Maritime & Fisheries · Employer knowledge

Crew, certification & competency

Put enough appropriately qualified people on board, confirm the certificates required for the vessel and operating area, and make sure legal certification is backed by practical capability for the work actually being done.

Maritime Rule Part 31 — Crewing and Watchkeeping sets requirements for minimum crew numbers, crew certificates and qualifications for New Zealand commercial ships and fishing vessels, subject to the rule’s scope and exceptions. The current Part 31 also addresses safe crewing, watchkeeping and, for applicable ships, fitness for duty and hours of rest.

For fishing vessels covered by Part 31’s fishing provisions, the owner and master must not operate the vessel unless the required certificated seafarers and minimum number of crew are on board. The applicable requirements vary with matters such as vessel length and operating limits. Part 31 also requires appropriate navigational and engineering watchkeeping arrangements.

Maritime Rule Part 32 — Seafarer Certification sets the certification framework for skippers, officers and other seafarers. Certification can involve competency standards, sea service, approved training, examinations, medical/eyesight requirements and ancillary proficiencies depending on the certificate. A certificate establishes a regulatory qualification; it should not be treated as proof that a person has been familiarised with every vessel, item of equipment or company procedure.

What should an operator have in place?

Correct crewing requirementDetermine the minimum number and type of crew and certificates required for the vessel, its length, operating limits and operation under the current Part 31 requirements.

Current certificationVerify the certificates, endorsements, medical requirements and ancillary proficiencies applicable to each certificated role rather than relying only on job titles or experience claims.

Safe watchkeepingArrange navigational and engineering watches so a safe watch can be maintained. Include fatigue and fitness-for-duty requirements where they apply, and consider the real demands of the voyage and fishing operation.

Vessel-specific competencyFamiliarise crew with the vessel, safety system, emergency arrangements, equipment and assigned duties. Use supervision or practical checks where needed before treating someone as capable of performing a task independently.

Manager check

Have we used the current Part 31 tables/requirements for this vessel and operating area?
Do we have at least the required number of crew and the required certificated roles on board?
Are certificates, endorsements and applicable medical/eyesight requirements current?
Are navigational and engineering watchkeeping arrangements adequate for the operation?
Are applicable rest and fitness-for-duty requirements built into work planning rather than treated as paperwork?
Has each crew member been familiarised with this vessel, its hazards, emergency procedures and equipment?
Where a task carries significant risk, do we have practical evidence of capability or appropriate supervision rather than relying on course completion alone?

Standards and international instruments: Parts 31 and 32 incorporate or give effect to relevant international maritime instruments, including STCW and STCW-F provisions. Some incorporated material is copyright-controlled. NZQC references those requirements but does not reproduce protected standards or conventions as a substitute for the official material.

Maritime Rule Part 31 →Maritime Rule Part 32 →Maritime NZ: fishing vessel rules →Back to Maritime & Fisheries Hub

NZQC provides practical educational information. It is not legal advice and does not certify that a provider is compliant. Check the official source and the requirements that apply to your service, contracts and scope.