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Apprenticeship training course

Boatmaster (level 3)

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Information about Boatmaster (level 3)

Ensuring the safe operation and passage of a vessel.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours
View knowledge, skills and behaviours

Knowledge

  • All Health and Safety Law that pertains to the safe management and passage of a commercial vessel, including certification
  • All appropriate terminology, uses and applications of rope work, access, egress, safe movement and lifting gear.
  • How a passage plan is executed with all the leadership skills necessary for that voyage to be undertaken safely, securely, and with consideration to the environment.
  • The processes for safely and securely anchoring a vessel.
  • All International Maritime Organization Conventions e.g. SOLAS, MARPOL, COSWP and IRPCS needed so that a passage plan may be executed appropriately. Company procedures on the bridge. IALA Buoyage ‘A’
  • Find a position and plan a route using chart work, electronic navigational aids, publications and navigational tools. To appraise available information, plot, execute and monitor progress whilst recognising when pro-active actions are most suitable.
  • Understand relevant regulations and company policies to follow in the event of an emergency. The role of the M.A.I.B, HSE and Local Port procedures
  • All aspects of ship manoeuvrability including steering systems and their functions, steering by compass and the responsibilities and implications of locks, docks and bridges
  • How the use of propulsion and steering systems varies in different tidal, fluvial and sea-going conditions including poor weather.
  • How to use maritime publications and charts to plan a voyage. Know how to access the digital resources available to keep such publications up to date.
  • A basic understanding of the principles of IT on board including electronic chart systems, GNSS, and Radar, including their limitations, performance checks and other supporting navigational aids that are commonplace. Principles of communication between vessels and amongst crews.
  • Legislation, codes and guidance in vessel operations and vessel construction. To know how to keep and execute maintenance plans in regards to deck machinery and to affect ship stability. To understand factors that affect seaworthiness and survivability.
  • General engineering practice and procedures, including pumping and associated control systems and electrical equipment, including digital reporting and recording systems for planned and ongoing maintenance. Shows awareness of UK clean maritime plan as part of the government’s Maritime 2050 long-term strategy. Including awareness of new technologies relating to hybrid vessels and alternative fuels.
  • How to apply legislation and guidance to prevent pollution of the marine environment and has knowledge of policies and procedures for vessel operations.
  • Equity, diversity and inclusion legislation in the workplace.
  • Business objectives considerations: Efficiency, costs, customer satisfaction, Minimising risks to operation.
  • Forecast weather, recognise and interpret deteriorating conditions and review a passage plan accordingly whilst taking action on board to be able to complete the voyage or reach a safe haven.
  • Demonstrates a knowledge of the content and application of the International and National Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea as appropriate for vessels in inland waterways, harbours and coastal sea waters (as would be applicable to Boatmasters Licence (BML)
  • Information Technology systems including word processing and email software

Skills

  • Take responsibility for the preparation of the vessel prior to going to sea including safe means of access to and egress from the boat and Life saving and fire fighting equipment checks.
  • Respond and manage all emergency situations on board including the operation of emergency equipment coordination with the coastguard and other vessels (Sarco) and the liaison with DP and third party organisations.
  • Handle a vessel in a high traffic density environment in tidal or non-tidal conditions including in locks and in the vicinity of weirs, bridges and other fixed infrastructure.
  • Manoeuvre vessels safely with a variety of propulsion systems including single screw, twin screw, variable pitch, Schottel and other propulsion configurations
  • Ensure vessels are operated and remain in a safe and seaworthy condition in accordance with regulations and company procedures. Maintain machinery including main engines, deck equipment and lifesaving and firefighting equipment in full operational condition.
  • Uses information and digital technology within own organisation. Complies with GDPR and Cyber Security Regulations and policies.
  • Apply team working principles.
  • Comply with International, National and local regulations, and health and safety regulations, standards and guidance
  • Build, manage and lead your team onboard, developing work relationships and performance management skills.
  • Uses verbal communication techniques both at sea and onshore, adapting style and use of terminology to suit the audience.
  • Lead procedures including planning and communications in the event of an emergency situation.
  • Able to manoeuvre a vessel in all conditions to respond to all types of emergency (e.g. man overboard).
  • Use appropriate mooring configurations and equipment in relation to the prevailing tidal, weather conditions and vessel design characteristics.
  • Select a suitable anchorage and executing the procedure as required. To use an anchor(s) to aid in manoeuvring.
  • Prepare for meteorological impacts affecting the safe management and passage of a commercial vessel.
  • Navigate shallow and height restrictive navigations using knowledge of depths, air drafts, vessel dimensions and tide predictions in tidal waters.
  • Offer emergency assistance to help another vessel running into danger. To arrange an emergency tow or offer some powered assistance to reach safety.
  • Adjusts appropriately the passage plan of the vessel under their command, taking account of safety, time and business objectives.
  • Take charge of navigational watch, be able to establish risk of collision and take effective action to avoid collision.
  • Monitors business objective considerations and commercial issues, adjusting actions accordingly.

Behaviours

  • Follows safe working practices and promotes a safety culture.
  • Committed to continued professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice.
  • Takes ownership of work.
  • Calm and effective under pressure
  • Actively protects the marine environment from pollution.
  • Role-models own organisations equity and diversity requirements
  • Actively protects the marine environment from pollution.
Apprenticeship category (sector)
Transport and logistics
Qualification level
3
Equal to A level
Course duration
24 months
Maximum funding
£24,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Job titles include
  • Boatmaster
  • Captain
  • Skipper
  • Waterman

View more information about Boatmaster (level 3) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.