theoretical instruction
- Bridge simulator training
- Practical navigation exercises
- Continuous assessments
- Preparation for the MNZ Oral Examination
Deck Chief Mate / Master
The Chief Mate / Master programme prepares experienced deck officers for senior management roles on board. The course focuses on advanced navigation, ship management, commercial operations, leadership, and command-level decision-making.
Duration
- 1 Year full-time programme (36 teaching weeks), plus qualifying sea service.
- Multiple entry points from February to June, depending on the selected intake.
Programme Highlights
- Modular classroom learning
- Advanced navigation training
- Management-level practical exercises
- Oral examination preparation
Marine Engineer Class 3/4 (EOOW)
The Marine Engineer Class 3/4 programme provides the academic knowledge and practical competencies required for certification as an Engineer Officer of the Watch. The course combines engineering theory with workshop, simulator, and practical training.
Duration
- 8 Months – 1 Year full-time study in New Zealand (Based on intake).
- Includes 30–36 weeks of classroom learning, workshops, and simulator training.
- Available intakes: February and August.
Programme Highlights
- Classroom learning
- Engineering workshop sessions
- Engine room simulator training
- Practical assessments
- MNZ Oral Examination preparation
Marine Engineer Class 2 / Class 1
The Marine Engineer Class 2 / Class 1 programme is designed for experienced engineer officers progressing to management-level certification. It focuses on advanced engineering systems, leadership, and operational management required for Chief Engineer responsibilities.
Duration
- Marine Engineer Class 2: 1 Year full-time programme (36 teaching weeks).
- Marine Engineer Class 1: Additional 12 weeks for candidates holding a New Zealand MEC 2 Certificate.
- Multiple intake options are available from February to June.
Programme Highlights
- Modular course structure
- Advanced engineering management
- Practical workshops and assessments
- Oral examination preparation
Deck Officer of the Watch (OOW)
Candidates applying for the New Zealand OOW CoC must possess valid STCW basic training certificates and complete the mandatory advanced courses as required by Maritime New Zealand (MNZ). Certain advanced courses are included as part of the academic programme at NMIT.
Accepted Basic STCW Courses
The following DG Shipping-approved basic STCW courses are accepted by MNZ:
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
- Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF)
- Elementary First Aid (EFA)
Advanced Courses Included
The following courses are included within the NMIT programme:
- Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)
- Medical First Aid (MFA)
- Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
- Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS)
Note: Students are advised not to complete these courses separately, as they are already included in the programme and may not qualify for any fee reduction.
Deck Chief Mate / Master
Candidates progressing to Chief Mate / Master certification must hold valid STCW advanced certificates approved by Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) or MCA, UK.
Mandatory STCW & Ancillary Courses
- Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)
- Medical First Aid (MFA)
- Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
- Medical Care
- GMDSS
- ECDIS
- Human Element, Leadership & Management (HELM)
- Tanker Safety Courses (where applicable)
Important: DG Shipping-approved advanced STCW courses are not accepted for this programme. Candidates should complete MNZ-approved or MCA-approved courses before applying.
Marine Engineer Class 3/4 (EOOW)
Candidates must hold valid STCW basic training certificates before commencing the programme. Certain advanced courses are delivered as part of the NMIT curriculum.
Accepted Basic STCW Courses
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
- Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF)
- Elementary First Aid (EFA)
Advanced Courses Included
- Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)
- Medical First Aid (MFA)
- Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
Students should not undertake these courses separately, as they are included within the programme tuition fees.
Marine Engineer Class 2 / Class 1
Applicants for Marine Engineer Class 2 / Class 1 must possess advanced STCW certification approved by MNZ or MCA, UK.
Mandatory STCW & Ancillary Courses
- Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)
- Medical First Aid (MFA)
- Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
- Human Element, Leadership & Management (HELM)
- Tanker Safety Courses (where applicable)
Important: DG Shipping-approved advanced STCW courses are not accepted for this programme. Candidates may complete MCA-approved courses at recognised training institutes before applying.
Study in New Zealand
We provide complete guidance to help students prepare for their academic journey in New Zealand. From admission and visa documentation to accommodation and pre-departure assistance, our team supports you at every stage of the process.
Student Visa Support
Students are advised to begin the admission process at least 2–3 months before their preferred intake. This allows sufficient time to:
- Complete the admission process
- Appear for the IELTS/PTE examination
- Arrange financial documents
- Apply for the New Zealand Student Visa
- Plan travel and accommodation
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test.
Accepted Requirement
- IELTS Academic Overall 6.0
- Minimum 5.5 in each band
- Equivalent English language qualifications accepted by MNZ may also be considered.
Accommodation
Students generally stay in shared off-campus accommodation, providing an affordable and comfortable living environment close to their institute.
Estimated Monthly Living Cost
- Nelson: Approximately NZ$1,200 per month
- Auckland: Approximately NZ$1,400 per month
The above estimate includes accommodation and food expenses and may vary depending on individual lifestyle and accommodation preferences.
Part-Time Work Opportunities
International students holding a valid New Zealand Student Visa may be eligible to work while pursuing their studies.
Students can generally:
- Work 20–25 hours per week during academic sessions
- Work full-time during scheduled vacations, including Christmas holidays
- Earn approximately NZ$22.70–23.50 per hour, helping to offset living expenses while studying.
Why Choose New Zealand?
- Internationally recognised maritime qualifications
- Modern maritime training facilities
- Safe and student-friendly environment
- Opportunity to gain global exposure
- Excellent career prospects in the international shipping industry
- Part-time work opportunities while studying
Deck Rating -> OOW/Second Mate
Other UK COC Courses
Second Engineer
Chief Engineer
EOOW
Deck OOW Course
DECK Chiefmate Course
NEW ZEALAND CoC COURSES
(Coming Soon..)
