Level 3 Diploma in Supervision of Ports and Maritime Operations

The primary purpose of this qualification is to confirm that the learner is competent to supervise safe and secure operations in a port environment.

The qualification can be adapted to meet specific job roles in a range of port environments, from those dealing with bulk liquids through to containers and passengers.

This qualification will provide confirmation to employers and industry, through on-the-job experience, that that learner has the skills and knowledge to operate as a stevedoring, marine, passenger or general supervisor in a port.

Objectives

The qualification is designed to meet the following objectives:

• meeting relevant programmes of learning
• giving learners personal growth and engagement in learning
• preparing learners for employment
• supporting a role in the workplace
• confirming knowledge, understanding and skills 

The Level 3 Diploma in Supervision of Ports and Maritime Operations is based on the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Port Operations. It has been developed in conjunction with Port Skills and Safety and the Maritime Skills Alliance to ensure it meets the needs of employers and that successful learners are 'job ready'.

The Level 3 Diploma in Supervision of Port and Maritime Operations will develop knowledge and skills in areas such as providing leadership for a team in logistics operations and promoting and maintaining health, safety and security in a port.

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 be awarded the qualification, learners must achieve a minimum total of 42 credits by completing all three mandatory units:

• Take action to reduce risks to health and safety in a port (credit value 4)
• Promote and maintain health, safety and security in a port (credit value 5) 
• Provide leadership for your team in logistics operations (credit value 4) 

Learners would also need to achieve a further 29 credits from the optional groups of units. These range from developing procedures to controlling risks to health, safety and security in ports to ensuring operational readiness of a port terminal, to co-ordinating and controlling vessel berthing operations. 

This qualification can be taken by employees working in a port environment and may be of interest to those who:

• have already completed a Level 2 Certificate in Port Operations either through an apprenticeship or as a standalone programme and now want to progress their career further within the industry
• wish to enter the industry and are just starting their career within a port as a port operative
• want to transfer from another career  

Entry

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. 

No specific qualifications are required to undertake this qualification. However, experience or knowledge of port operations would be an advantage along with a willingness to learn. 

Progression

Learners who achieve this qualification can use it to gain employment, to progress in the industry, or to work towards another qualification.

The qualification will help those who are looking to progress their career in the following roles:

• General supervisor — with responsibility for ensuring the work of teams is carried out safely and to the requirements of the port. They may be responsible for the loading and unloading of cargo, the operation of harbour craft, safety within the port, and liaising with port and other customers.
• Passenger supervisor — liaising with freight customers, shipping agents, passengers, Border Force and harbour authorities — as well as supervising the team and working in the passenger terminal to ensure the work is carried out safely and to the requirements of the port and its customers.
• Stevedoring supervisor — with responsibility for teams of port operatives loading or unloading cargo ships, briefing them on their work, ensuring they operate equipment and machinery safely, and dealing with problems as they arise.
• ¨Marine supervisor — supervising the operation of harbour craft, and ensuring that port teams are working safely and that the area is safe to work in.

On completion, learners can progress to relevant specialist courses such as Port Management or Health and Safety Inspection.

Learners can also progress to the Diploma for Harbour Masters or a relevant Foundation degree such as Navigation and Maritime Science or Maritime Operations. Progression to a general Business or Management Foundation degree may also be feasible.

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