A: MNZ is introducing a new, integrated framework that better supports industry needs. All qualification holders will be moved onto the new framework. This will happen progressively from 2013. Guidance will be provided on how this will happen.

Q: Will our qualifications still have the same status overseas?

A: Maintaining the quality of our qualifications is a priority. The development of the new qualifications and operational limits framework has been directed by a number of key design principles – including portability – so that New Zealand maritime qualifications are recognised and respected internationally.
The new QOL framework meets international maritime obligations and is aligned with equivalent overseas frameworks. We are working to ensure Australian and New Zealand certificates are aligned.

Q: Will I still be able to do the same activities that I do now?

A: Most ticket holders will be able to operate just as they can now. Some will have more privileges under the new framework, due to the extension of a number of operational limits and the introduction of two new ones to provide for specified and seasonal activities. It is our intention that people won't be disadvantaged in the move to the new framework.

Q: How will transition work?

A: The proposed new framework includes an indicative table of equivalent qualifications that will give you some guidance on how the transition will work for you. We will continue to work closely with industry to ensure a smooth transition process.. Advice will be provided ahead of time if any action is required from seafarers.

Q: Will I need to go back to school?

A:If you want to continue to do the same activities, then probably not. Details are still being worked through, but MNZ aims to make the transition from the current framework to the new one as fair as possible. Valid skills and experience will be recognised. Check the table in the new framework for likely equivalents for old and existing qualifications.

Download the Qualifications and Operational Limits (QOL) framework [PDF: 1.39Mb, 86 pages]

Q: Will this end up costing me more?

A: The introduction of a new QOL framework is not being used as an opportunity to raise costs. Licensing fees are set by regulation. We are very conscious of any impacts of costs on business and will keep these to a minimum.

While some aspects of the framework may increase costs, these will be balanced by potential cost savings in other areas. For instance, the framework provides for quicker entry into a command qualification so you can start earning more, sooner. Someone working in the inshore limit will now no longer have to leave their job to gain experience in the coastal limit to operate a vessel carrying a larger number of passengers in the inshore limit.

Q: 100 hours of sea time seems a small amount of time for a command qualification. Will this be enough to ensure someone is competent?

A: The new framework shifts the focus from lengthy sea service of variable quality to measurement of competence on the water through examination and assessment. We want to ensure that sea time is used for developing skills and knowledge.

Requirements for the new entry-level qualification include training, practical assessment, an oral examination and an evidence-based task book to be completed in a minimum of 100 hours' sea time. This comprehensive package is to ensure that candidates learn and demonstrate the necessary competencies to be in charge of a commercial vessel.

If someone is unable to complete the task book in 100 hours and demonstrate the necessary competencies, they will have to get more sea service.

Q: My work is in an area that will not qualify as a specified area, but there is no way my staff will get 100 hours' sea time to get Skipper restricted limits. Is there a more basic option for them?

A: Entry requirements for the most basic commercial qualification have been significantly reduced and recreational sea time will count towards this. The entry-level qualification must still ensure that the holder has the knowledge and competencies to operate on the water without jeopardising their safety or that of other vessels or crew.

Candidates who currently have difficulty meeting the entry-level qualifications LLO and ILM will benefit from the new Skipper restricted limits qualification.

Part 35 may also be used as an alternative to develop industry specific training.

Q: Does the introduction of specified areas mean that Part 35 is being removed?

A: No, both options will be available.

Q: Why do I have to get a qualification if I am operating in a very small area?

A: The Maritime Transport Act already applies to all vessels used in a commercial setting, no matter how small the vessel or the area it operates in. Apart from requiring revalidation of qualifications, the framework does not introduce any new requirements for small vessels above what is already required by the Act.

Q: Can my qualification for a vessel less than 24m be an STCW qualification?

A: Yes, but you will need to meet STCW requirements. That is, the competency levels required by STCW, ancillary certificates and additional seagoing service.

Q: Our organisation already has a task book. Will that be sufficient for gaining Skipper restricted limits?

A: To ensure consistent and fair assessment, it is envisaged that there will only be one version of the task book. The task book will be designed – with industry input – in the next phase of the QOL/Manila Implementation programme. Existing task books will be looked at as part of this process.

Q: What sort of things will be included in a practical assessment?

A: Many competencies are gained on the water, rather than on a course. The aim of practical assessment will be to verify that a candidate can demonstrate the competencies covered in the task book. The assessment process will be developed with industry input.

Q: How will task books work?

A: Task books will be evidence based, meaning that candidates will need to provide supporting information to show that they have completed specified activities. For instance this could include photographic evidence or a copy of charts.

Q: Who will assess the task books?

A: Task books will be assessed by MNZ-approved assessors, and examiners who may ask candidates about the activities recorded in their task book. This external practical assessment will verify that candidates have the required competencies and skills.

Vessel skippers will need to confirm that tasks have been carried out, but will not be responsible for assessing task books.

Q: Will qualifications be aligned with NZQA?

A: Alignment with NZQA is still being considered and will be investigated further in the next phase of the project. The competency-based approach to the qualifications and syllabuses does lend itself to alignment.

Q: Why is the framework aligned to STCW-F when we haven't ratified it yet?

A: It's about making sure our qualifications are recognised internationally. Alignment with STCW-F will help future-proof the framework so it doesn't need to be redesigned if STCW-F is ratified.

Over 90% of the fishing industry will not be affected by this alignment, as STCW-F will not apply to any vessel less than 24m in registered length in any limit, or to any vessel operating in sheltered waters or inshore limits.

Q: Why will STCW-95 be applied in the coastal limit?

A: We're providing a pathway to STCW qualifications so that our qualifications are recognised overseas. Applying STCW-10 to vessels 24m and over in the coastal limit means certificates will be portable to Australia and other countries with no further training required. Most STCW-10 requirements are already being met under existing qualifications.

Q: Will making Cook Strait a defined inshore limit mean that someone with the equivalent of an ILM could command the Cook Strait ferries?

A: No. Manning rules will make it very clear that this will not be possible. All vessels 3000GT or more will require unlimited qualifications, even in restricted limits.

Q: What are the implications of introducing STCW-10 to the coastal limit?

A: STCW-10 revalidation requirements will need to be met (see questions below for details). From an operational point of view, standards for minimum hours of rest will need to be met.

Q: Why have the near coastal qualifications for vessels 500 to 3000GT and 750 to 3000kW been removed?

A: There was little support from across the industry for including a suite of near-coastal qualifications for vessels 500–3000GT and 750–3000kW. The requirements to gain these qualifications are very similar to those for unlimited qualifications under STCW-10. For vessels 500GT or more in the coastal and offshore area, unlimited qualifications will be required, as is the case currently.

Q: When would the Director exercise discretion?

A: The Director may, for example, exercise discretion for vessels between 500 and 3000GT operating exclusively in restricted limits. Transparent guidelines will be published as to how and when discretion will be used.

Q: What will revalidation involve in restricted limits?

A: All qualification holders will need to revalidate their certificate every five years by completing:

six months' sea service in the previous five years, or
1.5 months' sea service during the previous three months, and
a medical examination that includes hearing and eyesight tests.

If you do not meet the sea time requirements you may need to do a refresher course or pass some form of competence assessment.

Q: What will revalidation involve in coastal and offshore limits?

A: Revalidation requirements for qualifications for vessels less than 24m in coastal and offshore limits will be the same as for restricted limits.

Holders of coastal and offshore qualifications for vessels 24m and over will need to revalidate their certificate every five years by completing:

12 months' sea service in the previous five years, or
three months' sea service during the previous six months, and
a medical examination that includes hearing and eyesight tests, and
• establish continued professional competence in accordance with section A-I/11 of the STCW Code.

If you do not meet the sea-going service requirements you will need to do a refresher course.

Q: What will revalidation cost?

A: The cost of your medical assessment and an administration fee to cover the cost of reissuing a certificate. The fee has not been determined yet.

Q: Why is revalidation being introduced in restricted limits if STCW-10 does not apply there?

A: Revalidation will ensure that qualification holders' skills are kept current and that they are medically fit. This is not an onerous or unusual requirement – ours is currently the only transport mode in New Zealand that doesn't require revalidation.

Q: Who can I contact for more information?

A: We've established a dedicated feedback line. You can email questions or comments about the QOL/Manila implementation programme at any time to: qol@maritimenz.govt.nz.