Marine Licences

Maritime New Zealand Marine Licences

To operate a commercial inshore vessel the Maritime Rules require the skipper to hold an appropriate Maritime Licence. Holders of the Inshore Launch Master (ILM) may typically operate vessels of up to 20 metres within the Inshore Limits (generally up to 12 NM offshore and within 30 NM of a safe haven) and over 20 metre vessels within the Enclosed Water Limits. To sit for this licence the applicant must have 18 months seatime experience and completed a recognised course. Holders of the Local Launch Operator (LLO) can operate vessels up to 20 metres within the designated areas endorsed on their licence. To sit for the LLO the applicant requires less seatime experience (typically 6 months with at least one month experience on the nominated vessel and endorsed areas).

Inshore Launch Master (ILM) & Local Launch Operator (LLO) courses

Royal Yachting Association Training in NZ

Mahurangi Technical Institute is a recognized RYA Training provider

At last, training towards achieving a globally-recognised maritime licence is available here in New Zealand. The America’s Cup provided worldwide exposure for the high-calibre Kiwi yachtsmen and women who were to be found on most of the racing yachts, support vessels and visiting superyachts. In fact, it is now common knowledge among the super and megayacht fraternity that Kiwi sailors are the best in the world, and they want our people to crew their vessels. The UK-based Royal Yachting Association, whose Yachtmaster courses are recognized by the UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency was attracted to NZ for this reason and have teamed up with Mahurangi Technical Institute to provide a pathway for RYA training here. The training will be conducted in our campus at Warkworth and aboard our training yacht in the Hauraki Gulf. There will be independently-assessed practical afloat exams at the end of the courses, and the successful students will be awarded the prestigious RYA/MCA Yachtmaster certificates from the UK. These certificates are internationally recognized by not only all the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Red-flagged countries (eg UK, Bermuda, Cayman Island etc, which covers 83% of the world's largest commercial yachts) but by major worldwide yacht charter companies, insurance companies and maritime employment agencies.

THE RYA/MCA YACHTMASTER COURSES

The RYA programme provides a pathway of levels in yachting competency, for both power and sail, whether for recreation or for professional operations. The programme consists of 3 levels; RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper, RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore and RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean. The professional yachtsperson nowadays also needs to hold certain internationally recognised certificates in fire-fighting, first aid, sea survival and personal safety. These STCW 95 certificates are truly globally portable and are recognized and endorsed by Maritime New Zealand. We provide all necessary training for you to propel your future in yachting. Our unique programmes combine the RYA Yachtmaster with suitable modules to provide you with a comprehensive series of packages in maritime training depending on your requirements. Choose the course that suits you:

OUR COURSES

The RYA Yachtmaster Programme has been tailored by Mahurangi Technical Institute into a series of courses that suit the NZ market. Depending on seatime experience and competency levels and whether the professional certificates (compliant with STCW 95) are sought, the courses vary from a basic 6 day practical course up to a 6 week professional course that includes “mileage builder” seatime on the yacht and practical radar training. This gives the holder truly global employment opportunities.

These exciting programmes are unusual as there are very few courses one can do in NZ to achieve an internationally-recognised qualification. This is the route for you if you want an exciting career at sea.

Please remember, the RYA/MCA Certificates are held in high regard around the world, so our courses are understandably intensive and demanding. We will help you realize your dream, but completion of a RYA course is not a guarantee of passing the examinations and receiving your certificates.

RYA/MCA QUALIFICATIONS

The RYA Coastal Skipper, Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean Certificates of Competency are recreational certificates. The candidates must hold a current First Aid Certificate and a VHF licence for these certificates. If you wish to work abroad on a commercial MCA-registered vessel, the above certificates can be Commercially Endorsed by holding a Basic Sea Survival certificate and obtaining a Medical Fitness certificate (please see RYA publication G15 obtainable from Transpacific Marine on 0508 800600 or at sales@transpacific.co.nz).

There are two medicals:
1. ML5 - this form can be taken to your GP. Ideally for Coastal Skippers. Valid for 5 years.
2. ENG1 - For Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean. Valid for 2 years. This can only be obtained from Dr R Batt, Parnell Medical Centre, 82b Gladstone Road, Parnell, Auckland, Phone: (09) 377 4427 (approximate cost $210)

If you enrol on a block course with MTI, we will process your certificates to Coast Guard Boating Education to obtain the Commercial Endorsement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who recognizes the Royal Yachting Association Certificates?

The RYA/MCA Certificates are recognized in all the major superyacht-registering countries. In most countries a professional licence is required in order to work on a yacht. Most of the world’s superyachts are registered in “red ensign” countries (for tax purposes) and these countries’ maritime regulations come under the UK’s MCA (Maritime & Coastguard Agency). The MCA fully recognizes the RYA/MCA courses we deliver.

What do I receive at the end of the full course?

At the end of our tailored RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper course you will receive the following:

RYA Coastal Shorebased Certificate
STCW 95 Basic Fire-fighting Certificate
STCW 95 Basic Sea Survival Certificate
STCW 95 Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities Certificate
STCW 95 Basic First Aid Certificate
Restricted Radar Observer's Certificate (for 6 week courses only)
Restricted Radio Telephone Operator's Certificate
RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competency. Issued to successful candidates by the Royal Yachting Association of Southampton, UK and is a passport-style document.

Successful candidates on the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore course will receive the same STCW 95 certificates, and the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competency.

How many people will be on the course?

We limit the numbers on our courses in order to maintain a high tutor to student ratio. This enables us to provide the highest level of personal tuition for you. Our practical modules on the yacht are restricted to a maximum of 5 students to 1 instructor, while the classroom modules are generally limited to 10-15 students.

What if I already hold some certificates, can I "cherry pick" the courses I want?

Yes you certainly can. Contact us for specific details and costs. Please remember that course numbers are limited and priority will be given to those wishing to complete all modules.

How do I enrol?

Full details of these innovative programmes will soon be posted on this webpage, but for more information now contact us at office@mti.net.nz
Or on 0800 DON’T SINK.