Recognition of non-New Zealand certificates
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Working in New Zealand
To work on a New Zealand-flagged ship, you will need to have your certificate recognised by Maritime NZ as equivalent to a New Zealand certificate.
Whether we can recognise your certificate will depend on:
- the type of certificate you hold and
- where it was issued
A New Zealand recognition cannot grant you privileges that are greater than those of your original certificate. Limitations may need to be applied to align your certificate with the equivalent New Zealand certificate.
If you hold an Australian certificate or endorsement - please see our information for Australian seafarers.
Find out if your ticket is eligible
Oral examinations for recognition of non-New Zealand STCW and STCW-F certificates
From 3 March 2023, we will no longer require seafarers applying for recognition of non-New Zealand STCW ratings and STCW-F certificates to sit an oral examination.
Seafarers seeking recognition for non-New Zealand STCW certificates of competency for masters, officers and GMDSS radio operators will still need to sit an oral examination.
Acceptance of ancillary certificates
When processing applications for New Zealand certificates of competency or proficiency, Maritime NZ will assess STCW ancillary certificates issued by other administrations on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they meet the requirements of STCW.
STCW ancillary certificates issued by training providers approved by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) or by the United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have been assessed and are accepted automatically.
Guidelines for applying
To see if your certificate can be recognised and to find out the process for doing so, refer to the relevant guideline below.
Note:
We are updating our guidelines for recognition of non-New Zealand STCW and STCW-F certificates. While some of the information in the guidance is not up-to-date, including the changes to oral examinations, it does contain relevant information to help you with your application.
New guidance should be available soon. In the meantime, if you need any help with your application for recognition, please contact us at:
seafarers@maritimenz.govt.nz
If your certificate has no clear New Zealand equivalent - please contact us to discuss the details of your certificate and prior learning.
How to apply
These steps provide a basic overview of how to apply for recognition.
1. Before applying
If you have not done so already, download and read the relevant guidelines.
Recognition of STCW certificates and endorsements [PDF: 239kB, 25 pages]2. Application form and documentation
Complete the application form and gather your supporting documents and identification photographs.
Recognition of non-New Zealand seafarer certificates application form [PDF: 139kB, 5 pages]3. Send us your application
There are two options for you to send your application documents to MNZ, by courier and/or by email.
4. Confirmation your application is received
You will be invoiced once we have checked your application for completeness and formally received your application. A reference number and instructions explaining how to pay will be sent with the invoice.
5. Pay the application fee
We must receive payment before we can process your application.
How you can pay your fees.
6. Application assessment
MNZ will assess your application.
You may be asked to provide further information, or to participate in an exam or practical assessment.
7. Issue of certificate
If you are successful, MNZ will issue you the certificate or endorsement.
To complete an application, you need to provide all of the information and documents we require.
If you do not provide all of the required information we cannot process your application and we will return it and your other documents to you.
Contact us
E-mail:
seafarers@maritimenz.govt.nz