Recognition of Australian certificates
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Working in New Zealand
To work on a New Zealand-flagged ship, you will need to have your Australian certificate recognised as an equivalent to a New Zealand certificate.
Due to differences between the Australian and New Zealand seafarer certification frameworks:
- it may not be possible to match the exact privileges of your Australian domestic certificate
- a New Zealand recognition cannot grant privileges that are greater than those of your original certificate
Corresponding New Zealand certificates, providing the closest match to your Australian certificate, can be found in the Australia-New Zealand seafarer certificate conversion tables.
Find out if your ticket is eligible
Starting work in New Zealand
You may begin working in the capacity of your corresponding New Zealand certificate while the Director considers your application, provided that:
- your application is correct and complete
During this period, you must adhere to any special conditions placed on your Australian certificate.
If your certificate is recognised, it will be acknowledged by way of an endorsement, a New Zealand certificate of competency or proficiency (as appropriate).
How to apply
These steps provide a basic overview of how to apply for recognition and is in accordance with the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997.
1. Before applying
If you have not done so already, consult the certificate conversion table.
2. Application form and documentation
Complete the application form and gather your supporting documents and identification photographs.
3. Send us your application
There are two options for you to send your application documents to MNZ, by courier and/or by email.
4. Confirmation your application is received
You will be invoiced once we have checked your application for completeness and formally received your application. A reference number and instructions explaining how to pay will be sent with the email.
See conditions of commencing work.
5. Pay the application fee
We must receive payment before we can finalise your application.
6. Application assessment
You may be asked to provide further information, or to participate in an exam or practical assessment.
7. Issue of certificate or endorsement
If you are successful, MNZ will issue you the certificate or endorsement.
If you are unsuccessful you may make an appeal.
To complete an application, you need to provide all of the information and documents we require.
If you do not provide all of the required information we cannot process your application and we will return it and your other documents to you.
Australia-New Zealand seafarer certificate conversion
Australian certificates eligible for recognition
| State or Northern Territory certificate | Australian certificate | New Zealand certificate |
|---|---|---|
| General Purpose Hand | General Purpose Hand NC | Qualified Deck Crew |
| Coxswain | Coxswain Grade 1 NC | Skipper Restricted Limits endorsed to carry 19 or more passengers |
| Coxswain (restricted to smooth or sheltered waters) | Coxswain Grade 1 NC (restricted to sheltered waters) | Skipper Restricted Limits |
| Master Class 5 Skipper Grade 3 Master Class 5/ Skipper Grade 3 Master Class V (Trading) Master Class 5 (Fishing) Master Class 5 (Trading and Fishing) |
Master <24m NC | Skipper Coastal/Offshore endorsed to carry 19 or more passengers; restricted to deck capacity only (unless also holds minimum MED 3) Skipper Restricted Limits endorsed to carry 19 or more passengers, endorsed less than 24m; restricted to deck capacity only (unless also holds minimum MED 3) |
| Master Class 4 Skipper Grade 2 Master Class IV (Trading) Master Class IV (Fishing) |
Master <45m NC | Skipper Coastal/Offshore restricted to deck capacity only (unless also holds minimum MED 3) Skipper Restricted Limits endorsed for vessels <500GT |
| Mate Class 4 Mate Class IV (Fishing) Mate Class IV (Trading) |
Master <24m NC | Skipper Restricted Limits endorsed less than 24m; restricted to serve as Mate Near Coastal |
| Master Class 3 Skipper Grade 1 Master Class III Trading) Master Class III (Fishing) |
Master <100m NC | Skipper Coastal/Offshore restricted to deck capacity only (unless also holds minimum MED 3) |
| Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 | Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 NC | Marine Engineer Class 6 Restricted to near coastal / limited waters* |
| Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 | Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 NC | Marine Engineer Class 5 Restricted to near coastal / limited waters* |
| Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 | Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 NC | Marine Engineer Class 4 Restricted to near coastal / limited waters* |
| Engineer Class 3 (EC3) NC | Marine Engineer Class 4 Restricted to near coastal / limited waters* |
*To remove this limitation you will need to sit and pass an oral exam which focusses on engineering on board large fishing vessels.
If your certificate is unlisted - please contact us with a scanned copy of your certificate, including details.
Australian STCW certificates eligible for recognition
| Australian certificate | Equivalent New Zealand STCW certificate |
|---|---|
| Able Seaman | Able Seafarer Deck |
| Deck Rating | Deck Watch Rating |
| Master | Master |
| Master less than 3000 GT | Master on ships less than 3000GT |
| Master less than 500 GT | Master on ships less than 500GT |
| Chief Mate | Chief Mate |
| Chief Mate less than 3000 GT | Chief Mate on ships less than 3000GT |
| Mate less than 500 GT | Chief Mate on ships less than 500GT |
| GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate | GMDSS Radio Operator |
| Engineer Watchkeeper - Steam | Marine Engineer Class 3 (Steam certificate) |
| Engineer Watchkeeper - Motor | Marine Engineer Class 3 (Motor certificate) |
| Engineer Watchkeeper - Steam & Motor | Marine Engineer Class 3 (combined motor and steam certificate) |
| Engineer Class 2 – Steam | Marine Engineer Class 2 (Steam certificate) |
| Engineer Class 2 – Motor | Marine Engineer Class 2 (Motor certificate) |
| Engineer Class 2 - Steam & Motor | Marine Engineer Class 2 (combined motor and steam certificate) |
| Engineer Class 1 – Steam | Marine Engineer Class 1 (Steam certificate) |
| Engineer Class 1 – Motor | Marine Engineer Class 1 (Motor certificate) |
| Engineer Class 1 - Steam & Motor | Marine Engineer Class 1 (combined motor and steam certificate) |
If your STCW certificate is unlisted - please contact us with a scanned copy of your certificate, including details.
Contact us
E-mail:
seafarers@maritimenz.govt.nz
Review of decision
You may request that the Director of Maritime New Zealand review any decision relating to your application by writing to:
The Director
Maritime New Zealand
PO Box 25620
WELLINGTON 6140