ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Deck Hand: ANZSCO code 899211

Deck Hand is occupation 899211 in ANZSCO 1.3, the classification Immigration New Zealand uses for most work visas and every Skilled Migrant Category application. It sits at ANZSCO skill level 4, in unit group 8992 Deck and Fishing Hands.

ANZSCO code
899211
Skill level
4
Unit group
8992 Deck and Fishing Hands
Green List
No

Deck Hand: qualifications and experience required in New Zealand

ANZSCO places this occupation at skill level 4. For New Zealand, ANZSCO describes the qualifications and experience as:

NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification. At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Under the National Occupation List, code 899211 is "Deck Hand" at NOL skill level 4: NZQCF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 2-3/NOL Skill Level 4).

A skill level describes the occupation, not you. Immigration New Zealand matches a job to the single closest occupation, and the skill level comes from that occupation; more experience does not move an occupation to a higher level.

What does a deck hand do?

Performs maintenance and lookout tasks aboard a ship.

Tasks for unit group 8992 Deck and Fishing Hands include:

  • Handling ropes and wires, and operating mooring equipment when berthing and unberthing
  • Standing lookout watches at sea and adjusting the ship's course as directed
  • Assisting with cargo operations using on-board equipment and stowing and securing cargo
  • Patrolling ships to ensure safety of the vessel, cargo and passengers
  • Performing routine maintenance and checks on deck equipment, cargo gear, rigging, and lifesaving and firefighting appliances
  • Attaching gear and fastening towing cables to nets
  • Casting and lowering nets, pots, lines and traps into water
  • Preparing lines, attaching running gear and bait, and setting lines into position
  • Hauling in fishing gear and removing fish and other marine life
  • Sorting, cleaning, preserving, stowing and refrigerating catch

Other job titles under ANZSCO 899211

Alternative titles and specialisations from ANZSCO, and job titles Stats NZ lists under the same code:

  • Seafarer
  • Barge Hand
  • Ferry Hand
  • Tug Hand
  • Able Seaman Merchant Marine
  • Cruise Boat Proprietor
  • Deckhand
  • Mariner
  • Merchant Sailor
  • Merchant Seaman
  • Seaman
  • Ship Crew Member

What skill level 4 means for New Zealand visas

Visa rule For this occupation More
Accredited Employer Work Visa: longest visa Up to 3 years for skill level 4 and 5 roles. AEWV guide
AEWV: evidence of English Required for skill level 4 and 5 roles, with limited exemptions. AEWV guide
Supporting a partner's visa A higher wage threshold applies to skill level 4 and 5 roles, with exceptions for some care, transport and Green List roles. Partner of a Worker
Skilled Migrant Category: Skilled Work Experience pathway Not available: skill level 4 and 5 occupations are excluded. Skilled Work Experience pathway
SMC red and amber lists Not on either list. INZ's lists
SMC Trades and Technician pathway Not on INZ's list of eligible occupations. INZ's list
Green List No Green List role is listed under this code. INZ's Green List

Rules as published by Immigration New Zealand. Lists synced 31 October 2026. Each visa has further requirements beyond skill level, including pay and work experience.

National Occupation List occupations for ANZSCO 899211

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 899211. Immigration New Zealand accepts a NOL code only for an AEWV or job check, and only for occupations on its published list; for any other visa, use the ANZSCO code.

NOL code NOL occupation NOL skill level INZ accepts for an AEWV
899211 Deck Hand 4 Not yet

More about this job in New Zealand

Stats NZ links this occupation to Tahatū, the government careers website, which has more about the work in New Zealand, including pay: Deckhand .

Not sure this is your occupation?

Picking the right occupation decides the skill level, and with it the visa rules above. Talk it through with us: we will listen to your situation and match you with the right IAA-licensed adviser. You can also check your pay and work experience against the residence wage rules with our calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Deck Hand?

Deck Hand is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 899211, in unit group 8992 Deck and Fishing Hands. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Deck Hand?

ANZSCO skill level 4, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification. At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Is Deck Hand on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 899211 on Immigration New Zealand's Green List as at 31 October 2026.

Sources: ANZSCO version 1.3, Australian Bureau of Statistics, CC BY 4.0, synced 31 October 2026; National Occupation List V3.0.0, Stats NZ, CC BY 4.0, synced 1 November 2026; Immigration New Zealand occupation lists, synced 31 October 2026. This page reproduces published classifications and Immigration New Zealand's lists. It is general information, not immigration advice. ProVisas is a licensed New Zealand immigration advisory firm (IAA Licence 201301110).