Applying for and maintaining a Pilotage Exemption Certificate
How to obtain a Pilotage Exemption Certificate (PEC)
To obtain a PEC, you must first:
- complete training in line with an approved PEC training programme, and
- pass a practical, written, and oral PEC examination.
Contact your local harbourmaster for details of the relevant training programme and examinations.
Once you have successfully completed the training and examinations, the harbourmaster will send Maritime NZ a letter confirming this.
Apply to Maritime NZ
To apply for a PEC, you must complete the PEC application form and send it to Maritime NZ with all documents listed in the form.
Email us your complete application, including all necessary documents, to:
Information all applicants must submit
All applicants must provide:
- a completed PEC application form
- a completed fit and proper person form and Ministry of Justice criminal record check
- a copy of a current Certificate of Medical Fitness, category A or B only, from a Maritime NZ‑approved medical practitioner, and
- two passport‑size, colour photos of head and shoulders (35mm wide x 45mm long), less than 12 months old, in a sealed envelope attached to the top of the application.
Applying for a new PEC (first issue for a pilotage area)
In addition to the documents above, for a first‑time PEC in a pilotage area you must provide:
- a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport, and
- a letter from the harbourmaster confirming you have successfully completed an approved structured training programme and met the required standards for that pilotage area (see Maritime Rule Part 90.61(1)(d))
Adding pilotage areas or vessels to an existing PEC
Where relevant, original master’s PECs or letters issued under section 40AA of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 (MTA) must be supplied.
To add a new pilotage area for a vessel already endorsed on your PEC, you must provide:
- a letter from the harbourmaster confirming you have successfully completed an approved structured training programme for the new area and the named vessel, and met the required standards (see Maritime Rule Part rule 90.68(2)(b)).
To add a new vessel for a pilotage area already endorsed on your PEC, you must provide:
- a letter from the harbourmaster confirming that the currency requirements in Maritime Rule Part 90.66 have been met for each pilotage area endorsed on the PEC, and
- a letter from the vessel operator confirming you have completed a programme of familiarisation as a PEC holder for that vessel. Evidence of completion may be requested.
Renew a PEC
To renew a PEC, you must provide:
- a letter from the harbourmaster for each pilotage area endorsed on your PEC confirming that the currency requirements in Maritime Rule Part 90.66 have been met for that area. This must include verification that the recent experience requirements for all vessels endorsed on the PEC have been met (see Maritime Rule Part , see rule 90.69(b)), and
- original pilotage exemption certificates or letters issued under section 40AA of the MTA, if applicable.
Required forms
PEC application form
Fees
There are several options available for paying Maritime NZ fees. Find out what payment option is best for you:
Common questions about the PEC
What is a proficiency plan?
A proficiency plan sets out how holders of a Pilot Exemption Certificate (PEC) will maintain and demonstrate proficiency and competence in a pilotage area. The plan should include:
- recent experience requirements. For example, the minimum number of transits that a PEC holder must complete annually to remain current
- arrangements for annual assessments
- peer‑review processes
- refresher training requirements
- procedures for regaining currency where a PEC holder is no longer current in the pilotage area.
A proficiency plan may form part of a structured training programme or be a stand‑alone document. There is usually a standard plan for each pilotage area approved by Maritime NZ. Contact Maritime NZ and your local harbourmaster for details.
I’ve heard that I need to have an annual assessment – how does that work?
If you hold a PEC, you must undergo an annual assessment to maintain currency. In most cases, assessments will be carried out by a pilot. In some situations they may be carried out by another PEC holder, subject to Maritime NZ approval.
Contact your local harbourmaster to find out more and to arrange your annual assessment.
I[H3] Who is responsible for ensuring my certificates are valid?
If you hold a Certificate of Competency or PEC, you are responsible for making sure the certificate is valid. You are also responsible for ensuring you meet recent experience and other currency requirements before exercising the privileges of the certificate.
When you apply to renew your PEC, you must provide evidence of currency. This is usually a letter from the harbourmaster confirming you have completed the required minimum number of transits in the previous 12 months for each pilotage area endorsed on your PEC, if you intend to maintain those endorsements.
Do I need to be re‑examined to renew my PEC?
You must comply with the requirements of the PEC training programme for your pilotage area. Contact your local harbourmaster for details
How do I renew my current pilotage exemption?
To renew your exemption, see the PEC application form This has the full list of documents you need to send us to renew.
I do not currently hold a PEC. How do I get a PEC or endorsement?
You must complete an approved training programme and then submit an application to Maritime NZ. See the PEC application form and our guidance for more details.
My new PEC has an expiry date but my endorsements do not. What does this mean?
Your endorsements are only valid while your PEC is valid. You must also meet currency requirements for each pilotage area to continue using the PEC in that area.
If you intend to apply for an additional endorsement and your PEC is due to expire soon, we strongly recommend applying for the endorsement at the same time as renewing your PEC. If you do not, you will need to pay a fee for the additional endorsement, then pay another fee later to renew your PEC.
I am a first mate who holds a PEC
If you are a first mate with a current PEC, you can exercise the PEC in your own right, subject to:
- the master also being a current PEC holder, and
- certain other conditions.
More detail on these conditions is available in Part 90 Advisory Circular Marine here
I have lost my original Certificate of Competency.
You must apply for a replacement Certificate of Competency as soon as possible.
You must submit:
- a completed seafarer licensing application form, all sections completed. Section 3 must be witnessed by a Justice of the Peace. Include details of what steps you have taken to try to locate the lost certificate
- a completed fit and proper person form and a Ministry of Justice criminal record check
- a police report from any country where you have lived for more than 12 months in the last five years
- the administration fee.
I have lost my PEC.
If you are renewing your PEC under Part 90 Pilotage, you may send in the declaration for replacement of a maritime document with your renewal application. We will not charge the standard replacement document fee in that situation because a separate replacement document will not be issued. If you lose a PEC issued under Part 90, you must apply for a replacement PEC.
Why do I need to provide certified copies of my Certificate of Competency which has already been issued by Maritime NZ?
Because your PEC is based on your Certificate of Competency, you must prove you still hold the original Certificate of Competency. By requesting a certified copy, Maritime NZ can maintain confidence that you still have the original certificate.
If you cannot supply the original or a certified copy of your Certificate of Competency, you must apply for a replacement certificate.