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Ancillary profficiencies – Guida
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Page 1 of 32
Ancillary certificates
Last updated: September 2016
In this guide
1. Overview
3
2. National ancillary proficiency requirements
4
2.1 First aid
4
2.2 Steering
5
2.3 Fire fighting
6
2.4 Survival craft
7
3. Radio operator certificates
8
3.1 Maritime restricted radiotelephone operator
8
3.2
Maritime general radiotelephone operator
9
3.3
Maritime general operator
10
4. STCW-F basic safety training
11
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements
13
5.1 Currency
14
5.2 Safety familiarisation
15
5.3 Passenger safety
16
5.4 Security
17
5.5 STCW basic training
19
5.6 Survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats
24
5.7 Fast rescue boats
27
5.8 Advanced fire fighting
29
5.9 Medical first aid on board ship
31
5.10 Medical care on board ship
32
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 2 of 32
1. Overview
Ancillary certificates
This guideline provides information about the ancillary (additional) proficiencies required for
New Zealand certificates of competency and certificates of proficiency, and for some
endorsements.
As well as the skills and expertise required for a particular certificate and obtained from the
core training, Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) may require evidence of other proficiencies.
These ancillary proficiencies range from requirements for all seafarers to show they have
competency in basic personal safety through to specific additional training required for
seafarers who hold designated passenger or security responsibilities and duties.
This guideline does not cover recognition of equivalent ancillary proficiencies obtained
outside New Zealand. For information about recognition, refer to the guidelines on the MNZ
website:
maritimenz.govt.nz/seafarers
MNZ does not issue ancillary proficiency certificates; these are generally issued by training
providers following completion of training courses that have been approved or accepted by
the Director of MNZ as satisfactorily meeting the standards for the proficiencies, as set out in
the schedule to Part 32 of the Maritime Rules. In some circumstances, the training may be
provided by a ship’s operator.
Disclaimer:
These guidelines provide information and explanations about the requirements set out in the
maritime rules, but are not a substitute for the rules themselves, which are the law. These
guidelines refer to provisions in Maritime Rules Part 32, Seafarer Certification. The Director of
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) will grant a certificate only when satisfied that all requirements have
been met. In this guideline, any references to ‘we’ or Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) relating to a
decision about the issue or renewal of any seafarer certificate are references to the Director or a
person acting under the Director’s delegated authority.
maritimenz.govt.nz/rules
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 3 of 32
2. National ancillary proficiency
requirements
2.1 First aid
This certificate is the same as Elementary First Aid, which is required as part of STCW and STCW-F Basic
Training. It is required for the following New Zealand certificates issued by MNZ:

Qualified Deck Crew

Skipper Restricted Limits

Skipper Restricted Limits <24m

Skipper Restricted Limits <500GT

Skipper Restricted Limits 500–3000GT

Skipper Coastal/Offshore

Marine Engineer Class 6.
Training
You must attend and pass a training course that meets the following New Zealand Qualification Authority
(NZQA) assessment standards:

6400, 6401, 6402 or

or 6400, 26551, 26522

or equivalent revised standards acceptable to the Director, as published on the MNZ website.
Your training provider must be registered or accredited by NZQA to provide the first aid training.
MNZ will accept documentary evidence issued by your training provider (generally in the form of a
certificate), which must detail the assessment standards passed.
MNZ does not issue first aid certificates.
Ongoing competence
Although not a requirement in the Maritime Rules, MNZ strongly recommends that you keep your first aid
certificate current. New Zealand first aid certificates generally have a limited duration set by the training
provider or issuing organisation (usually two years), and generally require refresher training to ensure the
proficiency remains valid.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 4 of 32
2. National ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
2.2 Steering
Proving your sea service
A steering certificate is required when you apply for the New Zealand Deck Watch Rating certificate of
proficiency.
You must have successfully manually steered a ship for 10 hours or more. Your steering certificate must be
signed by the owner or master of a commercial ship other than a fishing ship. The certificate is available on
the MNZ website and is also included within the approved Deck Watch Rating training record book.
Ongoing competence
There are no ongoing competency requirements.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 5 of 32
2. National ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
2.3 Fire fighting
Proficiency in fire fighting is required for the following New Zealand certificates issued by MNZ:

Skipper Restricted Limits

Skipper Coastal/Offshore

Master Yacht <24m.
Training
You must attend and pass a training course that meets the following New Zealand Qualification Authority
(NZQA) assessment standard:

US 12310

or equivalent revised standards acceptable to the Director, as published on the MNZ website.
Your training provider must be registered or accredited by NZQA to provide the fire fighting training.
MNZ will accept documentary evidence issued by your training provider (generally in the form of a
certificate), which must detail the assessment standards passed.
MNZ does not issue fire fighting certificates.
Ongoing competence
There are no ongoing competency requirements.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 6 of 32
2. National ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
2.4 Survival craft
Proficiency in survival craft is required for the following New Zealand certificates issued by MNZ:

Skipper Restricted Limits

Skipper Coastal/Offshore

Master Yacht <24m.
Training
You must attend and pass a training course that meets the following New Zealand Qualification Authority
(NZQA) assessment standard:

US 12309

or equivalent revised standards acceptable to the Director as published on the MNZ website.
Your training provider must be registered or accredited by NZQA to provide survival craft training.
MNZ will accept documentary evidence issued by your training provider (generally in the form of a
certificate), which must detail the assessment standards passed.
MNZ does not issue survival craft certificates.
Ongoing competence
There are no ongoing competency requirements.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 7 of 32
3. Radio operator certificates
Radio operator certificates are issued by the Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) section of the Ministry of
Business, Innovation and Employment. RSM has the responsibility for managing New Zealand’s radio
frequency spectrum under the Radiocommunications Act 1989.
3.1 Maritime restricted radiotelephone operator
The maritime restricted radiotelephone operator’s certificate (MRROC) allows a seafarer to operate marine
medium frequency (MF), high frequency (HF) and very high frequency (VHF) radios. The MRROC meets the
requirements for maritime radio operator certificates, as set out in Article 47 of the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations.
Holders of the following certificates are required to have a MRROC:

Qualified Deck Crew

Skipper Restricted Limits.
You must pass an examination conducted by an Approved Radio Examiner who is authorised by RSM to
examine for the MRROC. Details of Approved Radio Examiners can be found on the RSM website
(rsm.govt.nz).
Radio operator certificates are issued by RSM.
Ongoing competence
There are no ongoing competency requirements for holders of MRROC.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 8 of 32
3. Radio operator certificates (continued)
3.2 Maritime general radiotelephone operator
The maritime general radiotelephone operator’s certificate (MGROC) allows the seafarer to operate marine
medium frequency (MF), high frequency (HF), and very high frequency (VHF) radios. The MGROC meets
the requirements for maritime radio operator certificates, as set out in Article 47 of the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations.
Holders of the following certificates are required to have a MGROC:

Skipper Coastal/Offshore

Master Yacht <24m

Watchkeeper Deck <500GT NC

Master <500GT NC

Mate Fishing Vessel – Limited

Skipper Fishing Vessel – Limited.
You must attend and pass a training course that meets the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA)
unit standards 19491 and 19492 (which are based on the curriculum requirements for MGROC set by
Radio Spectrum Management or RSM).
Training includes:

operating principles and regulations of MF, HF and VHF radio

competency to operate in emergency situations and routine operations.
Your training provider must be registered or accredited by NZQA to assess against unit standards 19491
and 19492. The final examination must be conducted by an Approved Radio Examiner who is authorised
by RSM to examine for the MGROC. Details of Approved Radio Examiners can be found on the RSM
website (rsm.govt.nz).
Radio operator certificates are issued by RSM.
Ongoing competence
There are no ongoing competency requirements for holders of MGROC.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 9 of 32
3. Radio operator certificates (continued)
3.3 Maritime general operator
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) maritime general operator’s certificate (MGOC)
allows a seafarer to operate marine medium frequency (MF), high frequency (HF) and very high frequency
(VHF) radio equipment. The MGOC meets the requirements for maritime radio operator certificates, as set
out in Article 47 of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations.
MNZ radio officers and holders of a GMDSS certificate of competency are required to have an MGOC
issued by Radio Spectrum Management (RSM). Holders of the following MNZ certificates of competency
are required to have an MGOC and a current GMDSS certificate of competency:

Master <500GT

Watchkeeper Deck

Chief Mate <3000GT

Master <3000GT

Chief Mate

Master

Chief Mate Yacht

Master Yacht <500GT

Master Yacht

Mate Fishing Vessel – Unlimited

Skipper Fishing Vessel – Unlimited.
You must attend and pass a training course that meets the MGOC syllabus set by RSM. The syllabus
includes:
o
principles of maritime radio-communications
o
GMDSS communication systems
o
other GMDSS equipment (emergency position-indicating radio beacons or (EPIRBs), search
and rescue transponders (SART) and maritime safety information (MSI)
o
distress alerting
o
miscellaneous skills and operational procedures for general communications.
The final examination must be conducted by an Approved Radio Examiner who is authorised by RSM to
examine for the MGOC. Details of Approved Radio Examiners can be found on the RSM website
(rsm.govt.nz).
Radio operator certificates are issued by RSM.
Ongoing competence
Holders of MGOC must maintain their competency by holding a current GMDSS certificate of competency.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 10 of 32
4. STCW-F basic safety training
STCW-F basic safety training is required for the following New Zealand certificates issued by MNZ:

Advanced Deckhand – Fishing

Mate Fishing Vessel – Limited

Skipper Fishing Vessel – Limited

Mate Fishing Vessel – Unlimited

Skipper Fishing Vessel – Unlimited.
Training requirements
You must attend and complete training courses that meet STCW-F requirements for ancillary proficiency in
basic safety training, as set out in STCW-F chapter III regulation 1.
Table 1
STCW-F requirements for basic safety training
Proficiency
National award or equivalent
Personal survival
US 12309
Fire prevention and fire fighting
US 4138
Elementary first aid
6400, 6401, 6402
or 6400, 26551, 26522
Emergency procedures
Prevention of marine pollution
STCW A-VI/1-4
Prevention of shipboard accidents
Alternatively, MNZ will accept an STCW basic training certificate that complies with STCW Section A-VI/1
paragraph 2.
Training courses
Training for STCW-F basic safety ancillary proficiencies is usually part of the wider training course for
STCW-F certificates.
Training may be provided for each proficiency or as a single course covering all components, provided it
covers the required STCW-F standards and has been approved:

under the Education Act

or by the Director of MNZ.
Your training provider must be registered or accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
to provide training for each of the required national awards.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 11 of 32
4. STCW-F basic safety training (continued)
Acceptable evidence
When they apply for their certificate, applicants for Advanced Deckhand – Fishing are required to provide
documentary evidence that they have attended and passed basic training. This should be issued by the
training provider and include:

a unique reference number

the STCW-F standards passed

the date of issue

the training provider’s NZQA registration/accreditation number and/or MNZ course approval
number.
The evidence may be provided individually for each component or as a single document covering all
components of STCW-F basic safety training.
Other jurisdiction requirements
Some jurisdictions may require seafarers’ evidence of having completed STCW-F basic safety training to
be:

provided separately (even if it is part of training requirements for the current certificate of
competency they hold)

documented in a single STCW-F basic safety training certificate.
Although there is no requirement in STCW-F for a seafarer to provide this evidence, if you intend to use
your certificate in other jurisdictions you should ask your training provider to issue a single STCW-F basic
safety training certificate where possible (for example, in addition to any higher course or qualification for a
STCW certificate of competency).
MNZ does not issue ancillary certificates of proficiency in STCW-F basic safety training.
Ongoing competence
There are no ongoing competency requirements. However, we encourage you to take steps to maintain
currency of all of your ancillary competencies and to maintain accurate records. STCW-F is referred to in
maritime rules relating to fishing certificates as a suitable international standard. If you wish to maintain your
certificate to this standard, note that STCW-F may in future introduce similar currency requirements for
ancillary proficiencies as are required by STCW.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 12 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency
requirements
All certificated or non-certificated crew assigned specific duties must ensure their training for the respective
proficiencies is current. The ancillary certificate requirements are as follows:

for safety, security or pollution prevention duties, a current STCW basic training ancillary certificate
(A-VI/1 of STCW)

to launch or be in charge of survival craft or a rescue boat, a certificate of proficiency in survival
craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (A-VI/2 of STCW)

to launch or be in charge of a fast rescue boat, a certificate of proficiency in fast rescue boats (AVI/2 of STCW)

to control fire-fighting operations, a certificate of proficiency in advanced fire fighting (A-VI/3 of
STCW)

to provide medical first aid, a certificate of proficiency in medical first aid (A-VI/4 of STCW)

to take charge of medical first aid or medical care, a certificate of proficiency in charge of medical
care (A-VI/4 of the STCW code).
To maintain currency, the ancillary certificate holder needs to keep records of any on-board training and
any additional refresher training undertaken in the previous five years.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 13 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
5.1 Currency
From 1 January 2017, seafarers who are required under STCW to hold certificates in the following ancillary
proficiencies must provide evidence every five years of having maintained the required standards of
competence to undertake the required tasks, duties and responsibilities:

basic training (personal survival techniques, and fire prevention and fire fighting)

proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats

proficiency in fast rescue boats

advanced fire fighting.
Seafarers renewing their certificates after 1 January 2017 must submit documentary evidence of having
completed MNZ-approved updating or refresher training where required.
Seafarers applying to renew a certificate of competency before 1 January 2017 do not need to provide the
documentary evidence to MNZ. In order for your certificate to be valid for service beyond 31 December
2016, you must still complete any relevant refresher training before 1 January 2017.
If you are using alternatives to sea service for renewing your certificates of competency, you will not be
able to sit the refresher course. This is because the refresher courses require sea time and completion of
on-board drills that cannot be checked in the classroom.
Ongoing competence
Evidence of ongoing competence is not required for the following proficiencies:

medical first aid

medical care

ship security officer.
Although there is no requirement in STCW or the maritime rules, MNZ strongly recommends that medical
proficiency certificates (such as first aid, medical first aid and medical care) are kept current. These
certificates normally have a set expiry date (often two years) unless the holder completes refresher training.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 14 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
5.2 Safety familiarisation
All certificated and non-certificated crew of ships operating under STCW and the International Convention
for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) must have completed safety familiarisation training for the ship they
will be serving on, as detailed in A-VI/1.1 of STCW. This involves on-board training carried out by the
operator of the ship (in accordance with the vessel’s safety management system).
Ongoing competence
There are no ongoing competence requirements, other than those set out in a ship’s ISM manual (such as
for drills).
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 15 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
5.3 Passenger safety
All designated crew and officers on passenger ships who have specific responsibilities on passenger ships
must have the relevant additional ancillary proficiency training, as set out in the table below.
Table 2
Passenger ship requirements
Responsibility
Assigned crew
Officers
On-board service
Ancillary proficiency in safety
training (passengers in passenger
space)
Ancillary proficiency in safety training
(passengers in passenger space)
(applies to assigned officers)
Embarking/disembarking
passengers,
loading/unloading/securing
cargo, closing hull
openings
Ancillary proficiency in passenger
safety, cargo safety and hull
integrity
Ancillary proficiency in passenger
safety, cargo safety and hull integrity
(applies to master, chief mate, chief
engineer, second engineer)
Assist in emergency
response
Ancillary proficiency in crowd
management
Ancillary proficiency in crowd
management (applies to all officers)
Safety of passengers in
emergency situations
Ancillary proficiency in crisis
management and human behaviour
Ancillary proficiency in crisis
management and human behaviour
(applies to all officers)
Table 3
Passenger ship training requirements
Ancillary proficiency
STCW standard
Crowd management training
Section A-V/2.1
Safety training (passengers in passenger space)
Section A-V/2.2
Crisis management and human behaviour
Section A-V/2.3
Passenger safety, cargo safety and hull integrity training
Section A-V/2.4
Acceptable evidence
You must be able to provide documentary evidence of having completed:

on-board training provided by your master or operator

a training course by a training provider approved by the Director of MNZ.
Ongoing competence
Ongoing competence is required, and you must be able to provide evidence that you have completed
refresher training or maintained competence (for example, through on-board refresher training) during the
past five years.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 16 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
5.4 Security
Operators of ships required to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS
code) are required to ensure that seafarers have the appropriate security training as set out in their ship
security plan.
Operators will require seafarers who work on ISPS ships to meet STCW requirements for security-related
training. All seafarers who wish to work on such ships should have completed security familiarisation and
security awareness training. STCW also requires seafarers with designated security duties and ship
security officers to have completed additional training.
Security familiarisation
All certificated and non-certificated crew on passenger ships on international voyages (that is, those
required to comply with the ISPS code) should have completed security familiarisation training that meets
the requirements of A-VI/6.1 of STCW.
Training is usually provided by the ship security officer but can be given by an equally qualified person
approved by the ship’s operator. The operator must provide the seafarer with documentary evidence that
they have received the security familiarisation training.
Security awareness
From 1 January 2014, all seafarers seeking new certificates or renewing existing certificates who wish to
work on ISPS ships should complete security awareness training that meets the requirements set out in
Table A-VI/6-1 of STCW.
Training
To meet the STCW standard for work on an ISPS ship, the seafarer must attend and pass a training
course, or complete on-board training, that is acceptable to the Director of MNZ under the Maritime
Security Act 2004 as meeting the training and competency standards set out in Table A-VI/6-1 of STCW.
Security awareness training may be part of the training required for a certificate of proficiency or
competency, or a separate course acceptable to the Director under the Maritime Security Act. Training
may also be provided as part of an approved on-board training programme run by the ship’s operator.
Acceptable evidence
MNZ will accept documentary evidence issued by your training provider or ship operator (generally in the
form of a certificate), which must detail the STCW standards passed. If you do not provide this ancillary
certificate, your certificate will have a condition stating that without a current proficiency in security
awareness training (STCW A-VI/6-1), it is not valid for vessels that ISPS applies to.
MNZ does not issue security awareness certificates.
A list of training providers that provide security awareness training courses can be found on MNZ’s
website: maritimenz.govt.nz/seafarers.
Ongoing competence
There are no ongoing competence requirements.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 17 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
Seafarers with designated security duties
After 1 January 2014, to meet the STCW standard for work on an ISPS ship, all seafarers who have
designated security duties on board ISPS ships should complete the training requirements set out in Table
A-VI/6-2 of STCW.
From 1 January 2017, all seafarers who work on an ISPS ship should hold an endorsement or a certificate
of ancillary proficiency in designated security duties.
Training
You should attend and pass a training course or complete on-board training that is acceptable to the
Director of MNZ under the Maritime Security Act 2004 as meeting the training and competency standards
set out in Table A-VI/6-2 of STCW.
Designated security duties training may be part of the training course for a certificate of competency or
proficiency, or a separate course acceptable to the Director under the Maritime Security Act. Training may
also be provided as part of an approved on-board training programme run by the ship’s operator.
Acceptable evidence
MNZ does not issue designated security duties certificates.
Ongoing competence
There are no ongoing competency requirements.
Ship security officers
The ship security officer is the seafarer on board a ship who is designated by the ship’s operators as
responsible for the security of the ship, including the implementation and maintenance of the ship security
plan, and for liaison with the port facility security officer.
The ship security officer should hold a certificate of proficiency that has been issued in accordance with
regulation VI/5 of STCW.
Sea service
The seafarer should have at least 12 months’ sea service on an ISPS-code ship, including experience and
knowledge of ship operations.
Training
The seafarer should attend and pass a training course acceptable to the Director under the Maritime
Security Act 2004 as meeting the training and competency standards set out in Table A-VI/5 of STCW.
MNZ does not issue ship security officer certificates.
A list of training providers that provide ship security officer training courses can be found on MNZ’s
website: maritimenz.govt.nz/seafarers.
Ongoing competence
There are no ongoing competency requirements. However, a ship security officer is expected to maintain
competence through effective oversight and implementation of the ship’s security plan.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 18 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
5.5 STCW basic training
Current STCW basic training is required for all STCW certificates issued by MNZ. STCW basic training has
four components:

personal survival

fire prevention and fire fighting

elementary first aid

personal safety and social responsibilities.
Training requirements
Training standards
Table 4
Required training and competency standards
Proficiency
Standard
STCW
National award equivalent
Personal survival
Table A-VI/1-1
US 12309
Fire prevention and fire fighting
Table A-VI/1-2
US 4138
Elementary first aid
Table A-VI/1-3
6400, 6401, 6402
or 6400, 26551, 26522
Personal safety and social
responsibilities
Table A-VI/1-4
None available, but may be provided as part of a
training scheme approved by NZQA
Training providers may also apply for a course for
this specific component to be approved by the
Director of MNZ
Training courses
Training is usually part of the wider training course for STCW certificates of competency.
Training for STCW basic training may also be provided as a single course covering all components,
provided it covers the required STCW standards and has either been approved:

under the Education Act

or by the Director of MNZ.
Your training provider must be registered or accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
to provide training for each of the required national awards.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 19 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
Acceptable evidence
STCW certificates of proficiency
Applicants for STCW certificates of proficiency and the Radio Operator certificate of competency are
required to provide documentary evidence that they have attended and passed basic training.
This requirement applies to the following certificates of proficiency:

Deck Watch Rating

Engine Room Watch Rating

Able Seafarer Deck

Able Seafarer Engine

Integrated Rating

Electro-technical Rating

Tanker endorsements or certificates of proficiency.
The evidence should be issued by the training provider and include:

a unique reference number

the STCW standards passed

the date of issue

the training provider’s NZQA registration/accreditation number and/or MNZ course approval
number.
This evidence may be provided individually for each component or as a single document covering all
components of STCW basic training.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 20 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
STCW certificates of competency
Applicants for STCW certificates of competency are not required to provide documentary evidence of
basic training proficiencies when they apply for their certificate, provided they have completed and passed
training for the STCW certificate of competency that is accepted or approved by the Director.
This applies to the following certificates of competency:

Watchkeeper Deck <500GT Near-Coastal

Master <500GT Near-Coastal

Watchkeeper Deck

Master <500GT

Mate <3000GT

Master <3000GT

Mate

Master

Marine Engineer Class 3

Marine Engineer Class 2 <3000kW

Marine Engineer Class 2

Marine Engineer Class 2 endorsed chief engineer

Marine Engineer Class 1

Electro-technical Officer.
Other jurisdiction requirements
Some jurisdictions may require seafarers’ evidence of having completed STCW basic safety training to be:

provided separately (even if it is part of training requirements for the current certificate of
competency they hold)

documented in a single STCW-F basic safety training certificate.
Although there is no requirement in STCW for a seafarer to provide this evidence, if you intend to use your
certificate in other jurisdictions you should ask your training provider to issue a single STCW basic safety
training certificate where possible (for example, in addition to any higher course or qualification for an
STCW certificate of competency).
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 21 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
Ongoing competence
From 1 January 2017, seafarers must provide evidence every five years of having maintained the required
standards of competence in basic training (except for the personal safety and responsibility and elementary
first aid components – although a current first aid certificate must be held).
Table 5
Renewal requirements for personal survival techniques
Competence
On-board training and experience
Refresher course
Survive at sea in the
event of ship
abandonment
Don a lifejacket
Don and use an immersion suit
Board a survival craft from the ship
while wearing a lifejacket
Safely jump from a height into the
water
Take initial actions on boarding a
lifeboat to enhance chance of survival
Right an inverted liferaft while wearing
a lifejacket
Stream a lifeboat drogue or sea
anchor
Swim while wearing a lifejacket
Keep afloat without a lifejacket
Operate survival craft equipment
Operate location devices, including
radio equipment
Table 6
Renewal requirements for fire prevention and fire fighting
Competence
On-board training and experience
Refresher course
Fight and extinguish
fires
Use self-contained breathing
apparatus
Use various types of portable fire
extinguishers
Effect a rescue in a smoke-filled
space, using an approved smokegenerating device aboard, while
wearing a breathing apparatus
Extinguish smaller fires, such as
electrical, oil or propane fires
Extinguish extensive fires with water,
using jet and spray nozzles
Extinguish fires with foam, powder or
any other suitable chemical agent
Enter and pass through, with lifeline
but without breathing apparatus, a
compartment into which highexpansion foam has been injected
Fight fire in smoke-filled enclosed
spaces wearing self-contained
breathing apparatus
Extinguish fire with water fog or any
other suitable fire-fighting agent in an
accommodation room or simulated
engine-room fire and heavy smoke
Extinguish oil fire with fog applicator
and spray nozzles, dry chemical
powder or foam applicators
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 22 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
Acceptable evidence
On-board training and experience is acceptable for maintaining the required standard for some of the
competencies for personal survival and fire-prevention and fire-fighting proficiencies. Records should be
kept of this on-board training and experience (usually a letter from the shipping company).
The remaining competencies need to be demonstrated through completion of an approved training or
refresher course that is accepted or approved by the Director.
The approved training provider will assess whether the on-board training and experience meets the
required standards and issue a new STCW basic training certificate, if the seafarer passes the required
training. This certificate should include:

a unique reference number

the STCW standards met

the date of issue

the training provider’s NZQA registration/accreditation number and/or MNZ course approval
number.
The evidence may be provided individually for each component or as a single document covering all
components of STCW basic training.
MNZ does not renew STCW basic safety training certificates.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 23 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
5.6 Survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue
boats
Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (PISC) is required for the
following certificates issued by MNZ:

Able Seafarer Deck

Integrated Rating

Watchkeeper Deck <500GT Near-Coastal

Master <500GT Near-Coastal

Watchkeeper Deck

Master <500GT

Mate <3000GT

Master <3000GT

Chief Mate

Master

Chief Mate Yacht

Master Yacht <500GT

Master Yacht

Electro-technical Officer

Mate Fishing Vessel – Unlimited

Skipper Fishing Vessel – Unlimited

Marine Engineer Class 4

Marine Engineer Class 3

Marine Engineer Class 2 <3000kW

Marine Engineer Class 2

Marine Engineer Class 2 endorsed chief engineer

Marine Engineer Class 1
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 24 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
Requirements
To get this ancillary certificate of proficiency, you need to:

be 18 years or over

obtain and provide evidence of the minimum sea service requirements

meet the training requirements.
Sea service
You must complete a minimum of 12 months’ sea service on board ships 24m or more operating beyond
restricted limits
(Your training provider will assess whether you meet the sea service requirements before issuing you with
the certificate.)
Training
You must attend and pass a training course that meets the training and competency standards as set out
in Table A-VI/2-1 of STCW.
Proficiency in survival craft training is usually included as part the wider training for the certificate of
competency applied for. However, some training providers are also able to offer specific training courses
that have either been approved:

under the Education Act

or by the Director of MNZ.
Acceptable evidence
MNZ will accept documentary evidence issued by your training provider (generally in the form of a
certificate), which must detail the STCW standards passed.
MNZ does not issue proficiency in survival craft certificates.
A list of training providers that provide proficiency in survival craft training courses can be found on MNZ’s
website: maritimenz.govt.nz/seafarers
Ongoing competence
From 1 January 2017, seafarers must provide evidence every five years of having maintained the required
standards of proficiency in survival craft.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 25 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
Table 7 Renewal requirements for PISC
Competence
On-board training and experience
Training course
Take charge of a
survival craft or
rescue boat during
and after launch
Interpret the markings on survival craft
for the number of persons they are
intended to carry
Give correct commands for launching
and boarding survival craft, clearing
the ship and handling and
disembarking persons from survival
craft
Prepare and safely launch survival craft
and clear the ship’s side quickly
Safely recover survival craft and rescue
boats
Use portable radio equipment for
survival craft
Right an inverted liferaft while wearing
a lifejacket
Manage survivors
and survival craft
after abandoning ship
Row and steer a boat and steer by
compass
Use individual items of survival craft
equipment, except for pyrotechnics
Rig devices to aid location
Use locating devices,
including
communication and
signalling apparatus
Use portable radio equipment for
survival craft
Apply first aid to
survivors
Acceptable evidence
On-board training and experience is acceptable for maintaining the required standard for some of the
competencies. Records should be kept of this on-board training and experience (usually a letter from the
shipping company).
The remaining competencies need to be demonstrated through completion of an approved training or
refresher course that is acceptable to or approved by the Director.
The approved training provider will assess whether the on-board training and experience meets the
required standards and issue a new proficiency in survival craft certificate if the seafarer passes the
required refresher training. This certificate should include:

a unique reference number

the STCW standards met

the date of issue

the training provider’s NZQA registration/accreditation number and/or MNZ course approval
number.
MNZ does not renew proficiency in survival craft certificates.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 26 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
5.7 Fast rescue boats
Seafarers who are assigned fast rescue boat duties and responsibilities must hold a certificate in
proficiency in fast rescue boats.
Requirements
To get this ancillary certificate of proficiency you need to:

be 18 years or over

hold an ancillary certificate in proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue
boats

meet the training requirements.
Training
You must attend and pass a training course approved by the Director of MNZ as meeting the training and
competency standards set out in Table A-VI/2-2 of STCW.
A list of training providers that provide proficiency in fast rescue boat training courses can be found on
MNZ’s website: maritimenz.govt.nz
Acceptable evidence
MNZ will accept documentary evidence issued by your training provider (generally in the form of a
certificate), which must detail the STCW standards passed.
MNZ does not issue certificates of proficiency in fast rescue boats.
Ongoing competence
From 1 January 2017, seafarers must, provide evidence every five years of having maintained the required
standards of competence in fast rescue boats.
Table 8
Renewal requirements for proficiency in fast rescue boats
Competence
On-board training and experience
Training course
Take charge of a fast
rescue boat during
and after launch
Control safe launching and recovery of
a fast rescue boat
Right a capsized fast rescue boat
Handle a fast rescue boat in prevailing
weather and sea conditions
Recover a casualty from the water and
transfer a casualty to a rescue
helicopter, ship or place of safety
Use communications and signalling
equipment between the fast rescue
boat and a helicopter and ship
Carry out search patterns, taking
account of environmental factors
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 27 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
Acceptable evidence
On-board training and experience is acceptable for maintaining the required standard for some of the
competencies. Records should be kept of this on-board training and experience (usually a letter from the
shipping company).
The remaining competencies need to be demonstrated through completion of an approved training or
refresher course that is acceptable to or approved by the Director.
The approved training provider will assess whether the on-board training and experience meets the
required standards and issue a new fast rescue boat certificate if the seafarer passes the required refresher
training. This certificate should include:

a unique reference number

the STCW standards met

the date of issue

the training provider’s NZQA registration/accreditation number and/or MNZ course approval
number.
MNZ does not renew fast rescue boat certificates.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 28 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
5.8 Advanced fire fighting
Proficiency in advanced fire fighting is required for the following certificates issued by MNZ:

Watchkeeper Deck <500GT Near-Coastal

Master <500GT Near-Coastal

Watchkeeper Deck

Master <500GT

Mate <3000GT

Master <3000GT

Chief Mate

Master

Chief Mate Yacht

Master Yacht <500GT

Master Yacht

Electro-technical Officer

Mate Fishing Vessel – Unlimited

Skipper Fishing Vessel – Unlimited

Marine Engineer Class 4

Marine Engineer Class 3

Marine Engineer Class 2 <3000kW

Marine Engineer Class 2

Marine Engineer Class 2 endorsed chief engineer

Marine Engineer Class 1

Tanker endorsements or certificates of proficiency.
Training
You must attend and pass a training course that meets the training and competency standards set out in
Table A-VI/3 of STCW.
Proficiency in advanced fire fighting training is usually included as part the wider training for the certificate
of competency applied for. However, some training providers are also able to offer specific training courses
for advanced fire fighting that have been approved:

under the Education Act

or by the Director of MNZ.
A list of training providers who provide proficiency in advanced fire fighting training courses can be found
on MNZ’s website: maritimenz.govt.nz/seafarers
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 29 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
Ongoing competence
From 1 January 2017, seafarers must provide evidence every five years of having maintained the required
standards of proficiency in advanced fire fighting training.
Table 9
Renewal requirements for advanced fire fighting
Competence
Control fire-fighting
operations aboard
ships
On-board experience and training
Training course
Fire-fighting procedures at sea and in
port, with particular emphasis on
organisation, tactics and command
Use of water for fire extinguishing,
effect on ship stability, precautions and
corrective procedures
Communication and coordination
during fire-fighting operations
Fire fighting involving dangerous goods
Ventilation control, including smoke
extraction
Control of fuel and electrical systems
Fire-fighting process hazards (dry
distillation, chemical reactions, boiler
uptake)
Fire precautions and hazards
associated with storage and handling
of materials
Management and control of injured
persons
Procedures for coordination with
shore-based fire fighters
Acceptable evidence
On-board training and experience is acceptable for maintaining the required standard for some of the
competencies. Records should be kept of this on-board training and experience (usually a letter from the
shipping company).
The remaining competencies need to be demonstrated through completion of an approved training or
refresher course that is acceptable to or approved by the Director.
The approved training provider will assess whether the on-board training and experience meets the
required standards and issue a new advanced fire fighting certificate if the seafarer successfully passes the
required refresher training. This certificate should include:

a unique reference number

the STCW standards met

the date of issue

the training provider’s NZQA registration/accreditation number and/or MNZ course approval
number.
MNZ does not renew advanced fire fighting certificates.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 30 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
5.9 Medical first aid on board ship
Proficiency in medical first aid is required for the following certificates issued by MNZ:

Watchkeeper Deck <500GT Near-Coastal

Master <500GT Near-Coastal

Watchkeeper Deck

Electro-technical Officer

Mate Fishing Vessel – Unlimited

Skipper Fishing Vessel – Unlimited

Marine Engineer Class 3

Marine Engineer Class 2 <3000kW

Marine Engineer Class 2

Marine Engineer Class 2 endorsed chief engineer

Marine Engineer Class 1.
Training
You must attend and pass a training course that is approved by the Director of MNZ as meeting the
training and competency standards set out in Table A-VI/4-1 of STCW.
A list of training providers that provide medical first aid training courses can be found on MNZ’s website:
maritimenz.govt.nz/seafarers.
Ongoing competence
It is recommended that your medical first aid certificate should be current (valid) at all times. This means
you should attend and pass any refresher training required by the training provider that issued your
certificate, to maintain its validity.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 31 of 32
5. STCW ancillary proficiency requirements (continued)
5.10 Medical care on board ship
Proficiency in medical care is required for the following certificates issued by MNZ:

Master <500GT

Mate <3000GT

Master <3000GT

Chief Mate

Master

Chief Mate Yacht

Master Yacht <500GT

Master Yacht.
Training
You must attend and pass a training course that is approved by the Director of MNZ as meeting the
training and competency standards set out in Table A-VI/4-2 of STCW.
A list of training providers that provide medical care training courses can be found on MNZ’s website:
maritimenz.govt.nz/seafarers
Ongoing competence
It is recommended that your medical care certificate should be current (valid) at all times. This means you
should attend and pass any refresher training required by the training provider that issued your certificate,
to maintain its validity.
Ancillary proficiencies – Guidance for seafarers
Page 32 of 32