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 principles behind maritime communication.
• Describe the principles and basic features of the maritime mobile service.
• Describe the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) used in the A1 sea area.
• Explain the importance of protecting distress frequencies.
• Describe the Maritime Safety Information in the GMDSS.
• Demonstrate how to alert and locate signals in the GMDSS.
• Explain how different weather conditions and locations can affect radio and visual communication signals.
• Know the requirements associated with recording communication.
• Describe organisational requirements for recording and retaining records of communications.
• Explain the importance of communication records.
• Understand how to transmit and receive communications by visual methods.
• Demonstrate how to transmit and receive single letters by Morse light.
• Identify International Code flags / Signalling flags.
• Identify International Code single letter meanings.
• Demonstrate safety, urgency and distress signals.
• Understand how to transmit and receive VHF radio communications.
• Explain how to operate radio equipment used in own organisation in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Describe organisational requirements for reporting difficulties in transmitting information using radio equipment.
• Summarise the regulations and obligatory procedures and practices for the use of radiotelephones on vessels.
• Identify the meaning of IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases used when operating radio equipment.
• Explain the International Phonetic Alphabet and its relevance.
• Transmit and receive communications by visual methods.
• Transmit information by visual signalling.
• Receive information by visual signalling.
• Use safety, urgency and distress signals.
• Comply with international regulations and mandatory procedures for communications.
• Transmit and receive radio communications.
• Operate VHF and GMDSS radio equipment for routine and emergency communication.
• Use radio equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Handle English messages relevant to the safety of the vessel, persons on board, and the protection of the marine environment.
• Work according to the regulations and obligatory procedures and practices for the use of radiotelephones on vessels.

What you'll be able to do

• Contribute to workboat operations.
• Describe the procedure to support functions including storing the vessel, taking fresh water, and bunkering operations.
• Describe the vessel’s permit to work system.
• Describe the procedures for contributing to operations that are the main purpose of a specialist workboat from anchor handling, dive support, dredging, personnel transfer, or towing.
• Contribute to routine workboat operations.
• Assist in storing the vessel.
• Take soundings of bilges and tanks.
• Take fresh water on board.
• Assist in bunkering operations.
• Comply with workboat safety management systems.
• Comply with vessel permit to work system.
• Work in accordance with the Code Of Safe Working Practices.
• Contribute to specialist workboat operations.
• Relieve the deck watch.
• Hand over the deck watch.
• Assist in preparing equipment for operations.
• Operate equipment.
• Shut down/stow equipment.
• Respond to operational emergencies.
• Report an emergency to the appropriate person.
• Operate equipment emergency stop in accordance with procedures.

What you'll be able to do

• Direct preparation of survival craft for launching to operational requirements.
• Direct preparation of rescue boats for launching to operational requirements.
• Supervise safe boarding of survival craft.
• Supervise safe boarding of rescue boats.
• Ensure propulsion is available for survival craft.
• Ensure propulsion is available for rescue boats.
• Direct launching survival craft within equipment limitations.
• Direct launching rescue boats within equipment limitations.
• Demonstrate clear and concise communications to personnel throughout survival craft operations.
• Demonstrate clear and concise communications to personnel throughout rescue boat operations.
• Ensure the survival craft clears the vessel safely.
• Ensure the rescue boat clears the vessel safely.
• Supervise initial actions on leaving the vessel to minimise threat to personnel in survival craft.
• Supervise initial actions on leaving the vessel to minimise threat to personnel in rescue boats.
• Manoeuvre the survival craft in the correct seamanlike manner.
• Manoeuvre the rescue boat in the correct seamanlike manner.
• Maintain propulsion of the survival craft.
• Maintain propulsion of the rescue boat.
• Supervise safe transfer of personnel in survival craft.
• Supervise safe transfer of personnel in rescue boats.
• Identify casualties amongst personnel in survival craft.
• Identify casualties amongst personnel in rescue boats.
• Treat casualties amongst personnel in survival craft.
• Treat casualties amongst personnel in rescue boats.
• Apply survival management appropriate to prevailing circumstances and conditions in survival craft.
• Apply survival management appropriate to prevailing circumstances and conditions in rescue boats.
• Demonstrate prompt response to unforeseen circumstances in survival craft.
• Demonstrate prompt response to unforeseen circumstances in rescue boats.
• Direct safe recovery of survival craft.
• Direct safe recovery of rescue boats.
• Describe how to comply with emergency procedures relating to survival craft.
• Describe how to comply with emergency procedures relating to rescue boats.
• Describe the types of lifesaving appliances normally carried on vessels.
• Describe the use of lifesaving appliances normally carried on vessels.
• Describe the principles of survival at sea.
• Describe how to manage survival craft.
• Describe how to manage rescue boats.
• Describe how to manage survivors.
• Describe how to apply first aid to survivors.
• List the equipment in survival craft.
• List the equipment in rescue boats.
• Describe the use of equipment in survival craft.
• Describe the use of equipment in rescue boats.
• Describe how to use communication and signalling apparatus appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions in survival craft.
• Describe how to use communication and signalling apparatus appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions in rescue boats.

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 components of the maritime sector and their relative economic importance
• List the component sub-sectors of the Maritime sector, including commercial fishing, commercial yachting, equipment manufacture, inland waterways, leisure boating, maritime education, maritime financial and legal services, marine science and research, Merchant Navy, ports, Royal Navy, ship and boat building, ship and boat management, and surveying.
• Identify the relative economic importance to the UK economy of the 5 major sectors.
• Know key career pathways within the maritime sector.
• List key roles and entry requirements within commercial fishing, leisure boating, ports, Merchant Navy, and Royal Navy.
• Identify key sources of industry and careers information, including the British Marine Federation, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Maritime Skills Alliance, Merchant Navy Training Board, Port Skills and Safety Ltd, Royal Yachting Association, Seafish Industry Authority, and SeaVision.
• Know the role and duties of government departments and regulatory bodies within the maritime sector.
• Describe the key responsibilities of the Department for Trade and Industry, Department for Transport, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Food and agricultural Organisation, Health and Safety Executive, International Labour Organisation, International Maritime Organisation, Marine Accident and Investigation Branch, and Maritime and Coastguard Agency in respect of the maritime sector.
• Know the different types of vessels in common use within the maritime sector.
• Identify and give examples of the various types of vessels in common usage and their purposes for cargo, fishing, leisure, military, offshore support, passenger, and tugs and workboats sub-sectors.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe what is meant by weather and watertightness.
• Describe how weather and watertightness is maintained within the vessel’s structure.
• Describe the methods of ensuring weather and watertightness with regard to openings above the waterline.
• Describe the methods of ensuring weather and watertightness with regard to shell openings.
• Describe the methods of ensuring weather and watertightness with regard to openings below the waterline.
• Identify faults and failures that might compromise weather and watertight integrity.
• Describe associated reporting arrangements for faults and failures that might compromise weather and watertight integrity.
• Describe how and when to take soundings of tanks.
• Describe how and when to take soundings of bilges.
• Describe how and when to take soundings of cofferdams.
• Describe how and when to take soundings of void spaces.
• Describe how and when to take soundings of chainlockers.
• Describe how to check for damage to hatches.
• Describe how to check for damage to tank lids.
• Describe how to check for damage to doors.
• Describe how to check for damage to air pipes.
• Describe how to check for damage to sounding pipes.
• Identify typical damage following collision.
• Identify typical damage following grounding.
• Identify typical damage following contact with solid structures.
• Identify the signage for hazardous items on board.
• Explain safe stowage procedures for hazardous items on board, referencing industry guidelines e.g. IMDG.
• Explain emergency procedures for hazardous items on board, referencing industry guidelines e.g. COSHH.
• Describe how to make checks on lashings for deck cargo.
• Describe how to make checks on securing devices for deck cargo.
• Describe how to make checks on lashings for deck equipment.
• Describe how to make checks on securing devices for deck equipment.
• Describe how to make checks on equipment in store rooms.
• Describe how to make checks on equipment in holds.
• Describe how to make checks on equipment in cargo spaces.
• Describe how to make checks on equipment in steering spaces.
• Describe how to make checks on equipment in engine room spaces.
• Describe additional precautions needed during heavy weather.
• Explain the purpose of restricting access to the weather deck during heavy weather.

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

• Name the main construction features of vessels.
• Identify different hull forms.
• Explain the reasons for different hull forms.
• Identify common steering types.
• Identify common propulsion types including sail.
• Identify common propulsion types including podded drives.
• Define common stability terms.
• Describe the factors that affect a vessel's ability to stay afloat.
• Identify assigned loadline markings.
• Read assigned loadline markings.
• Describe the effect of movement on vessel stability.
• Describe the factors that adversely affect vessel stability.
• State the existence of on-board vessel stability information.
• State the purpose of on-board vessel stability information.

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 characteristics of natural fibre rope.
• Describe the safe handling of natural fibre rope.
• Describe the use of natural fibre rope.
• Describe the care of natural fibre rope.
• Describe the characteristics of man-made rope.
• Describe the safe handling of man-made rope.
• Describe the use of man-made rope.
• Describe the care of man-made rope.
• Describe the characteristics of wire rope.
• Describe the safe handling of wire rope.
• Describe the use of wire rope.
• Describe the care of wire rope.
• Describe the characteristics of combination rope.
• Describe the safe handling of combination rope.
• Describe the use of combination rope.
• Describe the care of combination rope.
• Produce reef knots and identify their use.
• Produce bowlines and identify their use.
• Produce sheet bends (double and single) and identify their use.
• Produce rolling hitches and identify their use.
• Produce round turns and two half hitches and identify their use.
• Demonstrate seizing wire and rope and identify its use.
• Demonstrate whipping wire and rope and identify its use.
• Demonstrate splicing wire and rope and identify its use.
• Demonstrate the safe use of bosun’s chairs.
• Demonstrate the safe use of stages.
• Describe the characteristics of blocks.
• Describe the safe handling of blocks.
• Describe the use of blocks.
• Describe the care of blocks.
• Describe the characteristics of tackles.
• Describe the safe handling of tackles.
• Describe the use of tackles.
• Describe the care of tackles.
• Describe the characteristics of hooks.
• Describe the safe handling of hooks.
• Describe the use of hooks.
• Describe the care of hooks.
• Describe the characteristics of shackles.
• Describe the safe handling of shackles.
• Describe the use of shackles.
• Describe the care of shackles.
• Describe the rigging of safety lines.
• Describe the types of anchor in common use.
• Identify anchor parts.
• Describe windlass and associated equipment.
• Define anchoring terminology.
• Demonstrate safe anchoring procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Describe emergency procedures for anchoring, e.g. slipping the bitter end.
• Describe emergency procedures for anchoring, e.g. hanging off an anchor.
• Describe mooring terminology.
• Describe mooring equipment.
• Describe safe mooring procedures.
• Describe alternative mooring arrangements e.g. mooring to buoys.
• Describe alternative mooring arrangements e.g. single point moorings.
• Describe alternative mooring arrangements e.g. mooring alongside other vessels.
• Describe alternative mooring arrangements e.g. slip wires.
• Describe alternative mooring arrangements e.g. warping along a quay.
• Identify communication methods in common use during mooring operations.
• Describe ancillary mooring operations, including the use of tugs.
• Describe ancillary mooring operations, including the use of workboats.
• Describe ancillary mooring operations, including the use of fire wires.
• Describe ancillary mooring operations, including the use of fenders.
• Describe the use of gangways for safe access to vessels.
• Describe the use of accommodation ladders for safe access to vessels.
• Describe the use of other approved systems for safe access to vessels.
• Describe the use of pilot hoists and ladders for safe access to vessels.
• Describe how to carry out rigging for safe access.
• Identify the need to adjust access arrangements when alongside, considering the effects of the tide.
• Identify the need to adjust access arrangements when alongside, considering changes of draft and trim.
• Identify the need to adjust access arrangements when alongside, considering the effect of wind.
• Identify the need to adjust access arrangements when alongside, considering the effect of waves.
• Identify the need to adjust access arrangements when alongside, considering the effect of swell.
• Identify the need to adjust access arrangements when alongside, considering the effect of passing vessels.
• Describe the relevant Merchant Shipping legislation for safe working on board vessels.
• Describe the relevant HSE legislation for safe working on board vessels.
• Describe industry guidelines for safe working on board vessels, e.g. Code of Safe Working Practice.
• Describe industry guidelines for safe working on board vessels, e.g. M Notices.