New Zealand: Maritime Trade is Key
commercial fishing boats generate $1.6 billion in annual export earnings. Cruise and passenger vessels also make up an important segment of New Zealand’s maritime business: each year, cruise ships make more than 500 visits to NZ ports, and some 5 million passengers use harbor and Cook Strait ferries. These maritime activities – each essential to New Zealand’s vitality – are fueled by seafarers. Worldwide, the maritime work force is rapidly aging, but the industry is increasing, Maritime New Zealand noted. Shortages of over 92,000 ships’ officers
New Zealand Promoting Maritime Careers
; “There is huge variety of work, career and lifestyles in the maritime industry including: deck hands, technical crew, ships officers, navigators, hospitality, stevedores and business,” Manch said. In New Zealand, some examples of maritime work include coastal shipping, Cook Strait ferries, fishing, tourism, offshore oil and gas and more. Many Kiwis work on cruise ships, luxury yachts and merchant ships travelling the world using qualifications earned in New Zealand. Others go home each night after work, and there are jobs that involve living on board for a week at a time
