level 3

New Zealand Certificate in Fishing Vessel Crewing 

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Level 3

Advanced Deckhand

This programme is the New Zealand Certificate required as part of the application to Maritime New Zealand for the Advanced Deckhands Licence – Fishing (ADH-F).

Graduates of this course will be able to work under supervision in coastal, offshore, and unlimited operational limits as specified in the Maritime New Zealand Seafarer Certification and Operational Limits Framework.

If you wish to enter the maritime industry and pursue a career on the deck of a fishing vessel, this the programme for you.

If you are currently in the industry and need to undertake training for the Maritime New Zealand Deckhand Fishing Licence, this programme is part of that pathway. Along with qualifying sea time, a completed Maritime New Zealand Workbook, and successful programme completion, you will be eligible to sit for the MNZ Licence.

This programme can be taken prior to going to sea and employment in the NZ seafood industry. 

Programme Content

Topic 1:  Emergency response
Topic 2:  Safe Operation of a fishing vessel
Topic 3:  Seamanship, navigation and vessel stability
Topic 4:  Working with ropes, chains during vessel operations.

Qualification gained

On successful programme completion the following will be gained.

  • New Zealand Certificate in Fishing Vessel Crewing (Level 3)
  • STCW Fire Prevention and Firefighting
  • STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
  • STCW Personal Survival Techniques
  • STCW Elementary First Aid.

Additional information

There is time on the WDSFS training vessel as part of this course

On completion of this course and all MNZ requirements met, you will be able to sit the final MNZ exam in most instances prior to leaving the WDSFS.

Entry 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.

Other requirements
Entry to this qualification is open but completion does not guarantee the award of a Maritime New Zealand license. All persons wishing to qualify for a seafarer license must also check the Maritime New Zealand prior certification and minimum service requirements for that license.

A Maritime NZ Advanced Deckhand Training Record Book (MNZ-TRB) is recommended to be completed prior to attending this program.

Short Courses

  • STCW Fire prevention and Fire Fighting
  • STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
  • STCW Personal Survival techniques
  • STCW Elementary First Aid

These strands also include all the short courses you require to gain your licence, such as all the STCW basic and advanced short courses, and Radio certificates.
If you already hold any of these short courses, you do not need to do them again – we will credit them towards your programme.


WDSFS is a Category 1 PTE
The Westport Deep Sea Fishing School is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under section 249 of the Education Act 1989 read more
Locations and dates 
All programmes start on a Monday. Other dates will be added as required.

10th March
24th March
7th April (Includes Easter and ANZAC)
28th April
12th May
3rd June
16th June
30th June
14th July
11th August
25th August
8th September
22nd September
6th October
20th October
3rd November
17th November


Study options
Blended learning
Online modules
Block Course in Westport
Length
21 weeks engagement
3 - 4 week block course at WDSFS
Total Credits
75
Fees
$2,500.00 + GST
National qualification code
NZ2891

Courses available online