Seafarers will now be able to ring-fence most of their old and legacy tickets for free under changes to Maritime New Zealand's certification rules.

Coming into force on September 30, the changes to seafarer certification rules means those tickets will be kept valid for life without the cost of moving into the new certification framework, SeaCert.

Under changes to Martime NZ's certification rules, seafarers will be able to ring-fence their old and legacy tickets for free. File Photo.

The rule changes also allow more than 30 different tickets to be ring-fenced, enabling seafarers to continue using them to work domestically.

If seafarers have ring-fenced a ticket, they can also choose to move to a new SeaCert ticket at any time in the future.

Maritime NZ Director Keith Manch says the SeaCert framework provides seafarers with clear career pathways, and certificates that are recognised internationally.

But -fencing would suit many seafarers, and also save them up to $592 in transition costs.

'Ring-fencing has been introduced after we heard from industry that a lot of seafarers just want to keep doing what they are doing.

'If you have old or legacy tickets it makes sense to ring-fence because it leaves all options open – you can choose to transition to a SeaCert ticket in the future if you decide that is what you want to do with your career.”

Seafarers have until September 1, 2017, to decide whether to ring-fence their tickets, transition those tickets to SeaCert, as well as notify Maritime NZ of their choice. After this date it will not be possible to ring-fence tickets.

Keith says if seafarers take no action then their tickets will expire. After they've made their choices, Maritime NZ will send them a Verification of Status card confirming what tickets they have ring-fenced.

'Seafarers are able to ring-fence any eligible old or legacy certificates they hold. Even if a ticket has previously expired, a seafarer can revive the ticket by requesting it be ring-fenced.

'They will be able to continue using ring-fenced tickets to work, for life but need to have a medical certificate from any GP if they are using their ring-fenced tickets.”

Seafarers will have two years from the date of issue of their Verification of Status card to get their first medical if they are actively working. Those who want to start using their ring-fenced ticket more than two years after ring-fencing will need to get a medical certificate before they start work.

Medical certificates must be renewed every two years if a seafarer is continuing to work. If they are not working, seafarers do not need a medical certificate.

Seafarers can continue using their old or legacy tickets until September 1, 2017, but must either ring-fence, or tell Maritime NZ they plan to transition, by this date.

For more information visit the Maritime NZ website at: www.maritimenz.govt.nz/ringfence or call: 0508 669 734.