Marine Engineering School
The Marine Engineering Branch (ME) is a group of professional Engineers and Technicians that provide the Float and Move functions for RNZN ships and boats.
Skills are wide-ranging, covering high-level project management, capital procurement, ME personnel management and supervision, diesel propulsion engineering, electrical engineering both in operation and maintenance.
ME Branch staff also conduct the operation and maintenance of all hotel services such as power generation, refrigeration plant, fire fighting services and air conditioning onboard RNZN ships and boats.
Image above right: a Marine Engineering School graduation.
Our Vision
The ME Branch will provide professional and technical support to the RNZN in order to maintain an effective and operational Naval force.
Our Mission
To set world-class standards in Marine Engineering support, operation, development and training.
Inspecting TE MANA's port shaft liner surface for roughness
Training
Marine Engineers for the Navy are made up of Mechanical and Electrical backgrounds and are given the title Marine Technician for the Ratings trade scheme, or General List Engineers (Mechanical) for the Officers' graduate scheme.
The Officers' graduate scheme is delivered by University training, and is required for the effective management and operation of the RNZN's ships.
The Ratings' trade training delivered is the same as a civilian apprenticeship, but stops at the award of 'trade certificate'; hence the title technician.
The following qualifications are delivered by the Navy Marine Engineering Training facilities:
Marine Technician: Trade Scheme. Joining qualification pre-requisites
Minimum requirements:
* 12 credits at Level 1 in Mathematics and Physics/Science; or
* School Cert pass in Maths & Physics/Science.
To be competitive you need:
* 12 credits at Level 2 in 4 subjects including Mathematics, Physics/Science; or
* 6FC grades 5 or better in Maths & Physics/Science.
Additional information:
* Helpful to study workshop etc.;
* Successful completion of technical courses are seen as a real advantage.
Qualifications gained in Marine Engineering Ratings Training.
Dependent on streaming, either Propulsion or Electrical, the following Level 4 certificates will be awarded:
Mechanical training
* Level 4 Certificate Maintenance and Diagnostics. Peaks at 1st year Mechanical Engineering Diploma. Opportunity to study with AUT for Diploma.
Electrotechnology Training
* Level 4 Certificate Electrotechnology. Peaks at 1st year Electrotechnology Diploma. Opportunity to study with AUT or WINTEC for Diploma.
Note: The opportunity to study for Diploma is determined on merit, for those individuals who position themselves for the RNZN tertiary studies scheme.
ENDEAVOUR's diesel engine
General List Engineers (Mechanical): Graduate Scheme
Minimum requirements
NCEA Level 3 with:
* 80 credits or more at Level 3 over 5 subjects;
* 14 credits at Level 1 or above in Mathematics; and
* 12 credits at Level 2 or above in Reading and Writing.
or
* School Cert (or equivalent) English & Maths, plus two other subjects; and
* 6FC passes in 4 subjects & minimum B Bursary (or reasonable expectation of gaining same)
To be competitive you need:
NCEA Level 3 with:
* 100 credits or more at Level 3 over 5 subjects; or
* An 'A' Bursary (or reasonable expectation of gaining same)
Additional information:
* Leadership and communications skills desirable;
* A minimum of 18 credits at Level 3 in Mathematics with Calculus and Physics.
Qualifications gained
Dependent on streaming, either Propulsion or Electrical, the following Level 4 certificates will be awarded:
Mechanical training
* Degree in Mechanical Engineering (4 years full time study at Auckland University).
Electrical Training
* Degree in Meca-tronics (4 years full time study at Massey University).
Note: A return of service obligation is required for each course, i.e. 4 years training requires 4 years sea service.
Inspecting the new starboard shaft A-bracket liner aboard TE MANA
Key tasks for a Marine Engineer at sea
* Conduct maintenance and defect investigations on Ship Systems including Propulsion, Power and Distribution Systems, Essential Services and Fresh Water Production;
* Act as part of the ship's damage control and fire fighting team;
* Assist with refuelling operations at sea;
* Operate Machinery Systems as required;
* Provide facilities for aircraft operations;
* Provide the Fleet with administrational and technical shore support; and
* Conduct training for other Engineering Technicians.
Conducting switchboard drills aboard TE MANA
Read job descriptions for a Marine Engineering Officer and a Marine Technician.