The mate manages the fishing activities, particularly if the skipper doesn’t have fishing knowledge.  You will be responsible for the catch and the associated fishing activities.

Entry Requirements

To become a mate you need to get your Mate Fishing Vessel - Limited Certificate  (MFV). 
 

To achieve this you need

• To be 18 years old
• You don’t need any prior certification
• NZ Certificate in Marine Operations (L4) with Fishing Strand
• STCW-F Basic Safety Training
• GROC

Sea Service

Option 1:  24 months in a deck capacity on fishing vessels of 12m+ including 12 months outside restricted limits
Option 2: 18 months in a deck capacity on fishing vessels of 12m+ including at least 12 months outside restricted limits while holding ADH-F
Option 3: 12 months in a deck capacity on fishing vessels of 12m+ while holding SCO including 6 months outside restricted limits
 

Where can I study for the Mate Fishing Vessel Limited (MFV) Certificate?

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

Career Progression

Typically, the next step is to get your Skipper Fishing Vessel - Limited Certificate and become a first mate, or get your Skipper Fishing Vessel Unlimited and become a skipper.