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Becoming a pilot

Maritime pilots play a critical role in keeping New Zealand’s ports and harbours safe, using their ship‑handling skills and local knowledge to guide vessels safely in and out of ports and through confined waters. Becoming a maritime pilot in New Zealand requires substantial seafaring experience, typically to the level of a Master Mariner. Access the pathway to becoming a maritime pilot in New Zealand, including the requirements, training, and licensing process.

Core requirements

To become a maritime pilot in New Zealand, you generally need: 

  • a valid Master certificate recognised by Maritime NZ 

  • several years of sea‑service experience (typically 10 or more years) in foreign-going ships. 

  • a current medical certificate (medical category A or B) 

  • to meet fit and proper person requirements, including a criminal‑record check. 

Specific entry requirements, including minimum rank and experience, are set by individual port companies or pilotage providers. 

Key skills and experience

Pilots must be able to demonstrate: 

  • navigation and ship‑handling skills – deep knowledge of vessel manoeuvring, berthing, unberthing, and transit in restricted waters 

  • local knowledge – detailed understanding of local tidal and current patterns, weather conditions, depths, port layouts, and navigation hazards 

  • effective communication – ability to communicate clearly with ship masters, bridge teams, tug masters, lines crews, and port or vessel‑traffic services 

  • situational awareness and decision‑making – ability to assess dynamic risks and make timely decisions under pressure. 

Ports and pilotage organisations will usually provide further training and assessment specific to their pilotage area. 

Training pathway for pilots

The pilot‑training pathway is usually managed by individual ports and pilotage providers. 

It includes: 

  • Apply for a trainee‑pilot position: trainee positions are offered at specific ports around New Zealand. To be eligible, generally a candidate would need to have a master certificate or equivalent.  

  • Complete structured training, which may include: 

    • classroom theory covering navigation, ship‑handling, local regulations, and emergency procedures 

    • mentoring and supervised trips with senior pilots 

    • simulation training (for example, at New Zealand Maritime School or other approved simulators). 

  • Pass practical assessments and oral examinations to demonstrate competency in ship‑handling and local‑area knowledge. 

Pilot licensing and Pilot Exemption Certificates

Maritime pilots in New Zealand must hold a valid licence to operate within specific pilotage areas.  Alternatively, Masters (and Chief Officers) in ships regularly calling at specific ports may obtain a Pilot Exemption Certificate (PEC). 

Licences and PECs are issued by Maritime NZ and are usually restricted to a specific port and vessel size.  

Ongoing competency

Once licensed, pilots must maintain their competency through: 

  • regular assessments – periodic checks of practical performance and local‑knowledge retention 

  • continued professional development – ongoing learning such as courses, workshops, and simulator refreshers 

  • medical‑fitness checks – regular medical examinations to confirm they continue to meet required standards. 

Port companies, pilotage providers, and Maritime NZ work together to ensure pilots continue to meet competency and safety expectations. 

 Pilot training and ongoing proficiency 

Access information about training programmes and proficiency plans for persons providing pilotage services.