Level 3 Diploma in Maritime Studies: Shipping and Maritime Operations (Deck)
SQA code: GT16 57
Ofqual code: 603/7738/0
Total Qualification Time: 601
Guided Learning Hours: 358
Credit value: 60
Maritime employment, environmental and health and safety practice are also covered, as are mathematics for seafarers, nautical science, and vessel construction and stability.
This qualification may be available through employers, training providers and colleges.
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Rationale and purpose of this qualification
The main purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner for the next stage of the approved merchant navy officer training programme.
This is one of a suite of qualifications that has been developed by industry specialists and is supported by the Maritime Skills Alliance. The qualifications provide the underpinning knowledge that will enable the learner to progress to an HNC/D in Nautical Studies or Marine Engineering and so qualify as a junior officer (deck or engine) in the merchant navy.
This qualification delivers the underpinning knowledge needed to meet the nationally recognised standard for the role of deck officer and so provides a sound basis for working in the industry. Learners who achieve this qualification can use it to gain employment, to progress in the industry, or to work towards another qualification (see Progression).
Objectives
The qualification is designed to meet the following objectives:
- preparing learners for employment
- preparing learners to progress to another qualification
- meeting relevant programmes of learning
- giving learners personal growth and engagement in learning
- confirming knowledge, understanding and skills
Recognition
This qualification is intended for people in the maritime sector and has been developed in conjunction with the Merchant Navy Training Board and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to ensure it is 'fit for purpose'. The qualification is a component of an approved merchant navy training programme, and is a step towards certification as a deck officer in the merchant navy.
What does this qualification cover?
As this is a knowledge-based qualification, learners will be acquiring the knowledge and skills required through either on-the-job experience or in a learning environment.
To attain the qualification, learners must complete the eight mandatory units to achieve a total of 60 credits.
Who is this qualification for?
This qualification may be of interest to learners who:
- wish to pursue a career at sea
- wish to work within the maritime industry
- wish to enter the merchant navy
- have already achieved a relevant Maritime Level 2 qualification and wish to progress on to the Level 3 Diploma
- are already working within the shipping industry
- wish to transfer from another career
- are practically minded, enjoy learning in a structured and detailed manner using practical training — and enjoy the challenge that the maritime sector can offer
Entry
Entry requirements to the qualification are:
- GCSE Grades A–C or equivalent qualifications are required in the following subjects: English Language, Mathematics, a science-based subject and at least one other subject (such as Engineering or Science)
In all cases, learners will be informed that, in order to progress into a career in the merchant navy, a certain level of physical health and fitness is necessary. This will be assessed via the MCA Medical Standard, as detailed within Merchant Guidance Notice (MGN) 264.
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Qualification structure
Group Award Specification
Group Award Code: GT16 57
Level 3 Diploma in Maritime Studies: Shipping and Maritime Operation (Deck)
Qualification Structure
The qualification requires the learner to complete eight mandatory units (worth 60 credit points).
Please refer to the qualification structure (82 KB) for more information.
How to assess
Ongoing course assessment will apply. Each unit specification gives detailed information on the assessment criteria, assessment (evidence) requirements and guidance on instruments of assessment for the unit.
This qualification is assessed by completing various tasks to demonstrate what has been learned. This can be carried out through practical assessment, knowledge-based questioning, or online assessment. The assessor can then confirm that the learner has met the requirements of the qualification and that they have the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to progress.
The assessment process will ensure that the learner can complete the tasks that they have been directed to undertake and that they can interpret the instructions correctly. They will demonstrate that they can select the appropriate resources for the tasks and can complete them within the given timescales and specifications.
Learner portfolio
Assessment strategy/principle
Maritime Skills Alliance Assessment Strategy
Apprenticeships
This qualification is a mandatory component in the Maritime Occupations Apprenticeship in England (as detailed in SASE).
Progression
The Level 3 Diplomas in Maritime Studies: Shipping and Maritime Operations are based on the 2006 suite of Marine National Occupational Standards and provide access to an HNC/D in Shipping and Maritime Operations in order to qualify as a junior officer (deck or engine) in the merchant navy.
Lapsing
GA6F 57
This group award has been replaced.
It entered its lapsing period on: 31/08/2021
It finishes on: 31/08/2024
How to assess
Ongoing course assessment will apply. Each unit specification gives detailed information on the assessment criteria, assessment (evidence) requirements and guidance on instruments of assessment for the unit.
This qualification is assessed by completing various tasks to evidence what has been learned. This can be carried out through practical assessment, knowledge-based questioning or online assessment. The assessor can then confirm that the learner has met the requirements of the qualification and that they have the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to progress.
The assessment process will ensure that the learner can complete the tasks that they have been directed to undertake and that they can interpret the instructions correctly. They will demonstrate that they can select the appropriate resources for the tasks and can complete them within the given timescales and specifications.