Level 2 Diploma Maritime Studies: Workboats

SQA code: GV49 60
Ofqual code: 610/3407/1
Qualification Wales code: N/A
Total Qualification Time: 380
Guided Learning Hours: 346
Credit value: 38

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.

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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Where can you take this course

Current

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.

Unit search

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.

The qualification is assessed by completing a portfolio of evidence which details what the learner has completed at work. This can be gathered through observation, professional discussion, witness testimony or supporting documentary evidence. The assessor can work alongside the learner to confirm that they have met the requirements of the qualification and therefore, they are competent in their role.

Competence is displayed through the assessor observing the learner demonstrate that they carry out their normal work activities competently and to the industry standard, and that they comply with current legislation and company procedures.

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

Lapsing

Qualification structure

This group award has been replaced.

It finishes on: 31/08/2026

SQA code: GJ4A 60
Ofqual code: 603/4893/8

The Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies: Workboats consists of 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 (91 KB) for more information.

Unit search

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.

The qualification is assessed by completing a portfolio of evidence which details what the learner has completed at work. This can be gathered through observation, professional discussion, witness testimony or supporting documentary evidence. The assessor can work alongside the learner to confirm that they have met the requirements of the qualification and that they are therefore competent in their role.

Competence is displayed through the assessor observing the learner demonstrate that they carry out their normal work activities competently and to the industry standard and comply with current legislation and company procedures.

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