What you'll be able to do

• Describe what is meant by the term 'weather tight'.
• Describe what is meant by the term 'watertight'.
• Describe how weather and watertightness is maintained within the vessel’s structure.
• Describe common occurrences that might compromise weather and watertight integrity.
• Describe the purpose of taking soundings of vessel compartments.
• Describe the purpose of securing a vessel for sea, covering cargo.
• Describe the purpose of securing a vessel for sea, covering mooring equipment.
• Describe the purpose of securing a vessel for sea, covering lifting equipment.
• Describe the purpose of securing a vessel for sea, covering anchors.

What you'll be able to do

• Define nautical terms related to vessel operations including port, starboard, bow, and stern.
• Explain the meaning of the term 'underway' in the context of vessel operations.
• Identify relevant navigational sightings that may affect the vessel.
• Identify relevant navigational sounds that may affect the vessel.
• Identify relevant weather changes that may affect the vessel.
• Explain how to report relative bearings of sounds.
• Explain how to report relative bearings of lights.
• Explain how to report relative bearings of other objects.
• Describe the difference between a gyroscope and a magnetic compass.
• Explain the meaning of common helm orders.
• Explain helm order procedure.
• Describe the effects of wind on steering a vessel.
• Describe the effects of sea state on steering a vessel.
• Describe the effects of ship’s speed on steering a vessel.
• Describe the change-over procedure between manual and automatic steering modes.
• Identify common bridge equipment used during lookout duties.
• Identify common bridge equipment used during watchkeeping duties.
• Identify equipment alarms on the bridge.
• Explain the importance of reporting alarms to the Officer Of the Watch.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the types of accidents or medical emergencies that may occur.
• Identify the main types of maritime accidents and emergencies, including collision, fire, foundering and man overboard.
• Identify the types of casualties which may arise from these situations.
• Know what to do in case of an accident or medical emergency.
• Describe the immediate measures to be taken in the case of accidents or medical emergencies.
• Describe body structure and functions.
• Describe how to make a rapid identification of probable cause, nature and extent of casualty injuries.
• Describe how to assess the needs of casualties.
• Outline the importance of minimising risk of further harm to self and casualty.
• Understand how to apply elementary first aid techniques.
• Describe how to apply appropriate measures in event of burns and scalds.
• Describe how to apply appropriate measures in response to accidents caused by electric current.
• Demonstrate how to apply resuscitation techniques.
• Describe how to control bleeding.
• Describe how to improvise bandages.
• Describe the uses of materials in emergency kit.
• Describe how to apply basic shock management measures.
• Adjust responses according to circumstances.
• Describe how the manner and timing of raising the alarm should relate to different degrees of accidents or emergencies.
• Describe how the priority and sequence of actions should vary in relation to potential threat to life.
• Outline the importance of minimising risk of further harm to self and casualty.
• Move casualties.
• Outline procedures for rescuing casualties in different types of accident or emergency situations.
• Describe how to position casualties.
• Describe how to transport casualties.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the importance of personal and employer rights and responsibilities.
• Explain the importance of maintaining good working relationships.
• Identify employer/employee rights and responsibilities under employment law.
• Identify sources of information regarding employment rights and responsibilities.
• Explain the dangers of drug, alcohol and substance abuse in a work environment.
• Identify the types of industry-specific bodies and their purpose e.g. trade unions and professional bodies.
• Understand the importance of protecting the marine environment.
• Identify the possible effects of operational or accidental pollution on the marine environment.
• Identify the use of Marpol in protecting the marine environment.
• Describe the responsible fishing scheme.
• List major factors that have an environmental impact on developments in ports and harbours.
• Know health and safety practices and legislation.
• Identify the basic regulations with regard to health and safety at work, including:• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA)• The Merchant Shipping (Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen) Regulations 1998 (COSWP)• Lifting and Handling (LOLER)• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER).
• Identify and give examples of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and situations where they should be used.
• Identify a range of safety signs including those for:• Warning• Advisory• Mandatory• Prohibition.
• Identify roles and responsibilities for safety officials.
• Identify the principles of risk assessment.
• Identify dangerous situations on board vessels and the surrounding area.
• Identify safe working practices relatedto:• Equipment• Enclosed spaces• Lifting and handling• Typical hazards.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the principal types of maritime safety and security risks.
• Identify the principal types of safety and security risks in the maritime industry.
• Outline the three International Port and Shipping Code (ISPS) levels of security.
• Contribute to maintaining safety and security in a maritime environment.
• Outline the impact of the ISPS for personal responsibility regarding safety and security.
• Identify the reasons for wearing and displaying security / identification clothing / badges.
• Outline the role of vigilance in the maintenance of maritime safety and security.
• Know what to do in the event of a safety and security risk.
• Outline the value of training and drills.
• Describe the safety and security roles and hierarchical structure which typically exist in maritime organisations.
• Identify the actions which should be taken on encountering safety or security risks.
• Describe how actions should be adjusted according to different levels of security alert.
• Identify the circumstances under which it would be appropriate to challenge individuals due to safety and security risks.
• Outline the importance of working within the boundaries of personal responsibility regarding safety and security.
• Identify the reasons for maintaining confidentiality when dealing with specific types of risks to safety and security.
• Understand the importance of following organisational safety and security procedures.
• Describe the importance of familiarity with organisational procedures for dealing with safety and security risks.
• Describe the importance of following organisational procedures for dealing with safety and security risks.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the types of maritime emergencies.
• Identify the main types of maritime emergencies, including collision, fire, foundering and man overboard.
• Know the survival equipment used during maritime emergencies.
• Identify the types of life-saving appliances.
• Identify the location of personal life-saving appliances.
• Identify the equipment in a survival aircraft.
• Understand the principles of survival during a maritime emergency.
• Outline the value of training and drills.
• Outline the importance of personal protective clothing and equipment.
• Outline the need to be ready for any maritime emergency.
• Abandon ship during maritime emergency.
• Identify the actions to be taken when called to survival craft stations.
• Identify the actions to be taken when required to abandon ship.
• Identify the actions to be taken when in the water.
• Identify the actions to be taken when onboard a survival craft.
• Identify the main dangers to survivors.
• Survive in the water during maritime emergency.
• Don a lifejacket.
• Don and use an immersion suit.
• Jump from a height into the water.
• Swim while wearing a lifejacket.
• Right an inverted life raft whilst wearing a life jacket.
• Keep afloat without a life jacket.
• Use a survival craft during a maritime emergency.
• Board a survival craft from a ship when wearing a lifejacket.
• Board a survival craft from the water when wearing a lifejacket.
• Take initial actions on boarding a survival craft to enhance chance of survival.
• Stream a drogue or sea anchor.
• Operate survival craft equipment.
• Operate location devices, including distress signals.
• Operate portable radio equipment.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand fire prevention on board ship.
• Describe the possible consequences of fire on board ship.
• Identify common causes of fire on board ship.
• Describe procedures to minimise the risk of fire on board ship.
• Identify the fire protection systems used on board ship.
• Identify the fire and smoke detection, and automatic alarm systems on board ship.
• Outline the need for constant vigilance against fire on board ship.
• Respond in the event of a fire onboard ship.
• Outline the value of fire training and drills.
• Describe the shipboard fire fighting organisation.
• Describe the functions of fire party.
• Identify the location of fire fighting appliances and emergency escape routes on board ship.
• State the procedures to follow on discovering a fire on board ship.
• Describe the actions to take when called to muster stations.
• Understand the principles of fire and extinguishing fire.
• Identify the three elements of fire.
• Identify types and sources of ignition.
• Identify types of flammable materials.
• Describe the different ways in which fire spreads.
• Describe the dangers of smoke inhalation.
• Outline the principles of extinguishing fires.
• Identify the classification of fires.
• Fight minor fires.
• Identify when to attempt to fight fires personally.
• Select and use different types of portable fire extinguishers appropriate to fire classification.
• Identify the consequences of using an inappropriate fire extinguisher.
• Demonstrate the use of a portable fire extinguisher.
• Know the equipment used to fight extensive fires on board ship.
• Identify large portable and non-portable fire extinguishers, hoses and nozzles.
• Describe the use of large portable and non-portable extinguishers, hoses and nozzles on various types of fires to best effect.
• Identify the equipment worn by fire fighters on board ship.
• Identify the different types of breathing apparatus.
• Describe the effective use of breathing apparatus to fight fires and effect rescues on board ship.
• Describe the procedures for the care and maintenance of fire fighting equipment.
• Fight extensive fires on board ship.
• Select appropriate methods of extinguishing extensive fires of various types, including an oil fire.
• Demonstrate how to extinguish extensive fires with water, using jet and spray nozzles.
• Demonstrate how to extinguish fires with foam, powder or any other suitable chemical agent.
• Demonstrate how to extinguish oil fires using fog applicator and spray nozzles, dry chemical powder or foam applicators.
• Fight fires in enclosed spaces on board ship.
• Demonstrate how to enter and pass through, with lifeline but without breathing apparatus, a compartment injected with high expansion foam.
• Demonstrate how to fight fire in smoke-filled enclosed spaces wearing self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Demonstrate how to extinguish fire with water fog or any other suitable fire-fighting agent in an accommodation room or simulated engine-room where fire and heavy smoke are present.
• Rescue individuals during fires on board ship.
• Demonstrate how to effect a rescue in a smoke-filled space wearing breathing apparatus.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the safe handling, use and care of ropes, wires and webbing used for lashing.
• Describe the safe handling, use and care of ropes, wires and webbing used for lifting.
• Describe the safe handling, use and care of ropes, wires and webbing used for mooring.
• Describe the safe handling and care of blocks.
• Describe the safe handling and care of tackles.
• Describe the safe handling and care of hooks.
• Describe the safe handling and care of shackles.
• Describe the rigging of safety lines.
• Produce reef knots in common use.
• Produce bowlines in common use.
• Produce sheet bends in common use.
• Produce clove hitches in common use.
• Produce rolling hitches in common use.
• Produce round turns and two half hitches in common use.
• Use bosun’s chairs safely.
• Use stages safely.
• Describe anchor equipment including parts of the anchor.
• Describe anchor equipment including the windlass.
• Describe anchor equipment including associated equipment.
• List anchoring terminology used during anchoring operations.
• Describe safe anchoring procedures including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Describe safe mooring procedures.
• Identify communication methods in common use when carrying out mooring operations.
• Describe the use of gangways.
• Describe how to rig safe access to vessels.