Tauranga harbourmaster Jennifer Roberts may be the first in New Zealand to receive an International Harbourmaster Diploma.
The diploma, awarded after a year's work and a three hour exam, provides a comprehensive knowledge of the relevant legislation, risk control techniques and navigational management involved in being a harbourmaster.

Jennifer Roberts with her diploma.

"It was heavy duty, the whole thing," says Jennifer.
"Every profession has ongoing training requirements. At the moment there are no formal training systems for harbourmasters.
"When the requirement for formal training comes in this might be part of it. It gives me a really good overview of what's happening worldwide and how we fit into that picture.
"It's made me a better harbourmaster. I'm delighted."
Regional harbourmaster Carl Magazinovic is also taking the course with his final exam due later in the year.
"They wouldn't let both of us do it together, which is what we wanted to do," says Jennifer.
The prestigious international diploma is part of the Lloyds Maritime Academy.
It involves a year's study with 2000 word monthly assignments on course modules that include managing marine operations, marine environmental management, vessel traffic services, and all the other requirements that are part of the harbourmaster's job.
The distance learning course has the final exam in London, but Jennifer was able to arrange the Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard to receive the papers and supervise.