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Navy

Marine Technician

As a Marine Technician (MT) you’ll operate and maintain the ship's equipment and systems in all conditions, to ensure the ship remains fully operational and ready to respond to different tasks. You’ll have the opportunity to earn as you learn on board, sailing local and international waters, and sampling the foods, cultures and scenic attractions of coastal port towns.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Engineering & Technical trades

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Devonport

Marine Technicians are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ship’s engine and drive systems, power generation and distribution systems, as well as the auxiliary systems and habitability equipment which contribute to the ships ability to operate independently.

As modern warships contain increasingly sophisticated technology, you will learn to operate and maintain a wide range of high-performance equipment including: diesel engines, gas turbines, electrical generation and power distribution systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, refrigeration and air conditioning plants, and bulk liquid storage and conditioning equipment.

To best deal with the diverse range of machinery and equipment in our naval fleet, you will complete a short course in your chosen specialisation before being assigned to a ship at sea to practically consolidate your learning. You will quickly become part of a motivated, dedicated and highly professional team.

Accepting Applications

  • Basic Common Training 25-2, starts 25 Aug 2025 Apply by 12 May 2025

    Apply Now

Requirements

Basics

  • Be a minimum of 18 years of age upon entry.
  • Be free of any criminal convictions.

Education

NCEA Level 2 certificate.

Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements

Please note, the academic courses and unit standards that you will be required to pass as a Marine Technician are largely physics/maths based and consist of Level 2 to Level 4 Unit Standards. Hence, if you have completed maths and some physics as part of your science credits (mechanics, electricity etc.), this will go a long way to help with your academic studies in the Navy.

 

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV security clearance required for this trade. You must be free of any criminal convictions.

Find out if you’re eligible here.

 

We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.

“For anyone that is considering being an MT – give it a go. It’s a fantastic opportunity, you get a great trade out of it and you get to travel the world. ”

Michael O'Connell

  • Job on base

    Working ashore not only provides a break from life at sea, but also provide an opportunity for you to gain further training and experience. You will be assigned to one of the various maintenance departments or the Marine Engineering School for your own professional development and/or to support the learning of engineering students junior to you.

  • Job on deployment

    Whilst on a ship, it is your responsibility to operate and maintain the ship's propulsion, auxiliary, and habitability systems, to ensure the ship remains fully operational. Ships at sea run 24 hours a day, so Marine Technicians may be required to work in shifts or be on call to monitor the ship's machinery or provide engineering services.

    Like everyone else on board, you will participate in general shipboard duties and activities such as boat launch/recovery, leaving or bringing a ship to wharf, crane operations, assisting helicopter landings, ship security or practising emergency responses to fires, flooding or machinery breakdowns.

    While deployed there are always excellent opportunities to experience different ports and environments within both New Zealand and overseas. Imagine the delights in cities of the Pacific Rim and beyond!

Benefits & allowances

Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.

In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:

  • Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
  • Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
  • Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
  • Opportunities to travel
  • Free and subsidised medical and dental care
  • Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
  • Free and subsidised insurance cover
  • Help to buy a home and save for retirement

Salary & benefits

Careers in the Navy are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Specialist Training

04Career Progression

Be Prepared

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Am I fit enough?

If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.

Medical & Fitness
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The application process

Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.

Application process
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Ready to start your Navy career?

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