Foundation Degree Framework

The MSA has been successful in obtaining further funding from Foundation Degree Forward (FdF) to complete the development of the framework for the Ports industry. Agreement has been reached on the broad structure of the Ports framework, which will provide both specialist and port management options that share a common core.

Further work has been delayed because of structural and constitutional changes to Ports Skills and Safety, the MSA member leading on this development. However we are pleased to report that the project Group has now been re-convened and it is anticipated that the Ports Foundation Degree will be available in 2009.

In the meantime the Merchant Navy Foundation Degree, the preferred entry route for trainee officers has now entered 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

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.

Maritime Apprenticeship Frameworks

The MSA has received funding from the SSDA to undertake some initial research into the demand for apprenticeship and to develop a possible Framework for a Maritime Apprenticeship that would have applicability to those parts of the sector that have indicated a need for it. It is anticipated that the results of the research will be available in April 2008 and will be followed up by more in-depth consultation with interested parties, leading where appropriate to the development of approved frameworks that will apply to the whole of the UK.

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 has been obtained to cover the cost of developing NOS for the shore based ship management roles identified in the report. It is anticipated that this work will be completed by the end of 2008.

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 have provided a contribution towards the cost of the project, which includes working closely with People First, the Sector Skills Council with responsibility for land based hospitality occupations. Initial investigation has revealed the need to develop some additional NOS to cover the ‘maritime' aspects of hospitality management and the draft standards are expected to be available for consultation during the summer. The project is due to be completed by September 2008.

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 has been agreed to enter into more formal consultation with Skills for Logistics, and these are now in progress (March 2008)

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

MSA testing and trialling the New Qualifications and Credit Framework

The MSA in 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. The necessary work is being undertaken through a Project Steering Group, which includes representatives from BMF, MCA, MNTB, Sea Fish and the Workboats Association, together with colleges from England and Scotland. The Group has been developing units and qualifications, using existing material originally generated to form the proposed Maritime Studies Qualification (MSQ).

So far, a Maritime Studies Award at Level Two has been 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 comprise two units –

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

A selected number of providers willing to pilot this new qualification have been identified in England, Scotland and Wales and it is hoped that enrolments will commence during 2008.

The Project Steering Group is continuing to use the MSQ material, to create additional units at Level at both levels two and three, to be placed on the new framework. So far, a further six units have been developed entitled:

• Vessel Rope work, anchoring and mooring operations (Level two, five credits)
• Vessel stability and construction (Level two, five credits)
• Securing a vessel for passage (Level Two, three credits)
• Assist with navigational watch (Level two, three credits)
• Vessel navigation (Level Three, 3 credits
• Vessel watchkeeping (Level Three 3 credits)

A further two are under development:

• Vessel Repair and Maintenance (Level two, 3 credits)
• Basic vessel engineering systems (Level two, 5 credits)

Together, these could become a Level Two Maritime Studies Certificate and would cover most of the content for the EDH Certificate and also have relevance to those seeking to acquire the Boatmaster's license.

It was always envisaged that specialist units covering the precise requirements of the various parts of the maritime sector would supplement the more generic units relating to seafaring. The Maritime Studies Framework therefore has the potential to meet the needs of all MSA members through a suite of units at different levels offering a pick and mix facility that should enable the needs of both learners and employers to be met

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.

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