Acceptable forms of ID
When you apply online for a seafarer certificate, you must upload proof of identity and have it verified by a trusted referee. This page explains:
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which ID documents you can use
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who can act as a trusted referee
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what your referee must do
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how to upload your verified documents.
Acceptable photo identification
You must provide a clear copy of one of the following photo ID documents:
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New Zealand or overseas passport
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New Zealand driver's licence
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New Zealand refugee travel document
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New Zealand emergency travel document
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New Zealand certificate of identity
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New Zealand firearms licence
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Kiwi Access Card (formerly 18+ Card).
Who can be a trusted referee?
Your trusted referee must be one of the following:
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Justice of the Peace
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Notary Public
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barrister or solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
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staff member of an approved maritime training provider
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Maritime Transport Operator Certificate (MTOC) holder
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a member of the police
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registered teacher
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registered doctor
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ship’s master (must hold a current master certificate of competency)
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recognised maritime surveyor
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Maritime NZ staff member.
What your trusted referee must do
Your trusted referee must verify your identity document. They must:
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sight the original version of your identity document
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sign and date a copy of your photo ID
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write an endorsement on the document
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provide their contact details and certification on a separate sheet of paper.
Endorsement your referee must write on your ID
Ask your referee to write the following on the copy of your photo ID:
“I have sighted the original version of this document, and I have compared the photographic image with [applicant’s name] and confirm they appear to be the same person.”
They must also sign and date each copy.
Referee contact details and certification
Ask your referee to write the following information on a separate sheet of paper and sign and date it.
Their contact details:
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title
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last name
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given name(s)
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postal address
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occupation or position
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mobile phone number
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alternative phone number (if available)
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email address
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MTOC certificate number (if they hold an MTOC).
Certification statement:
“I certify that [write your full name] is the person identified in the attached document. I confirm that I meet the requirements as a trusted referee.”
How to upload your verified identity document
After your referee has verified your identity document and provided their details:
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scan or photograph your verified ID and the referee’s contact details sheet
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upload all files with your online application.
Scanning or photographing your documents
Make sure your scanned or photographed documents:
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are clear and easy to read
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show all text, including the referee’s signature, date, and endorsement
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are in colour (not black and white)
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are not blurry and are not cut off at the edges
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include the referee’s contact details sheet in the same upload set.