New Zealand Certificate in Marine Engineering Class 5 (Level 5)

NMIT is part of Te Pūkenga

This means that you will now graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more
Locations and dates

Nelson:

14 September 2026
Study options

Full-time and part-time study options available
Length

15 weeks full time
Total credits

55
Fees

2024: $3,395 plus $110 Student Services Levy

A Compulsory Student Services Levy applies (2025; $2.17 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.
National qualification code

NZ4321

Do you enjoy building and maintaining machines or systems? Are you a natural problem-solver? Do you thirst for adventure on the high seas? Why not turn your interest into a career as a Marine Engineer?

This programme is a significant stepping stone toward a worthwhile career as a seafarer.

Learn how to operate and maintain all the equipment and systems onboard a vessel.

Whether your interest is a new vessel construction and boat building or equipment maintenance and upgrades, this programme aims to provide you with practical maritime engineering skills. How you apply these skills is your choice - careers in the maritime industry are many and diverse (learn more below - under Careers).

Furthermore, if you want more information on International Maritime Institute of New Zealand click the link IMINZ.(external link)

Develop core skills needed to keep your crew and the environment safe

Marine Engineers ensure the safe operations and essential maintenance of systems for the benefit of the crew and surrounding environment. This programme aims to develop these essential skills. Our focus on safety and leadership has earned New Zealand a solid reputation worldwide for maritime engineering training. For example, The Marine Engineer Class 5 license (MEC5) is internationally recognised.

Careers

The skills you will amass during your career and your training may enable you to work in:

Vessel management
Vessel and equipment maintenance and upgrades
Ship services such as ship agents, ship chandleries, specialist operations
Research, design, and development
New vessel constructions and boat building
Computer management of assets
Steam plant operations
Classic vessels resoration and more

The more skills you learn and have to offer the industry, the more income options you will have.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

There are no minimum academic requirements for entry.

English language requirements

All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to undertake this programme, which is taught and assessed in English. Those students whose first language is not English should have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS0 overall academic score of at least 5.5 (with no band score lower than 5.0) Issued within the last two years, or equivalent.

Other requirements

Students must provide a Medical Certificate issued by a General Practitioner, or provide a Seafarers Medical Certificate or equivalent.

Be physically fit and capable of participating in the practical training component.

Applicants should be aware that there are MNZ seatime, eyesight and medical requirements if they wish to apply for MNZ Licences on completion of this programme. Applicants should refer to www.maritimenz.govt.nz(external link) website for details of these requirements.

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