A: This review is all about making sure that New Zealand's maritime qualifications and the operational limits linked to those qualifications meet industry needs. The current qualifications and operational limits framework presents a number of challenges for commercial operators. We want to design a framework that will enable New Zealand's commercial maritime sector to function effectively, while supporting Maritime New Zealand's objectives for safe, secure and clean seas.

Q: My current qualifications are just fine for my business. Why are you changing things?

A: While the current qualifications framework may already meet some people's requirements, there are inconsistencies and there is room for improvement. We want consistent, widely recognised levels of competence across the industry. The review is an opportunity for the maritime community to tell us what kind of structure they would like to see put in place.

Q: What will this review deliver?

A: The outcome of the review will be relevant qualifications and appropriate operational limits that meet industry needs while ensuring the safety of vessels, their crew, passengers and cargo, and protection of the marine environment.

Q: Will this dumb down the industry?

A: No. The high standard of maritime qualifications for which New Zealand is known will continue to be maintained. We want to update and rationalise qualifications and align them better with operational limits, making sure they are 'fit for purpose'.

Q: What's different about this review – consultation about amendments to parts 31/32/34 that have been going on for some years?

A: There have been a number of ad hoc changes to rules in the past. This time MNZ is taking a fresh look at all of its certificates. The QOL Review is not about a quick fix or tweaks. It's about laying the foundation for a robust, responsive and sustainable framework that will meet the needs of the commercial maritime sector, now and in the future.

Q: How is this going to affect me?

A: It's too early to tell what shape the new framework may take and how it may affect different people. However, it will provide for relevant qualifications that equip people with the competencies they need on the water and operational limits that are appropriate for crew skill levels, as well as the type of vessel.

Q: Will my certificate still be recognised?

A: Existing qualifications will be transferred to the new framework with appropriate recognition of your skills and experience. However, as a result of the review, MNZ may introduce new certification standards that will need to be met to continue to operate. As with other industries, there may be a requirement to renew certificates periodically. It's about staying current and relevant and keeping up with new technology and safety requirements. Any changes will be made with full industry consultation.

Q: How long will this review take?

A: The QOL Review is the first step in a long-term programme led by MNZ to rationalise and update current maritime qualifications and operational limits. The 2-year review will recommend changes to maritime rules. Any changes to rules will require changes to legislation and have to be approved by Parliament first. This means any changes to qualifications or operational limits are unlikely to be introduced before 2013.

Q: What's going to happen in the meantime?

A: We have to work with existing legislation. This means all current rules and qualifications remain in force until the new qualifications and operational limits framework is introduced.

Q: Will you be bringing in revalidation of certificates?

A: We don't know the answer to that yet. Revalidation isn't consistent at the moment. During the review we will be looking at the issue of revalidation and the best way to ensure that commercial operators stay up to date. We want your views on this.

Q: Will I have to resit an exam or requalify?

A: It is unknown at this stage what impact the review will have on individual seafarer's qualifications. However, if you wish to do more than you do now you may need to do some extra training. The only time you might have to sit another exam would be to gain a higher-level qualification.

Q: Will companies be disadvantaged if employees' old tickets are transitioned to a new qualification, for example, will they need to pay the cost of upgrading courses, exams, time off, etc?

A: We don't know at this stage. We'll be looking at the implications of moving to a new framework and make decisions based on full information.

Q: Can I still do what I do now with my ticket?

A: It depends on your ticket. There's such a broad range of qualifications and the review plans to streamline these. We haven't decided on the new framework yet. However, valid skills and experience will be recognised when we transition to the new framework.

Q: Will requirements for sea time change?

A: Many skills can only be mastered through time at sea. However, it is acknowledged that some current requirements for sea time for certification are not aligned with the actual demands of the job. This is one of the issues that will be considered as part of the review.

Q: To what extent will recreational sea time be recognised?

A: This will be one of the things the review looks at.

Q: How will the existing rules process impact on the review?

A: Amendments to rules that are in progress will be considered as part of this review.

Q: Is it going to cost me more?

A: We don't know at this stage. This review isn't intended as a way of increasing licensing fees. We are very conscious of any impacts of costs on business and will try to keep these to a minimum.

Q: Are the current operational limits likely to change?

A: There may be some changes to operational limits to better align them with qualifications and enable the commercial maritime sector to function more effectively. MNZ acknowledges that the issue of operational limits is critical to many people's ability to earn a living. We need to strike the right balance between commercial needs and the requirement to operate safely.

Q: MNZ has already dropped some useful qualifications, such as the Coastal Master's Certificate, are there any plans to bring these back?

A: It is unknown at this stage what qualifications will form part of the final framework. However, the review consultation process gives people an opportunity to voice any concerns about qualifications which have been removed, and these will be considered, along with other feedback.

Q: Will the new QOL framework recognise Coastguard and Royal Yachting Association qualifications?

A: We don't know yet. This will be considered as part of the review.

Q: Are SOLAS ships within the scope of this review?

A: Yes. Although the main focus of the review is on domestic maritime qualifications we will be looking at issues affecting larger ships, such as entry points from domestic qualifications.

Q: Why do we have to adhere to STCW for SOLAS ships?

A: New Zealand has an obligation as a member of the international maritime community to comply with the requirements of the convention we have signed.

Q: Will crewing levels for coastal shipping be in the scope?

A: Yes.

Q: Will I be able to transfer my qualifications under the new structure so I can work in other parts of the industry?

A: Yes, as you can now, but the review aims to introduce greater flexibility to enter and move within the industry.

Q: Will the review change the way industry training is delivered?

A: MNZ may come up with new syllabuses as a result of this review, but it is up to training organisations to develop courses to meet syllabus requirements and to decide how they deliver these.

Q: Why don't we just copy what Australia does?

A: Our priority is to provide qualifications for New Zealand boats. However, we are looking closely at the current changes going on in Australia to see if we can achieve synergies, where appropriate.

Q: How will the industry be involved in designing the new framework?

A: The industry will have an active role in shaping the future QOL framework through a staged consultation process. The information gathered from initial interviews with a cross-section of the maritime community in 2009, and wider industry comment on the key issues identified, will help direct the development of a proposed new framework. This will be released to the industry for consultation in September 2010. MNZ will hold a national roadshow to present the proposal, visiting all major ports and regions. Industry feedback will be used to fine-tune the framework. The final proposal will be reviewed with representatives from each type of maritime operation. So the industry will have a voice all along the way.

Q: Who gets to decide the new framework?

A: MNZ will make the final decision. This will be based on feedback from the maritime community, as well as MNZ requirements. While we can not promise to satisfy everyone, we will do our best to develop a framework that is robust, practical and future focused and reflects the needs of the maritime community.

Q: How can I have my say?

A: There will be numerous opportunities to have your say as the review progresses. MNZ will widely publicise these and the national roadshow dates, and advise you how to provide feedback.

Q: What do you expect from me?

A: It would be great to have your input to this review because you know your business better than we do. We welcome your ideas on how to improve the current QOL framework and encourage you to get involved.

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 Review at any time to: qolreview@maritimenz.govt.nz
or you can post them to Maritime New Zealand, attention QOL Review,
PO Box 27006, Marion Square, Wellington 6141.