Pay

Pay for ship's masters varies depending on their skills and experience, and the type of vessel they work on.

• Masters on small vessels, such as launches, usually earn between minimum wage and $70,000 a year, and often work part time or seasonally.
• Tug masters usually earn between $60,000 and $90,000 a year.
• Harbour pilots usually earn between $100,000 and $130,000.
• Ship's masters qualified for foreign-going vessels usually earn between $125,000 and $180,000.

What you will do

Ship's masters:

• are responsible for passengers, cargo and the vessel's safety
• are responsible for planning and executing the ship's route
• ensure all maritime laws, rules and regulations are followed and records are kept correctly
• ensure maintenance and repairs are carried out
• oversee any emergency operatons

Ship's masters may also supervise cargo handling.

Tug masters and pilots may also:

• guide and assist ships in and out of harbours and other difficult waterways
• assist with hazard identification, fire fighting, pollution control and rescues.

Skills and knowledge

Ship's masters need to have:

• knowledge of the requirements for running and handling a ship
• a sound technical understanding of the ship and its equipment including radio and electronics equipment
• knowledge of tides, waters, coastlines, marine hazards and the weather, and how these vary depending on where their vessel is
• knowledge of relevant laws, requirements and safety procedures
• navigational skills
• knowledge of safety procedures and methods such as fire-fighting, rescue, and collision prevention.

Working conditions

Ship's masters:

• may work irregular hours or full-time shifts. They are permanently on call while at sea. A ship's master working for an international company usually works for three months at sea, followed by three months' leave.
• work on board ships, in port and at sea in all weather conditions
• visit a wide range of ports around the world and are often at sea for months at a time
• work in conditions which can be dangerous and may be unpleasant in rough seas.

What's the job really like?

Steve Clark - Ship's Master

Born for the sea – and still loves it

Steve Clark reckons he was born for the sea and has been skippering vessels for 30 years and he’s still learning.

"In the last couple of years I've put myself through extra training. It's really good and I've enjoyed it. I'm finishing my nautical master's course with the safety endorsements, which lets me operate anything up to 500 tonnes outside New Zealand."

Responsibilities grew with size of vessels

"I was lucky because I've always liked the sea and playing around with different boats; you are your own boss out here. I stuck with it because I enjoyed it, and went straight into tug and barge work. Since then I've moved onto the passenger ferries and freight boats."

Now transporting passengers, cargo and heavy freight

"I've been on just about all the boats in my 26 years here. We operate two catamarans, plus a large ferry that travels to Great Barrier Island. We've also got a barge that runs heavy freight, like trucks and trailers. We've even moved houses on it before."

Great crew makes all the difference

Steve captains a small crew who work together on whichever ship they are rostered to crew. "I'm very privileged because here on board I've got a very good crew that doesn't need a lot of supervision. They know their tasks and their job and they get on with it – which all helps make this job as good as it is."

What are the chances of getting a job?

Due to a shortage of people with the relevant certificates and experience to command large ships, the role of ship's master appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list, which means the Government is actively encouraging qualified ship's masters from overseas to work in New Zealand. However, 

Opportunities vary depending on type of ship's master qualification you have

Opportunities are best for ship’s masters who are qualified to work on large ships. They are in demand for piloting ships into port and operating tug boats.

Demand for ships' masters qualified to work on smaller boats is lower, and people qualified in roles such as launch masters or inshore launch operators may find it more difficult to find work.

Ship's masters work for a variety of employers

Ship's masters can work for:

• international shipping companies
• New Zealand-based shipping companies
• authorities (as tug masters or harbour pilots, though some are employed by New Zealand shipping companies).
• for ferry and charter companies
• themselves (self-employed).