Marine Technicians are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ship’s engines, as well as additional equipment and systems that contribute toward the ship's ability to 'float and move'. As a Marine Technician you are trained to be an expert in the field, making a major contribution towards ensuring the ship is always ready to sail at a moments notice. Without you, the ship doesn’t sail!

As modern warships contain more sophisticated technology and a greater range of equipment than a jet aircraft you will operate and maintain a wide range of equipment including: diesel engines, gas turbines (jet engines), electrical power generation, power distribution systems, machinery control and monitoring systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, refrigeration and air conditioning plants, sewage treatment plants, desalination equipment (making fresh water from sea water), liquid storage, hull and internal fittings.

To best deal with the wide range of machinery and equipment onboard the ships, after your Basic Technician Course, you will be streamed in  one of two specialisations; electrical or propulsion according to your interests, skills and the requirements of the service. Once streamed you will complete a short course in your chosen specialisation before being placed on the sea roster.

Job on Base

As a Marine Technician you will continuously develop and enhance your skills to ensure the smooth running of machinery when on ship. This will require on-going training at the Trade Training School. Most posting for you revolve around the Marine Engineering School if not at sea.

Job on Deployment

All Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) ships require the capability to ‘float and move’; therefore Marine Technician positions exist on every HMNZ Ship within the Fleet. Because ships at sea run 24 hours a day, as a Marine Technician you will work in shifts monitoring the ships engines and other machinery plants to ensure they are running smoothly and efficiently. Like everyone else onboard, you will also participate in general shipboard duties and activities not connected with your specialised role and have the opportunity to visit different ports and environments both in New Zealand and overseas.

Career Progression

Your hard work, experience and training accomplishments as a Marine Technician are rewarded by promotions in rank and salary. You join the Navy as an Ordinary Rate completing Basic Common Training (BCT) and Basic Branch Training which is your Basic Marine Technician Training or AMT Common and Specialist Course. After this specialist course you will post to sea or ashore to consolidate what you have learnt (on job training). After your time at sea you will need to complete your Advanced Technician Training as well as some further leadership courses before being promoted to Leading Hand.

The minimum remuneration you will be paid from day one is $33,256. Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of your recruit course to $40,500+ and will continue to increase on promotion and seniority.

• You must be at least 17 years of age.

• You must be a NZ citizen or have permanent residency and have lived in New Zealand for five years.

• You must be of good character – assessed by a study of testimonials and a police record check.

• You must be free of any criminal convictions.

• You must have completed at least three years at secondary school.

• Minimum 80 credits at level one.

• Minimum 12 credits in Mathmatics and English at level one or above.

• Minimum of 12 credits in Science or Physics at level one or above.

• You must be medically fit for service.

As a Marine Technician you will be spending a vast proportion of your time posted any one of the RNZN ships. When not posted to ship you will be posted to the Marine Engineering School – Devonport Naval Base.