Level 3 Diploma in Shipping and Maritime Operations

The main purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner for the next stage of the approved merchant navy officer training programme.

This is one of a suite of qualifications that has been developed by industry specialists and is supported by the Maritime Skills Alliance. The qualifications provide the underpinning knowledge that will enable the learner to progress to HNC/D in Nautical Studies or Marine Engineering and so qualify as a junior officer (deck or engine) in the merchant navy.

This qualification delivers the underpinning knowledge needed to meet the nationally recognised standard for the role of deck officer, and so provides a sound basis for working in the industry. 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
• confirming knowledge, understanding and skills

This qualification is intended for people in the maritime sector, and has been developed in conjunction with the Merchant Navy Training Board and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to ensure it is 'fit for purpose'. The qualification is a component of an approved merchant navy training programme and is a step towards certification as a deck officer in the merchant navy.

As this is a knowledge-based qualification, learners will be acquiring the knowledge and skills required through either on-the-job experience or in a learning environment.

To achieve the whole qualification, learners need a minimum of 72 credit points. They must complete seven mandatory units plus four optional units from the qualification structure.

This qualification may be of interest to learners who:

• wish to pursue a career at sea
• wish to work within the maritime industry
• wish to enter the merchant navy
• have already achieved a relevant Maritime Level 2 qualification and wish to progress on to the Level 3 Diploma
• are already working within the shipping industry
• are wishing to transfer from another career
• are practically minded, enjoy learning in a structured and detailed manner using practical training — and enjoy the challenge that the maritime sector can offer

Entry

Entry requirements to the qualification are:

• GCSE Grades A–C or equivalent qualifications are required in the following subjects: English Language, Mathematics, a science-based subject and at least one other subject (such as Engineering or Science).

Where non-UK qualifications are used to measure if a learner has suitable entry level qualifications, the learner will have to have equivalent qualifications to the above, including English Language, as necessary.

In all cases, the learner will be informed that, in order to progress into a career in the merchant navy, a certain level of physical health and fitness is required. This will be assessed via the MCA Medical Standard as detailed within Merchant Guidance Notice (MGN) 264.

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