Field           Service Sector

 

Review of Maritime unit standards

 

Subfield

Domain

ID

Maritime

Maritime Management

4160

Navigation and Seamanship

4117,12301-12304, 19489-19492, 19628, 20029, 26304, 27096, 29217, 29222-29224, 29341-29351

Sea Survival and Sea Safety

4132, 4137, 4138, 12306, 12307, 12309, 12310. 26236, 26541, 26542, 29218-29220, 29225, 29352-29354, 29570, 29719, 29720

 

Transport Industry Skills Board has completed the review of the unit standards listed above.

 

Date new versions published                                                                                                         April 2026

 

Planned review date                                                                                               December 2030

 

Summary

 

Hanga Aro Rau Workforce Development Council, in collaboration with industry stakeholders and providers has completed the schooled mandatory review of the listed unit standards.  This review was conducted between August and November 2025, with stakeholders contributing via weekly on-line meetings, emails, and phone conversations.  Responsibility for this application has been transferred from Hanga Aro Rau Workforce Development Council to the Transport Industry Skills Board to reflect the VET reforms.

 

The 49 unit standards were reviewed so that they could be used by providers.  The Technical Advisory Group has confirmed that these unit standards remain fit for purpose and aligned with the current practices and meet Maritime New Zealand competencies.

 

The Technical Advisory Group felt that unit standards that had low to no usage over the last five years should remain for another cycle, as providers may use them after the VET reform.

 

Main changes

 

·     Purpose statement was updated to reflect current needs and for consistency across the unit standards.

·     Guidance information was updated to match current industry requirements.

·     Titles of four unit standards (4160, 20029,29347, and 26542) were amended to better reflect the scope, intent, and current terminology of the skills and knowledge being assessed.

·     Outcome statements were updated in some unit standards to improve clarity, alignment with current industry practice, and consistency across the suite.

·     Performance criteria and range statements were revised to improve clarity and ensure assessment expectations remain current and fit for purpose.

·     Credit value for unit standard 26542 was increased from 6 to 10 to reflect the actual time taken to gain the knowledge and skills and assessment.

·     Level for unit standard 29570 was increased from 2 to 3 to address the complexity of the standard.

 

The last date for assessment of superseded versions of Category B unit standards is December 2027

 

Impact on existing organisations with consent to assess

 

There are no implications for existing consent to assess holders as a result of the level increase.

 

Current consent for

Consent extended to

Nature of consent

Classification or ID

Level

Nature of consent

Classification or ID

Level

Standard

29570

2

Standard

29570

3

 

Impact on Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR)

 

All unit standards moved from CMR 0054 to CMR 0014 version 15.

 

Detailed list of unit standards – classification, title, level, and credits

 

All changes are in bold.

 

Key to review category

A

Dates changed, but no other changes are made - the new version of the standard carries the same ID and a new version number

B

Changes made, but the overall outcome remains the same - the new version of the standard carries the same ID and a new version number

C

Major changes that necessitate the registration of a replacement standard with a new ID

D

Standard will expire and not be replaced

 

Service Sector > Maritime > Maritime Management

ID

Title

Level

Credit

Review Category

4160

Implement and maintain adherence to safe working practices and policies on a vessel

Follow safe working practices and policies on a vessel

2

2

B

 

Service Sector > Maritime > Navigation and Seamanship

ID

Title

Level

Credit

Review Category

4117

Plan a safe coastal passage and navigate a vessel within sight of land

4

15

B

12301

Maintain cleanliness of passageways, and passenger and crew accommodation areas on a vessel

2

3

B

12302

Assist with berthing and letting go, and describe anchoring a vessel

3

5

B

12303

Describe and report vessel operational hazards

2

2

B

12304

Use ropes, knots and lashings on a vessel

3

5

B

19489

Steer a commercial vessel and keep watch

3

6

B

19490

Use marine radar on a restricted limits vessel

3

10

B

19491

Demonstrate knowledge of using VHF marine radio and an EPIRB

3

3

B

19492

Operate a marine radio in the MF, HF and VHF bands

3

2

B

19628

Identify and describe legal requirements to operate a restricted limits vessel

3

4

B

20029

Demonstrate knowledge of navigation aids in a maritime environment

Describe and use navigation aids in a maritime environment

3

5

B

26304

Operate a vessel in accordance with the Maritime Collision Prevention Rules

4

5

B

27096

Provide on-board customer services to passengers in a maritime environment

3

4

B

29217

Demonstrate knowledge of maritime rules and navigation, and steer and keep watch on a vessel

3

10

B

29222

Demonstrate knowledge of and use electronic navigation equipment

4

5

B

29223

Manage the operation of a restricted limits vessel

4

10

B

29224

Operate a restricted limits vessel

4

10

B

29341

Apply advanced leadership and teamwork skills according to STCW A-II/1 to manage shipboard resources and personnel

6

30

B

29342

Manage the planning and conduct of a passage and determine position on a foreign-going ship according to STCW A-II/1

6

45

B

29343

Manage the maintenance of a safe navigational watch according to STCW A-II/1 using electronic navigation systems

6

40

B

29344

Lead the response to emergencies and distress at sea according to STCW A-II/1

5

10

B

29345

Communicate using IMO standard marine communication phrases and visual signalling according to STCW A-II/1

6

30

B

29346

Direct the manoeuvring and handling of the vessel according to STCW A-II/1

6

30

B

29347

Proactively ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirements according to STCW A-II/1

Comply with pollution prevention requirements according to STCWA-11/1

5

10

B

29348

Manage loading, stowage, unloading and care of cargoes according to STCW A-II/1 during voyages

6

30

B

29349

Inspect and report defects and damage to cargo spaces, hatch covers and ballast tanks according to STCW A-II/1

6

10

B

29350

Maintain seaworthiness of the ship according to STCW A-II/1 or STCW A-III/1

6

20

B

29351

Manage compliance with legislative requirements according to STCW A-II/1

6

10

B

 

Service Sector > Maritime > Sea Survival and Sea Safety

ID

Title

Level

Credit

Review Category

4132

Evaluate damage and implement damage control repairs on a vessel

4

10

B

4137

Verify functionality and availability of safety equipment on a vessel

2

5

B

4138

Extinguish fire on board a vessel safely

3

4

B

12306

Identify common parts, fittings, and equipment on a vessel

2

5

B

12307

Provide assistance to passengers with specific needs, and support seasick passengers and crew on a vessel

3

5

B

12309

Demonstrate knowledge of abandon ship procedures and sea survival techniques

4

5

B

12310

Demonstrate knowledge of fire prevention and limitation, and extinguish small fires on board a vessel

3

5

B

26236

Demonstrate knowledge of sea safety equipment and procedures and assist the master in emergency situations at sea

2

6

B

26541

Demonstrate knowledge of the safe operation of small craft in sight of land

3

16

B

26542

Demonstrate basic knowledge of the operation of pleasure craft by day

Demonstrate basic knowledge and practical skills in the operation of pleasure craft by day

2

6

 

10

B

29218

Demonstrate personal and social responsibilities on vessels to STCW-Basic requirements

4

5

B

29219

Survive at sea to STCW-Basic requirements in the event of a ship abandonment

4

5

B

29220

Fight fires to STCW-Basic requirements in enclosed spaces on a vessel

4

4

B

29225

Assist passengers to STCW requirements during a maritime emergency evacuation

3

5

B

29352

Direct firefighting operations on board a vessel according to STCW A-VI/3

4

5

B

29353

Operate and manage survival craft, rescue boats and survivors according to STCW A-VI/2-1

5

5

B

29354

Explain and maintain vessel security and provide on board first aid according to STCW A-V1

5

5

B

29570

Apply knowledge of basic survival skills for boating

2

3

2

B

29719

Demonstrate knowledge of vessel operating procedures to prevent harm to people and the environment in normal operations

3

5

B

29720

Demonstrate knowledge of hazards, distress signalling systems, and emergency procedures on a vessel

3

8

B