Engine room watch rating trainee

Published: 06/03/2026
Job Location: Wellington / New Zealand
Engine Room Watch Rating (ERWR) Trainee

Fixed Term – 12 Months
2 Weeks On / 2 Weeks Off
Bluebridge StraitNZ – Cook Strait Ferries

Want to start a career in the engine room?

Bluebridge StraitNZ is offering a 12-month Engine Room Watch Rating (ERWR) Trainee position. This role is designed for someone who wants to gain the sea time and practical experience required to obtain an ERWR qualification.

You will work alongside experienced engineers and engine room ratings while completing your approved training record book and building the required sea service.

This is a temporary, fixed-term training position.

What the Programme Includes

During the 12 months you will:

Gain engine room sea time on a commercial ferry
Work a 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off roster
Complete your ERWR training record book
Learn engine room operations and safety procedures
Assist engineers and ratings with daily maintenance and operational tasks

By the end of the year you should have the experience and documented training required to apply for your ERWR certificate.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a trainee you will assist the engineering team with day-to-day engine room work.

Typical tasks include:

Assisting engineers and ratings with maintenance and repairs
Carrying out engine room cleaning and housekeeping
Assisting with machinery rounds and readings
Supporting engineers during watchkeeping duties
Learning how ship machinery and systems operate
Following safety procedures and vessel operating standards

Expect hands-on work and a steep learning curve.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is:

Keen to start a maritime engineering career
Practical and willing to learn
Reliable and able to work in a team
Comfortable working in a hands-on environment

Requirements

STCW Basic Safety Training
Seafarer Medical (ENG1 or equivalent)
Good English communication skills
Physical fitness for engine room work
Valid NZ work rights

Mechanical experience or maritime study is helpful but not required.

Important to Know

This is a fixed-term training position for 12 months only
The role is intended to help you gain sea time and complete your ERWR training book
Employment is not guaranteed after the 12-month term

What You’ll Gain

Valuable sea time on commercial vessels
Practical engine room experience
Mentorship from experienced engineers
A strong foundation for a career at sea

Interested?

Send your CV and a short cover letter explaining why you want to start a career in the engine room.

Applicants must pass a medical examination, drug test, and Ministry of Justice criminal record check.
How to Apply:
Fill out the application form below.
Click green button - Apply Now - to submit application.
If the green button says - Continue Application Next Page - please ensure you complete the form on the next screen to complete your application.

Important:
Double check your email is entered correctly.
Application updates are sent from Chilli Factor recruitment software.
Please check your inbox (and junkmail) for application updates.
Recruitment team may text message your mobile number to update you on your job application. Text response to us costs your normal text price. Option to use Txt Free Reply.
About Us

Welcome to StraitNZ's job board! We are a group of companies made up of StraitNZ Freight Forwarding, Linehaul and Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries.

StraitNZ is a unique, nationwide end-to-end transport service connecting New Zealand across both road and sea. Our fleet of two ships and over 200 trucks are supported by a nationwide network of depots and agents and a 450+ strong team to deliver hundreds of thousands of tonnes of freight throughout the country and carry thousands of passengers across the Cook Strait every week.

If you would like to get in contact with us, feel free to email us at askhr@straitnz.co.nz

Contact

Website:
www.straitnz.co.nz

Address:
Multiple sites throughout NZ, refer to our website.,

Postal:

Phone: