Level 4 Certificate in Maritime Studies: Tug Master less than 3000 gross tonnage

This qualification has been withdrawn. It enters its lapsing period on 31/08/2024 and finishes on 31/08/2027

SQA code: GK1V 63
Ofqual code: 601/5024/5
Total Qualification Time: 330 hours
Guided Learning Hours: 265
Credit value: 33

The Level 4 Certificate in Maritime Studies: Tug master less than 3000 gross tonnage will develop knowledge and skills in areas such as vessel navigation and vessel maintenance. It also covers managing personnel on board a vessel, managing vessel operations, and taking charge of medical care on board a vessel.

This qualification can be taken by individuals who have been certificated as competent officers of the watch.

It may be available through employers, training providers and colleges.

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Rationale and purpose of this qualification

This qualification is aimed at those who are in work and are looking for recognition of their prior learning and experience.

Its primary purpose is to confirm the learner's occupational competence as a tug master of vessels of less than 3000 gross tonnage. 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 the unit 'Take Charge of Medical Care on Board a Vessel' will meet the requirements of section AVI/1 of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) code which deals with safety familiarisation instruction related to basic safety training and medical care.

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

Objectives

The qualification is designed to meet the following objectives:

  • 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 qualification is supported by the Merchant Navy Training Board and forms part of the Maritime Studies Qualification route to Maritime and Coastguard Agency certification for Tug Masters.

What does this qualification cover?

A master of a tug normally carries out the following functions:

  • navigation at the management level
  • controlling the operation of the ship
  • care for persons on board at the operational level
  • radio communications

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 33 credits by completing the five mandatory units from the qualification structure.

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is suitable for a wide range of candidates including:

  • adult returners to education
  • people in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects

Entry

Entry to the qualification is at the discretion of the centre.

Progression

This qualification will be taken by individuals who have been certificated as competent officers of the watch and who want to become qualified as a master of tug vessels. 

Masters of tugs normally carry out the following functions:

  • navigation at the management level
  • controlling the operation of the ship
  • care for persons on board at the operational level
  • radio communications

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Qualification structure

Group award code: GK1V 63
Ofqual code: 601/5024/5

The Level 4 Certificate in Maritime Studies: Tug Master less than 3000 gross tonnage requires the learner to complete five mandatory units (credit value 33).

Please refer to the qualification structure (78 KB) for more information.

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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