Ship's master, Poutikanga whakahaere kaipuke
Also known as
- Captain, skipper, master mariner, fishing skipper, deep sea fishing skipper, inshore fishing skipper
Ship's masters are in charge of a ship, its crew and any cargo or passengers. On tugboats and pilot vessels they may also guide other ships.

Your pay could be
$51K
Lower
$75K to $174K
Most common
$268K
Upper
How does this pay compare?
Pay is before tax
Your training could be
1-2 years

Ship's masters
- usually work shifts, and may be on call
- usually work on ships at sea, and may travel nationally and internationally
- may work in all weather conditions
- need to lead others, make decisions and be safety conscious
Tasks
- choose optimal transportation routes or speeds
- direct passenger or freight transport activities
- read maps to determine routes
- operate ships or other watercraft
- operate communications equipment or systems
- monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards
- monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning
- monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation
- signal others to coordinate vehicle movement
- notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards
Practical
Enterprising
Organised
Interests that fit this job
Interest quiz,
Kairoro Kaingākau
Do the Interest quiz to find out how well your interests fit with this job.
Do the quizYou need experience and qualifications to become a ship's master.
You need
- a current Watchkeeper Deck certificate of competency OR a New Zealand Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 6)
- a Diploma in Foreign-going Master or Chief (Level 7)
- to meet sea service, medical fitness, eyesight, and fit and proper person requirements
- to complete training courses and get the required ancillary certificates
- to pass an oral examination and get a Master certificate of competency from Maritime New Zealand
Registration
You need to be registered to do this job. This means you meet your industry's professional standards.
Maritime New Zealand
Nō te rere moana Apotearoa
Phone Number,0508 732 237
enquiries@maritimenz.govt.nz
https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/If you’re in school
You need NCEA Level 2 to do the study or training for this job.
Loading job ads
Other career ideas in Air and sea transportĒtahi atu huatau aramahi i Tūnuku ā-rangi, ā-moana,
Showing career ideas 1-6 of 16