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Apprenticeship training course

Small commercial vessel crewmember (level 3)

There are 9 training providers who offer this course. Check if a training provider can deliver this training in the apprentice's work location.

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Information about Small commercial vessel crewmember (level 3)

Working on a wide variety of specialist vessels.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours
View knowledge, skills and behaviours

Knowledge

  • Operating procedures for the equipment that is used on vessels, for example main engines, pumps and winches.
  • Procedures when providing support to diving operations.
  • The principles of salvage work.
  • Methods for laying and recovering moorings.
  • Anchor handling methods.
  • The different ways in which vessels contribute to construction work at sea.
  • Transfer of personnel and equipment: ship to ship, ship to shore, use of vessels, crew responsibilities.
  • Ship manoeuvring: steering systems and their functions, avoiding and navigating locks, docks and bridges.
  • Guard and survey duty procedures.
  • How vessels support aquaculture.
  • Radio communication methods and their application.
  • Setting up and recovery of a towline, including all components (wire, shackles, swivel, delta plate, stretcher, bridles).
  • The Minimum Breaking Load that applies to a towing set.
  • Emergency procedures, applicable to vessel environments and locations.
  • Survival techniques in water, including the use of LSA and PPE, for example, lifejacket usage, boarding survival craft, operate location devices.
  • Operation of survival equipment carried on vessels, for example, retrieval equipment.
  • Techniques for safe working practices across small commercial vessel operations. For example, crane operations, international signalling system.
  • Hygiene procedures for the safe preparation of meals on board.
  • Statutory and industry regulations for safe working on board a vessel, for example, The Workboat Code, International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea.
  • The impact of external forces on a vessel such as sea state, swell and wind.
  • The basic stability of a vessel and the factors which may affect it, for example, distribution of cargo and fuel.
  • Maintenance techniques for vessel equipment.
  • The security regulations and processes of challenge and identification checks for any person boarding a vessel.
  • Information technology and digital systems for example computer based recording systems and navigation equipment. GDPR and cyber security regulations.
  • Paper chart work and tidal navigation techniques.
  • Radar use for position monitoring and collision avoidance techniques.
  • Electronic chart use for position monitoring.
  • Principles and use of weather forecast and general terms.
  • Code vessel paperwork to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Own responsibilities under the organisational safety management system (SMS).
  • Maintenance of survival equipment carried on vessels, for example, retrieval equipment.
  • Principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Unconscious bias.
  • Emergency first aid techniques and procedures.
  • The signs of fatigue in themselves and others and how to recognise them.
  • Documentation: methods and requirements - electronic and paper.
  • Environmental and sustainability regulations and guidance. Environmental hazards that can arise from small commercial vessel operations.
  • Loading and unloading cargo and equipment using a deck crane.
  • Verbal communication techniques and maritime terminology.
  • Principles of team working.
  • Fire fighting equipment (FFE) carried on vessels, for example, manual and mechanical fire pumps, the use of fixed fire systems, and fire alarms.
  • Capabilities techniques for keeping a safe navigational watch.

Skills

  • Operate vessel equipment including main engines, pumps, emergency equipment and winches.
  • Support the safety of those on board, for example, passengers, technicians and other crew.
  • Maintain a vessel's weather and watertight integrity and take necessary action if breached.
  • Operate life saving appliances (LSA) and firefighting equipment (FFE).
  • Administer emergency first aid.
  • Coordinate a response to an emergency situation.
  • Steer a vessel in different marine environments, for example, maintain and alter course when required to do so, taking into account local environment and conditions.
  • Manoeuvre a vessel to enable recovery of "man overboard" and the safe boarding of emergency services and authorities.
  • Load and unload cargo and equipment using deck cranes, for example, the correct slinging of loads, use of international signalling methods and correct stowage of dangerous goods.
  • Anchor a vessel.
  • Communicate with others verbally using maritime terminology for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Perform deck operations as appropriate to the vessel type, and on board equipment, for example, plough dredging, survey activities, setting up a tow, recovery of towline in adverse weather conditions, transfer of personnel and equipment.
  • Contribute to maintaining vessel equipment including main engines, pumps, emergency equipment and winches
  • Respond to emergency situations, for example, deploying life rafts, deploying man overboard equipment, using emergency towlines.
  • Undertake running and emergency repairs.
  • Create a safe means to board and disembark from a vessel.
  • Recognise and respond to the signs of fatigue in self and others.
  • Prepare food on board.
  • Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations.
  • Keep a safe navigational watch
  • Use vessel radio equipment.
  • Maintain lifesaving appliances (LSA) and firefighting equipment (FFE)
  • Follow safe working practices.
  • Apply equity, diversity and inclusion policies.
  • Complete security checks for persons boarding a vessel
  • Moor a vessel.
  • Unmoor a vessel.
  • Follow safe working practices under the organisational safety management system (SMS)
  • Record or enter information - electronic or paper based, for example, risk assessments, equipment service records, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, work sheets, checklists.
  • Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
  • Use electronic navigational charts to fix the vessels position.
  • Apply team working principles

Behaviours

  • Prioritise health and safety.
  • Flexible in dealing with new and changing situations.
  • Team-focus to meet work goals.
  • Consideration and respectful of others, including, those who need to sleep whilst others are awake.
  • Actively protects the marine environment from pollution
  • Act ethically
Apprenticeship category (sector)
Transport and logistics
Qualification level
3
Equal to A level
Course duration
24 months
Maximum funding
£20,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Job titles include
  • Rating
  • Seafarer
  • Workboat crew member

View more information about Small commercial vessel crewmember (level 3) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.