Tauranga students facing crossroads over what career to pursue are being urged to jump onboard and live a 'life less ordinary”.

This is the talking point for the Royal New Zealand Navy after the HMNZS Taupo berthed in the Port of Tauranga for a brief three day stop in the city.

HMNZS Taupo executive officer Lieutenant Alex Flaws joined the Royal New Zealand Navy nearly eight years ago.

'The Navy does provide a life less ordinary. There is something different every day and it provides opportunities for qualifications, experience in a number of different fields,” says HMNZS Taupo executive officer Lieutenant Alex Flaws.

'It also provides life skills and the friendships and relationships you forge they really last a lifetime.”

Launched in August 2008, the 340tonne ship is one of four Inshore Patrol Vessels used to monitor and protect New Zealand shores. The vessels are designed for maritime surveillance and patrol missions around the New Zealand coast and southwest Pacific.

Their primary mission is to protect the security and prosperity of New Zealanders by undertaking maritime security patrols, surveillance, boarding operations and response to search and rescue call outs.

The ships work with government agencies such as Fisheries, Customs, Police and the Department of Conservation on operations around New Zealand's 1500 kilometres of coastline.

Today students from several Tauranga colleges got to see first-hand what it takes to be part of the NZ Navy looking at specific areas of the ship, which may entice a potential recruits.

'We looked at things in engineering, medical and administration as well as general seamanship. They were all very enthusiastic and we are always interested to have potential recruits come onboard and look at navy life.”

A member of the Navy for nearly eight years, Alex admits the marine based career choice was never at the forefront of his mind when he was the student's age either.

'When I was at school a good friend decided to join the navy and I asked why? I then visited the navy base and got onboard a ship and it changed my perspective.

'Eight years later and he's the captain and I'm the second in charge of this ship.”

As well as the students, 15 members of the Tauranga Volunteer Reserves will get their hands dirty onboard tomorrow learning how to conduct general seaman details including working on the ships boats and familiarising themselves with the ships life saving equipment.

The HMNZS Taupo sails on Sunday.