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Commercial Operators

Seafarers

Recreational boaties

Surveyors and third parties

Pilot training and ongoing proficiency

Access information about training programmes and proficiency plans for persons providing pilotage services.
Pilot training in New Zealand is a rigorous, port-specific process to ensure pilots have the skills and knowledge to safely navigate vessels through local waters.  Learn about the typical training pathway to become a pilot and how pilots maintain ongoing competency. 

 Pilotage training programmes and proficiency plans

Any person who trains new or existing pilots or holders of a Pilotage Exemption Certificate (PEC) must have an approved structured training programme in place. 

Anyone providing pilotage must have a valid proficiency plan to make sure pilots and PEC holders maintain their proficiency. 

Guidance for completing programmes and plans

These guidance documents will help you write: 

  • a structured training programme for trainee pilots and PEC holders, and 

  • a proficiency plan for pilots or PEC holders. 

They also explain how to submit your programme or plan to Maritime NZ for approval. Choose the guidance that applies to your situation. 

Pilot Training Programme

Pilot training programmes

Guidance for writing a structured training programme for pilots [PDF: 1.35 MB, 28 pages]
the cover of a publication called Pilot proficiency plans - good practice guidelines

Pilot proficiency plans

Guidance for completing a structured training programme and proficiency plan for PEC holders [PDF: 811 kB, 41 pages]
the cover of a publication called PEC training programmes and proficiency plans - good practice guidelines

Good practice guide for pilots

The NZ Maritime Pilots' Association Good Practice Guide for Pilots 2021 focuses on three key areas for pilots - knowledge, technical skills, and non-technical skills [PDF: 501 kB, 24 pages]
Pilot Training Programme

Pilot training programmes

Guidance for writing a structured training programme for pilots [PDF: 1.35 MB, 28 pages]
the cover of a publication called Pilot proficiency plans - good practice guidelines

Pilot proficiency plans

Guidance for completing a structured training programme and proficiency plan for PEC holders [PDF: 811 kB, 41 pages]
the cover of a publication called PEC training programmes and proficiency plans - good practice guidelines

Good practice guide for pilots

The NZ Maritime Pilots' Association Good Practice Guide for Pilots 2021 focuses on three key areas for pilots - knowledge, technical skills, and non-technical skills [PDF: 501 kB, 24 pages]