Level 2 Diploma Maritime Studies: Workboats
Qualifications Scotland code: GV49 60
Ofqual code: 610/3407/1
Qualification Wales code: N/A
Total Qualification Time: 380
Guided Learning Hours: 346
Credit value: 38
This qualification has been withdrawn. It entered its lapsing period on 31/08/2026 and finishes on 31/08/2028.
The Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies: Workboats develops knowledge and skills in areas such as health, safety and emergency situations, and operational aspects of getting a workboat ready for use (including basic navigation).
This qualification may be available through employers, training providers and colleges.
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Rationale and purpose of this qualification
The maritime sector plays a significant role in the economy. However, an ageing workforce is limiting the sector's capacity to meet its skill and labour needs, and there is a pressing need to attract new young entrants to the sector.
This qualification is aimed at those who have no prior experience of the maritime sector.
Its primary purpose is to confirm the learner’s occupational competence as a workboat operator. As a work-related, competence-based qualification, it provides confirmation to employers and industry managers that the learner has the skills and knowledge needed to meet the nationally recognised standard to carry out the role.
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
- supporting a role in the workplace
- confirming knowledge, understanding and skills
Recognition
The Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies: Workboats has been developed by the National Workboats Association. It is suitable for people who are working, or intending to work, in the maritime sector.
What does this qualification cover?
Learners can specialise in the operation of workboats, that is, a boat used for work or trade rather than sport, public transportation, or military purposes.
As this is a competence-based qualification, learners will be acquiring the knowledge and skills required through either on-the-job experience or in a learning environment.
To gain the qualification, learners need to achieve 38 credits by completing 12 mandatory units from the qualification structure. Learners may also complete an additional optional unit; however, credit from this does not count towards achievement of the qualification.
Who is this qualification for?
The Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies: Workboats is suitable for a wide range of candidates, including:
- progression learners from basic maritime qualifications
- employed learners who wish to enhance their career prospects
- learners wishing to move from one sector of the maritime industry to another
Entry
Entry to the qualification is at the discretion of the centre.
Apprenticeships
This qualification is a mandatory component in the Maritime Occupations Apprenticeship in England (as detailed in SASE).
Progression
Learners can progress to a range of courses at a higher level including Level 3 Diplomas in Maritime and Shipping Operations.
This qualification provides the opportunity to progress to further learning or to more senior positions on work-based vessels. Learners also have the opportunity in the future to use this qualification to undertake an intermediate Maritime Apprenticeship.
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Qualification structure
The qualification requires the learner to complete 12 mandatory units (38 credits — 380 hours TQT). Learners may also complete an additional optional unit; however, credit from this does not count towards achievement of the qualification.
Please refer to the qualification structure (51 KB) for more information.