Apprenticeships – Boatmaster Level 3 and Workboat Crew Level 3

New apprentice standards have been introduced over the last few years with Government funding available through Employers to train employees in new skills. There is no upper age limit for becoming an apprentice, whilst the training is based on maritime qualifications, apprentices will need a basic level of English and Maths which can be studied for at the same time.

Training takes place in Plymouth and can sometimes be delivered off site. Industry visits, such as to Seawork in Southampton are scheduled to provide an overview of different maritime sectors.

Boatmaster Level 3

The new Boatmaster Level 3 standard was approved in November 2019, currently we programme the training to take place in blocks over 24 months covering the mandatory 20 qualifications which include STCW Basic Training, practical boat handling courses and also incorporates the SQA Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies: Rivers, Inland Waterways and Limited Distances to Sea.

Apprenticeship funding covers the cost of the training, a number of blocks take place in Plymouth with the possibility of others being held at or near the employers location.

By the end of the 24 months, apprentices should have the required underpinning knowledge, completed their Training Record Books and have the relevant sea service to apply for the MCA Boatmaster Tier 1 Level 2.

 

Workboat Crew Level 3

The aim over the time is to train the apprentices to at least a MCA/RYA Yachtmaster Coastal, therefore qualified as a mate on vessels up to 150nm and skipper up to 20nm from a safe haven. Training includes Electronic Navigation, Radar and Stability training in line with the Workboat Code. This is a very practically based apprenticeship with plenty of training afloat. 
 
Apprentices will also be qualified to AEC 1 and 2 on the engineering side, and will also have slingers and crane training and certification in passenger handling and crisis management. 
 
The route is funded so training costs are covered by the apprenticeship, and will be run over two years although shorter periods are possible. 
 
Training would be normally based in Plymouth, but if sufficient numbers from one employer, some parts could be conducted onsite.