Course Overview
This course combines theory with strong practical skills to give you with the practice and knowledge you need for employment on vessels of up to 24 metres in the maritime transport/tourism/fishing industry. It replaces the courses previously offered, Inshore Launchmaster (ILM) and Local Launch Operator (LLO).
This training is best suited to those already employed in these industries, or about to enter a role in the the maritime transport, tourism or fishing industry that require a formal qualification. It is the approved Maritime New Zealand training programme for the licence Skipper Restricted Limits, which is essential for skippers of vessels up to 12 metres (or 24 metres with further endorsement), who navigate to a distance of up to 12 nautical miles off the New Zealand coast.
The topics covered increase your general employability by enhancing your core transferable skills particularly digital literacy, problem solving, communication skills and team work.
A flexible learning approach enables you to start to complete some course components online, meaning less time away from your job, and a focus on completing a Seafarer Training Record Book based on sea time means that all of your learning is put into a relevant workplace context.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Certificate in Domestic Maritime Operations (Restricted Limits) (Level 4)
| Locations | Tauranga |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Jul 2025 View more details |
| Study options |
28 weeks part-time |
| Total credits | 85 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | $2,152 for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
Graduates will be able to work as a skipper on vessels operating within the restricted limits as defined in the New Zealand Seafarer Certification and Operational Limits Framework, and will have the competencies required to enter command positions within the maritime sector both on board vessels and in land based positions.
Typical roles may be as skipper on work boats, water taxis or small ferries under 12 metres in length and carrying up to 19 passengers.
With additional training and sea time, graduates may progress to roles including:
- Skipper Coastal/Offshore
- Mate or Master Fishing Vessel
- Watchkeeper Deck < 500GT
Topics you'll cover
This course contributes towards graduates being able to obtain the Maritime New Zealand licence, Skipper Restricted Limits, which is essential for skippers of vessels up to 12 metres (or 24 metres with further endorsement), who navigate to a distance of up to 12 nautical miles off the New Zealand coast, and carry up to 19 passengers.
As part of your learning you must independently gain sea-time and complete a Seafarer Training Record Book. Sea-time can be gained on either a commercial or recreational vessel. If done on a recreational vessel you must be acting as Skipper.
This course is designed for learners already employed in, or about to enter a role in the maritime transport/tourism/fishing industry.
Topics covered during your study:
- STCW Elementary First Aid
- Navigation
- Electronic Navigation
- Vessel Machinery and Systems
- Safety and Compliance
- Maritime Restricted Radio Operators Certificate (MRROC)
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | $2,152 for domestic students |
|---|---|
| Course related costs | Equipment Recommendation: A number of the topics and assessments in this course use the Navionics navigation application. To access and use this application you may need:
|
The student levy is included within the total fee amount for this course.
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
To be admitted to this course, applicants must hold one of the following requirements:
- 40 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits, OR
- Have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Domestic Maritime Crewing (Level 3), OR
- Have a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 3, or a recognised equivalent
Special and discretionary admission is available.
Information Session
You’ll be invited to an information meeting. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
Other Considerations
It is recommended that the applicants be employed or engaged in the Maritime industry.
You will need to meet the full Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) seatime, medical and eyesight requirements prior to commencing this course if you wish to be eligible for the MNZ licence this course contributes towards.
Refer to the MNZ guidelines for Skipper Restricted Limits on the Maritime New Zealand website.
English language requirements
Level 4 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
Start the course with 17 weeks of online learning, while beginning to complete the Maritime New Zealand Skipper Restricted Limits Training Record Book. You'll then be on campus for a 5 week block course, during which you'll also sit your Maritime New Zealand oral examinations for Nautical and Engineering.
2024 Block Course Dates
Online start date: 21 October 2024, Block course attendance dates: TBA (February 2025)
2025 Block Course Dates
Online start date: 21 October 2024, Block course attendance dates: 10 February – 16 March 2025
Online start date: 27 January 2025, Block course attendance dates: 28 April – 1 June 2025
Online start date: 24 March 2025, Block course attendance dates: 30 June – 3 August 2025
Online start date: 19 May 2025, Block course attendance dates: 1 September – 5 October 2025
Online start date: 7 July 2025, Block course attendance dates: 3 November – 7 December 2025
Online start date: 27 October 2025, Block course attendance dates: TBA
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 7 Jul 2025 | |
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 27 Oct 2025 |
Study options
- 28 weeks part-time
Important dates
Further Study Options
Courses Currently Under Development at Toi Ohomai, or Offered at Other Institutions
Graduates wishing to continue with domestic maritime operations can progress to New Zealand Certificate in Domestic Maritime Operations (Coastal and Offshore).
