The first mate is second in charge. Along with the skipper, they run the vessel.  You are usually responsible for the vessel and crew health and safety, undertaking drills and musters, firefighting and life saving equipment and complying with the relevant legislation.
 

Entry Requirements

To become a First Mate you need to get your Mate Fishing Vessel Unlimited (MFV-U) certificate. 
 

To achieve  this you need
- You don’t need any prior certification
- Sea Service:  24 months on fishing vessels of 12M + operating outside restricted limits while in deck capacity
- New Zealand Diploma in Fishing Vessel Operations (Level 6)
- STCW-F basic Safety training
- Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats (other than fast rescue boats)
- Advanced fire fighting
- GMDSS
 

Where can I study for  the New Zealand Diploma in Fishing Vessel Operations (Level 6)?

• International Maritime Institute of New Zealand
• Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology  
• Skipper Training NZ 

Careeer Progression

If you hold a Mate Fishing Vessel – Unlimited, you can progress to Skipper Fishing Vessel – Unlimited