Foundation Degree Frameworks

The MSA was successful in obtaining further funding from Foundation Degree Forward (FdF) to complete the development of the framework for the Ports industry. Agreement has now been reached on the content of the Ports framework, which was put out for consultation with the industry and other key stakeholder during June 2009. This period for feedback ended on 12 July and the finali version should be available shortly. The current version may be viewed by clicking here it is anticipated that the Ports Foundation Degree will be available for use in early 2010.

In the meantime the Merchant Navy Foundation Degree, the preferred entry route for trainee officers has now completed its second year with increased levels of enrolments and high levels of satisfaction with the arrangement from both employers and students. For more details please visit http://www.mntb.org.uk

Maritime Apprenticeship Frameworks

The initial research into the demand for apprenticeships and the development of a possible Framework for a Maritime Apprenticeship with applicability across the whole sector, has now been completed. It addresses:
• The current requirement in the context of the various parts of the sector
• The knowledge based elements and how these could be delivered
• The requirements of the 4 Nations that must be met to ensure UK wide applicability
• Employee rights and responsibilities as a key part of the framework
• The possible structure of an overarching Maritime Apprenticeship Framework
• The issues that need to be tackled to ensure the Framework meets the regulatory requirements and that of the industries concerned.

MSA members have considered the implications of the report and are now working on action plans to secure availability of apprenticeship, where adequate potential demand has been identified, by Sept 2009. (See latest news for progress - A copy of the report may be downloaded from the 'publications' page)

Future Relationships with the Skills for Business (SfB) Network

Following consideration of an SSDA funded study to examine the options available to the MSA in its future relationships with SfB network, The Alliance agreed to enter into informal discussion with several SSC's to try to ascertain ‘best fit'. As a result of this process it was agreed to enter into more formal negotiations with Skills for Logistics, and these are still in progress, with a target date for agreeing a possible way forward of September 2009.

In the meantime publication of the Leitch Report and the Government's response to it, have indicated continued support for the SfB network and increasing responsibilities and influence for the SSC's. The MSA is therefore committed to ensuring that the maritime sector receives proper recognition and support for the key role it plays in the UK economy.

Developing the Maritime Studies suite of Qualifications
The MSA was one of the 7 organisations initially selected to take part in the trialling and testing of the new Qualifications and Credit framework for England Wales and Northern Ireland.
As a result, a Maritime Studies Award at Level Two was created to provide a broad based introduction to the maritime sector that could also be used in schools or as part of an apprenticeship. It comprises two units –

• Maritime Sector Overview (3 credits)
• Maritime Employment, Environmental and Health and Safety Practices (2 credits)

The Project Steering Group has continued to create additional units at both levels two and three, to be placed on the new framework . and eventually to replace most of the existing NVQs which will cease to be valid from March 2010. The units developed so far, may be downloaded from the publications page but a summary of their titles, purpose and credit worth is as follows:

Unit 1: Maritime sector overview
QCF level 2, SCQF Level 5, Credit value 3
The aim of the unit is to provide knowledge about the maritime sector, its sub-sectors and main vessel types, its economic importance and career pathways.

Unit 2: Maritime employment, environmental and health and safety practices
QCF level 2, SCQF Level 5, Credit value 2he aim of the unit is to provide knowledge about employment rights and responsibilities, the importance of protecting the marine environment and health and safety practices and legislation

Unit 3: Vessel ropework, anchoring and mooring operations
QCF level 2, SCQF Level 5, Credit value 5
The aim of the unit is to provide the knowledge and proficiency for assisting with ropework, anchoring and mooring operations, in line with the regulatory requirements for the Efficient Deck Hand Certificate as defined in MGN 97

Unit 4: Securing a vessel for passage
QCF level 2, SCQF Level 5, Credit value 3
The aim of the unit is to provide the knowledge for assisting with tasks on board a vessel in line with the statutory requirements for the Efficient Deck Hand Certificate as defined in MGN 97

Unit 5: Vessel construction and stability
QCF level 2, SCQF Level 5, Credit value 5
The aim of the unit is to provide the knowledge for assisting with tasks on board a vessel in line with the statutory requirements for the Efficient Deck Hand Certificate as defined in MGN 97

Unit 7: Basic vessel engineering systems
QCF level 2, SCQF Level 5, Credit value 3
The aim of this unit is to provide knowledge of basic vessel engineering systems

Unit 8: Maintaining vessel machinery for safe operation
QCF level 2, SCQF Level 5, Credit value 3
The aim of this unit is to provide knowledge for the maintenance of the main propulsion and associated systems on small vessels, and to develop an awareness of typical faults that may develop

Unit 9: Vessel repair and maintenance
QCF level 2, SCQF Level 5, Credit value 5
The aim of this unit is to provide the knowledge to carry out minor repair, servicing and maintenance activities on vessel structures, components and fittings, and includes the use of adhesives, resins, plastics and composites

Unit 10: Assist with a vessel’s navigational watch
QCF level 2, SCQF Level 5, Credit value 3
The aim of this unit is to provide the knowledge for bridge watchkeeping for those who assist the person in charge of the watch.

Unit 11: Vessel navigation and tides
QCF Level 3, SCQF 6 Credit value 6
The aim of this unit is to provide the knowledge for vessel navigation and tides

Unit 12: Vessel watchkeeping
QCF Level 3, SCQF Level 6, Credit value 3
The aim of this unit is to provide the knowledge for bridge watchkeeping and deck watch in port

Unit 13: Survival in the Water during maritime emergencies:
(QCF level 2, SCQF Level 5,. Credit value 1))
The aim of this unit is to assess the knowledge and skills required to respond to a maritime emergency. It includes procedures and survival skills when in the water and in a survival craft.

Unit 14: Maritime Fire prevention and fire actions:
(QCF level 2, SCQF Level 5, Credit value 1))
The aim of this unit is to assess the knowledge and skills required to prevent and respond to fire onboard ship.

Unit 15: Maritime Security:
(QCF level 2, SCQF Level 5, Credit value 1))
The aim of this un it is to assess the knowledge and skills required to contribute to safety and security within the maritime environment.

Unit 16: Emergency first aid in response to maritime accidents or medical emergencies:
(QCF level 2, SCQF Level 5, Credit value 1)
The aim of this unit is to assess the knowledge and skills required to take immediate action in the event of encountering an accident or other medical emergency aboard ship

Unit 17: Vessel fire prevention and fire fighting:
(QCF level 2, SCQF Level 5, Credit value 2)
The aim of this unit is to assess the knowledge and skills required to prevent fire and fight minor and extensive fires on board ship.

RULES OF COMBINATION FOR THESE UNITS

• Maritime Studies (Preparatory) Level 2 Award
(5 credits)
Unit 1: Maritime sector overview
Unit 2: Maritime employment, environmental and health and safety practices

• Maritime Studies (Safety and Survival) Level 2 Award
(4 credits)
Unit 13 ‘Survival in the Water during Maritime Emergencies’ (Credit value 1))
Unit 14 ‘Maritime Fire prevention and Fire Actions’: (, Credit value 1))
Unit 15 ‘Maritime Security’: (Credit value 1))
Unit 16 ‘Emergency First Aid in response to Maritime Accidents or Medical Emergencies’: (Credit value 1)
Options:
Unit 17 ‘Vessel fire Prevention and Fire Fighting’: (Credit value 2) for those wishing to meet the requirements of MGN 97.

• Maritime Studies (Seamanship) Level Two Certificate –
(19 Credits)

Unit 2: ‘Maritime Employment, Environmental and Health and Safety Practices’
(Credit value 2)
Unit 3: ‘Vessel Ropework, Anchoring and Mooring Operations’ (Credit value 5)
Unit 4: ‘Securing a Vessel for Passage’ (Credit value 3)
Unit 5: ‘Vessel Construction and Stability’ (Credit value 5)
Unit 13: ‘Survival in the Water during Maritime Emergencies’ (Credit value 1)
Unit 14: ‘Maritime Fire prevention and Fire Actions’: (, Credit value 1)
Unit 15: ‘Maritime Security’: (Credit value 1))
Unit 16: ‘Emergency First Aid in response to Maritime Accidents or Medical Emergencies’: (Credit value 1)
Options:
Unit 17: ‘Vessel fire Prevention and Fire Fighting’: (Credit value 2) for those wishing to meet the requirements of MGN 97.
Unit 10: ’Assist with a Vessel’s Navigational Watch’ (Credit value 3) for those looking for a qualification that equates to the NVQ Level 2 Marine Operations

• Maritime Studies (Basic Engineering) Level Two Certificate
(17 Credits)
Unit 2: ‘Maritime Employment, Environmental and Health and Safety Practices’
(Credit value 2)
Unit 7: Basic vessel engineering systems (Credit value 3)
Unit 8: Maintaining vessel machinery for safe operation (Credit value 3)
Unit 9: Vessel repair and maintenance (Credit value 5)
Unit 13 ‘Survival in the Water during Maritime Emergencies’ (Credit value 1))
Unit 14’Maritime Fire Prevention and Fire Actions’: (, Credit value 1))
Unit 15 ‘Maritime Security’: (Credit value 1))
Unit 16 ‘Emergency First Aid in response to Maritime Accidents or Medical Emergencies’: (Credit value 1)
Option:
Unit 17 ‘Vessel Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting’: (Credit value 2) for those wishing to meet the requirements of MGN 97.

• Maritime Studies (Navigation and Watchkeeping) Level 2 Certificate
(31 Credits)

Unit 2: ‘Maritime Employment, Environmental and Health and Safety Practices’
(Credit value 2)
Unit 3: ‘Vessel Ropework, Anchoring and Mooring Operations’ (Credit value 5)
Unit 4: ‘Securing a Vessel for Passage’ (Credit value 3)
Unit 5: ‘Vessel Construction and Stability’ (Credit value 5)
Unit 10: ‘Assist with a Vessel’s Navigational Watch’ (Credit value 3)
Unit 11: ‘Vessel Navigation and Tides’ Level 3, (Credit value 6)
Unit 12: ‘Vessel Watchkeeping’ Level 3, (Credit value 3)
Unit 13 ‘Survival in the Water during Maritime Emergencies’ (Credit value 1))
Unit 14’Maritime Fire Prevention and Fire Actions’: (Credit value 1))
Unit 15 ‘Maritime Security’: (Credit value 1))
Unit 16 ‘Emergency First Aid in response to Maritime Accidents or Medical Emergencies’: (Credit value 1)
Unit 17 ‘Vessel Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting’: (Credit value 2)

The position in Scotland:
Scotland already has a Credit and Qualifications Framework, broadly similar to that proposed for England, Northern Ireland and Wales, although with some differences in the number and description of levels. The Four Countries are working together to ensure that there will be parity of recognition across the devolved nations

NOS for Non-pleasure vessels in inland waterways and coastal operations

The project to develop where necessary new National Occupational Standards relating to work roles on vessels operating in inland waterways and the coast, including search and rescue operations have now been approved and placed on the UK National Occupational Standards data base. They are available to download (in one document) from this site under 'publications'. It is anticipated that they will be used to develop a range of qualifications that will meet the needs of this sector.

A Labour Market Assessment (LMA) for Marine Leisure

This research, which was part-funded by the SSDA, was later extended to cover the search and rescue sector. The final report was produced in April 2007 and a copy may be downloaded under the 'publications' section. The key issues identified requiring further attention were:

1. Increasing the supply of engineering skills
2. Raising management skills in leisure marine
3. Improving the flexibility, relevance and availability of training provision and qualifications
4. Promoting the long-term career prospects in the leisure marine industry
5. Improving the evidence base

These concerns are initially being addressed through the development of NOS and a suite of qualifications that have relevance to this growing sector. An appropriate apprenticeship framework is also under consideration.

Mapping engineering related Maritime Occupations against existing engineering NOS

This research was completed in March 2007 and has provided a very useful source document to be referred to whenever further work on engineering NOS was being undertaken to ensure there was no duplication or creation of new NOS where something appropriate already existed. A copy of the report may be downloaded under the ‘publications' section.

The need for NOS relating to specialist maritime shore based occupations
This study, which was completed in April 2007 found considerable employer support for the development of NOS to cover a defined range of specialist shore-based maritime occupations. A copy of the report may be down loaded under the ‘publications' section. In accordance with the recommendations funding was obtained to cover the cost of developing NOS for the shore based ship management roles identified in the report. The work was completed in 2008 and a total of 42 NOS identified as relevant to these occupational areas. A number of existing NOS were found to be relevant, but a further 19 sector specific NOS were developed. These have now been approved and will shortly be placed added to the NOS Directory and the MNTB website.

NOS for Maritime Hospitality Management Occupations
Following discussions with the operators of cruise liners, ferries and the super yacht sector, it was agreed that there was a need to investigate and if necessary develop an appropriate range of NOS relating to hospitality management roles on board vessels. The SSDA provided a contribution towards the cost of the project, which included working closely with People First, the Sector Skills Council with responsibility for land based hospitality occupations. In total 28 NOS were identified as being relevant to these occupational areas, of which 19 were already in existence. The remaining 8 were developed as new sector specific NOS. The whole suite will shortly be added to the NOS Directory and the MNTB website.