Friday, 09 February 2007

New Zealand Maritime School opens doors to schools to board QE2 and QM2

The chronic shortage of navigation officers and marine engineers across the globe means well-qualified New Zealand maritime cadets stand the chance of top career placements within the industry, according to Tim Wilson, director New Zealand Maritime School.

“School leavers with a good Level 2 NCEA certificate could be chief engineer on a major cruise ship in their early-30s or make captain of the ship in about 15 years after finishing at the Maritime School – this is a significant achievement. “Graduates from the school are virtually assured of a position on board as soon as they receive their qualification from the school,” says Captain Wilson.

Captain Wilson, who recently returned from London where he was part of a specialists’ panel to review the international legislation covering the seafarers training (Standards for Training Certification & Watchkeeping code), says the global shortage is particularly high in the marine engineering area. “There is a shortage of 10,000 to 15,000 navigation officers and marine engineers worldwide. In New Zealand the shortage is very significant for transport related industries which rely heavily on senior officers and engineers to come ashore to take up managerial roles in a variety of companies.”

In a move to highlight the many career opportunities for New Zealanders on board large vessels, the school has invited 40 school principals and career advisors to board world-renowned cruise ships over the next two weeks in association with Princess Cruises. “This is the first time we have managed to do this and it has been a challenge as there are tight security and control measures in place,” says Captain Wilson. “However, it has been worth the effort as it will give them the opportunity to see first hand the skills and attitudes that are required to gain access to this fast-growing industry. In turn, they can convey this information to their students.”

Details of the visits are as follows:

• On Sunday, 11 February, representatives from Rangitoto College, Howick College and Pakuranga College will board the QE2 while she is calling in Auckland as a stop-over for her 25th anniversary world cruise.
• On Tuesday, 13 February, representatives from Orewa College, Takapuna Grammar and Penrose High will board the Oriana.
• On Friday, 16 February, representatives from Waiuku College, Baradene College, Long Bay College and Selwyn College will board the Sapphire Princess.
• On Saturday, 17 February, representatives from Auckland Boys and Girls Grammar and Westlake Girls High will board the Queen Mary 2 on her first grand world cruise and the largest cruise ship ever to visit New Zealand. She is too big for Princess Pier and will dock at Ferguson Container terminal instead.
• On Saturday, 24 February several representatives will visit the Aurora.