Renewals
The renewal requirements - which include evidence of medical fitness - apply to all certificates of competency, certificates of proficiency and endorsements. Your certificate or endorsement can be renewed for up to five years. A fee applies for this service.
Seafarer certificates and endorsements must be kept current through renewal (previously called revalidation).
Renewal requirements, including evidence of medical fitness, apply to all:
-
certificates of competency
-
certificates of proficiency
-
endorsements.
Maritime NZ can renew a certificate or endorsement for up to 5 years. A renewal fee applies to certificates and endorsements requiring renewal.
If you hold a ring-fenced certificate, please visit this page to find out if you need to apply to Maritime NZ for renewal. All seafarers must hold a valid medical certificate of fitness to operate.
When to renew
You can apply to renew your certificate or endorsement up to 6 months before the expiry date. If you apply within this period and your renewal is approved, your new certificate will:
- run from the expiry date of your current certificate, and
- be valid until the fifth anniversary of that expiry date.
Expired certificates still need renewal
If your certificate or endorsement has been expired for some time, Maritime NZ may require additional evidence of competency. This can include:
- refresher training
- practical assessments
- examinations.
How to renew
Renewal requirements differ for national, STCW/STCW‑aligned, and STCW‑F certificates. Use the guidance that matches your certificate type.
