27 September 2010
A proposed new and improved qualifications and operational limits framework (QOL framework) for New Zealand seafarers has been released today by Maritime NZ (MNZ) for consultation.
All holders of MNZ qualifications are affected by the proposed changes and invited to comment on them.
“The outcome we want to achieve is 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,” says QOL Review Principal Maritime Advisor John Mansell.
“Working in partnership with industry, MNZ has completely reviewed its current qualifications and the operational limits linked to them. We took a fresh look at what commercial operators actually do and what they want to do, identifying the issues, challenges and opportunities they face.
“The proposed QOL framework seeks to address these issues. It is an integrated package that better supports industry while retaining what is good with the current framework and adhering to New Zealand’s international obligations. We believe it reflects the diversity of New Zealand’s commercial maritime operations and provides what they need to function effectively.”
Measurement of competence is central to the new framework; seafarers will have to demonstrate competence to gain, maintain and advance qualifications.
The proposed changes will have the greatest impact on people working within restricted limits (current enclosed and inshore limits) because this area has the highest level of maritime activity.
Key changes include a reduction in required sea time at entry level, the acceptance of recreational sea time towards qualifications and the ability to progress in the industry without having to gain sea time further out to sea.
There is a shift in emphasis from gaining sea time to proving competence, through assessment and examination. The focus on competence is carried through to revalidation. It’s proposed that this will be a requirement at all levels to ensure currency of skills and knowledge is maintained.
“This proposed framework recognises that many seafarers spend their entire career working near the coast and don’t want or need to gain higher qualifications to do their job,” says Mr Mansell. “People will be able to advance in their career by gaining experience and endorsement of specialist skills within the operational limits they work in. You won’t need a higher qualification unless you need new competencies.
“Commercial operators will be able to work within the full extent of the Exclusive Economic Zone using offshore qualifications.
“Certificates will clearly demonstrate privileges – where you can go and what you can do.
“These changes will reduce barriers to entry and provide logical pathways for careers in the commercial maritime industry while maintaining the quality of qualifications, which is a priority. We’ve taken a pragmatic and safety based approach to designing the framework with extensive input from industry,” Mr Mansell says.
“You can really sum up the key differences between the old framework and the new one in 3Cs – competence, consistency and clarity.
“All holders of MNZ qualifications will be required to transition to the new qualifications from 2013. This will happen gradually and helpfully. It’s MNZ’s intention that people will not be disadvantaged in the move to the new framework. If you wish to continue doing what you do now there is likely to be little impact - in fact, a lot of people will be able to do more.”
Throughout October and in early November, MNZ is holding presentations in 17 maritime centres to explain the proposed changes and receive verbal feedback. All members of the maritime community are invited to attend the QOL Review roadshow and comment on the proposal. (See attached QOL Review roadshow schedule.)
To see the full proposal and for information on how to make a submission, go to MNZ’s website at www.maritimenz.govt.nz/quals-limits
Printed copies of the proposal are available on request by emailing:qolreview@maritimenz.govt.nz or calling MNZ, phone 04 473 0111.
Submissions close on 19 November 2010.
For further information contact:
Maritime New Zealand Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
