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Renewing STCW-F and aligned certificates

Fishing certificates for vessels operating in unlimited waters and vessels of 24 metres and more overall length operating in coastal and offshore limits are aligned with the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995 (STCW-F).

These STCW‑F and STCW‑F‑aligned certificates must be renewed every 5 years. 

Certificates covered 

This renewal requirement applies to the following STCW‑F certificates: 

  • Mate Fishing Vessel (MFV) 

  • Skipper Fishing Vessel (SFV) 

  • Mate Fishing Vessel – Unlimited (MFV‑U) 

  • Skipper Fishing Vessel – Unlimited (SFV‑U). 

It also applies to these STCW‑F‑aligned engineering certificates: 

  • Marine Engineer Class 4 (MEC 4) 

  • Marine Engineer Class 5 (MEC 5) 

  • Marine Engineer Class 5 – motor and steam (MEC 5 Motor and Steam). 

Medical fitness and fit and proper person requirements 

To renew an STCW‑F or STCW‑F‑aligned certificate, you must: 

  • show that your medical fitness and eyesight meet the required standards for the certificate you hold 

  • meet Maritime NZ’s fit and proper person requirements. 

Sea‑service requirements 

You must provide evidence of one of the following: 

  • at least 12 months of sea service during the previous 5 years, or 

  • at least 3 months of sea service during the previous 6 months. 

Your sea service must: 

  • be on relevant vessels, and 

  • involve functions appropriate to the certificate you hold. 

If you do not meet these sea‑service requirements, alternatives may be available. These may include: 

  • a practical competency assessment, and/or 

  • further training appropriate for skippers and officers serving on fishing vessels, particularly for seafarers returning to fishing‑vessel service. 

  • Engineering Certificates that are STCW-F aligned may submit national renewal sea service to receive a certificate limited to national privileges only. Follow link for information on national certificate sea service renewal options. 

The Director of Maritime NZ may also accept appropriate fishing‑vessel operational duties in certain non‑seagoing positions as equivalent to sea service as a skipper or officer on fishing vessels, where these duties are considered at least equivalent. 

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PDF 192 kB, 3 pages
Certificate renewal sea service fact sheets (opens in new tab)

Ancillary certificates 

There is no regulatory requirement to renew basic or advanced safety training for STCW‑F and STCW‑F‑aligned certificates. However, Maritime NZ strongly recommends that you: 

  • keep first‑aid and medical training current, and 

  • consider maintaining any STCW ancillary proficiency training that supports your role. 

Renewal of New Zealand STCW-F-Aligned certificates
PDF: 352 kB, 13 pages
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