NZ Certificate in Domestic Maritime Operations (Level 4)
The Maritime NZ approved training course for the Skipper Restricted Limits (SRL) licence — skipper commercial vessels up to 12 metres, working up to 12 nautical miles offshore. Train locally with a 4-week block course in Te Anau, Bluff or Picton.
The NZ Certificate in Domestic Maritime Operations (Level 4) is commonly known in the NZ maritime sector as the SRL — Skipper Restricted Limits.
This licence is the minimum requirement for skippers of vessels up to 12m (or 24m with further endorsement), working up to 12 nautical miles offshore. It is the Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) approved training course you are required to complete before sitting the MNZ oral examination — on passing, you are awarded the SRL licence, an essential step in advancing your maritime career.
The programme combines theory and practical training for work in the maritime transport, tourism and fishing sectors. Typical roles include skippering vessels engaged in aquaculture (mussel and salmon farms), water taxis, tour boats, cray and pāua fishing, and work boats.
Train locally. The block course is held in Te Anau, Bluff and Picton. The 4-week block course keeps time away from work and family to a minimum.
| Intake | Study starts | 4-week block course | Fee (includes MNZ exam fee) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picton | 23 Nov 2026 | 5 – 30 Apr 2027 | $1,874 + GST | Enrol |
| Bluff | 14 Dec 2026 | 10 May – 4 Jun 2027 | $1,874 + GST | Enrol |
| Te Anau | 18 Jan 2027 | 14 Jun – 9 Jul 2027 | $1,968 + GST | Enrol |
| Picton | 29 Mar 2027 | 23 Aug – 17 Sep 2027 | $1,968 + GST | Enrol |
Study start marks the beginning of your guided self-directed study. The 4-week block course and MNZ oral exam follow.
SRL course 2027: dates, cost and how long it takes
Phase 1: 19 weeks of self-directed study at home or at work, with weekly support from your dedicated tutor — available on demand when you need guidance.
Phase 2: 4-week intensive block course combining classroom theory and practical onboard training.
MNZ exam: MNZ oral exam arranged at the end of the block course.
The SRL programme is intended for school leavers wanting to work in the maritime sector, and people already employed in it or about to begin.
You must be 18 to be issued the SRL licence. The course and the MNZ oral exam can both be completed before then.
With further sea time, SRL graduates may progress to:
Established in 2000, SIS Training is an NZQA-registered provider and an approved Maritime NZ training provider for SRL, MRROC and VHF qualifications.
An endorsed Certificate of Completion is awarded at the conclusion of the course. Once you complete the SRL training programme and pass your MNZ oral examination, we collate and prepare all required documentation for your SRL licence application to Maritime NZ.
Maritime NZ requires a minimum of 200 hours sea time, gained independently of the course. Time as skipper of a recreational vessel counts.
MNZ application, medical and eyesight test fees are separate from course fees.
The SRL is the common name for the NZ Certificate in Domestic Maritime Operations (Level 4). It is the minimum command qualification for skippers of commercial vessels up to 12 metres (or 24 metres with further endorsement), working up to 12 nautical miles offshore.
Yes. SIS is an approved Maritime New Zealand training provider, and this is the MNZ-approved training course you complete before sitting the Maritime NZ oral examination.
SIS runs SRL intakes in Te Anau, Bluff and Picton.
It combines a 19-week distance-study component with a 4-week block course at your chosen location.
The block course is 4 weeks, following 19 weeks of guided self-directed study.
Picton starts Monday 23 November 2026 (block course 5 April – 30 April 2027). Bluff starts Monday 14 December 2026 (block course 10 May – 4 June 2027). Te Anau starts Monday 18 January 2027 (block course 14 June – 9 July 2027). Picton also starts Monday 29 March 2027 (block course 23 August – 17 September 2027).
You must be 18 to be issued the SRL licence. The course and the MNZ oral exam can both be completed before then.
It qualifies you to skipper commercial vessels such as water taxis, small ferries, work boats and tourism or fishing vessels within restricted limits.
Questions about dates, content or which course fits? Ask us anything.
