HNC Nautical Science - SQA · Arrangements Document: HNC Nautical Science (G8F5 15) and HND...

Arrangements for: HNC Nautical Science

Group Award Code: G8F5 15

HND Nautical Science Group Award Code: G8E8 16

Validation date: June 2006

Date of original publication: October 2007

Version: 01

Acknowledgement SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development of Higher National qualifications.

History of changes It is anticipated that changes will take place during the life of the qualification, and this section will record these changes. This document is the latest version and incorporates the changes summarised below. Version number Description Date Authorised by

Contents 1 Introduction...................................................................................................... 1 2 Rationale for the development of the Group Awards ...................................... 1 2.1 Consultation and market research.................................................................... 2 3 Aims of the Group Awards.............................................................................. 5 3.1 General aims of the Group Awards ................................................................. 6 3.2 Specific aims of the Group Awards................................................................. 7 3.2.1 Specific aims of the HNC Nautical Science .................................................... 7 3.2.2 Specific aims of the HND Nautical Science .................................................... 7 3.3 Target groups ................................................................................................... 7 3.3.1 Non-seafarers................................................................................................... 9 3.4 Employment Opportunities within the wider maritime sector......................... 9 4 Access to Group Awards ............................................................................... 10 4.1 Entry guidelines ............................................................................................. 10 4.1.1 Standard Grade entrants................................................................................. 10 4.1.2 Higher/A Level entrants (less than 120 UCAS points).................................. 10 4.1.3 Higher/A Level entrants (more than 120 UCAS points) ............................... 10 4.1.4 Mature serving seafarers................................................................................ 11 4.1.5 Non-seafarers................................................................................................. 11 4.2 Progression from HND Year 1 to HND Year 2............................................. 11 4.3 Recommended Core Skills entry levels ......................................................... 12 5 Group Award structure .................................................................................. 13 5.1 Framework of HNC and HND Nautical Science........................................... 13 5.1.1 Framework of HNC Nautical Science ........................................................... 13 5.1.2 Framework of HND Nautical Science ........................................................... 14 5.1.3 Graded Units.................................................................................................. 15 5.1.4 Link Between Graded Units and MCA Safety Examinations ....................... 16 5.1.5 Core Skills Entry and Exit levels................................................................... 16 5.2 Mapping information ..................................................................................... 17 5.2.1 Mapping of the aims of the Group Award to individual Units ...................... 17 5.2.2 Mapping of National Occupational Standards to individual Units ................ 17 5.3 Articulation, professional recognition and credit transfer ............................. 18 5.3.1 Articulation and progression.......................................................................... 18 5.3.2 Credit Transfer arrangements ........................................................................ 18 6 Approaches to Delivery and Assessment....................................................... 19 6.1 Content and Context ...................................................................................... 19 6.2 Core Skills ..................................................................................................... 21 6.3 Assessment .................................................................................................... 22 6.4 Graded Units.................................................................................................. 26 6.4.1 Management of Graded Units........................................................................ 27 6.4.2 Suggested approaches to assessment ............................................................. 28 6.5 Open Learning ............................................................................................... 28 6.6 Indicative training programmes for target groups ......................................... 29 6.6.1 Officer Trainees following the route to ‘OOW Unlimited’ Certificate Level and then progressing to ‘Chief Mate Unlimited’ by either VQ or non-VQ routes ............................................................................................................. 29 6.6.2 Officer Trainees holding a UK MCA ‘OOW’ Unlimited Certificate or non UK equivalent progressing to a ‘Chief Mate Unlimited’ Certificate............. 32 6.6.3 Experienced seafarers following the non-VQ route to 'OOW Unlimited' Certificate Level ............................................................................................ 33 7 General information for centres..................................................................... 34 7.1 Candidates with disabilities and/or additional support needs ........................ 34 7.2 Internal and external verification................................................................... 34

7.3 The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency requirements ............................. 34 7.4 Merchant Navy Training Board requirements ............................................... 35 8 General information for candidates ............................................................... 35 9 Glossary of Terms.......................................................................................... 36 10 Appendices .................................................................................................... 37 Appendix 1: The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency Requirements ............................ 38 Appendix 2: MGN 8 (M).................................................................................................... 42 Appendix 3: MGN 91 (M).................................................................................................. 43 Appendix 4: MGN 92 (M).................................................................................................. 44 Appendix 5: MNTB Working Schedule............................................................................. 45 Appendix 6: Credit Transfer Arrangements HNC.............................................................. 46 Appendix 6a: Credit Transfer Arrangements HND.............................................................. 48 Appendix 7: Exemplar Questionnaire ................................................................................ 51 Appendix 7a: Exemplar Questionnaire ................................................................................ 54 Appendix 8: Mapping of Aims of the HNC to individual Units ........................................ 61 Appendix 9: Mapping of Aims to HND Units.................................................................... 63 Appendix 10: Professional Diploma Programme................................................................. 66 Appendix 11: Main Stream/Alternative Route Programme ................................................. 68 Appendix 12: Core Skills Mapping to HNC Nautical Science............................................. 71 Appendix 14: Mapping of Old NOS to new NOS................................................................ 77 Appendix 15: NOS Mapping of HNC Nautical Science ...................................................... 80 Appendix 16: NOS Mapping of HND Nautical Science ...................................................... 82 Appendix 17: STCW 95 Mapping of HNC Units ................................................................ 85 Appendix 18: STCW 95 Mapping of HND part 2 Units ...................................................... 96

Arrangements Document: HNC Nautical Science (G8F5 15) and HND Nautical Science (G8E8 16)

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1 Introduction

This is the Arrangements Document for the revised HNC and HND in Nautical Science which were validated in 2006. This document includes: background information on the development of the Group Award, its aims, guidance on access, details of the Group Award structure, and guidance on delivery. The document also includes details on the Graded Units and their relationship to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) safety examinations, administered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). These newly revised awards replace the previous Nautical Science HNC (G5VW15) and HND (G5VX 16).

2 Rationale for the development of the Group Awards

The HNC and HND Nautical Science have been developed to deliver the underpinning knowledge required for Merchant Navy Certificates of Competence as defined in the IMO convention on the Standards of Training and Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW 95). This underpinning knowledge is clearly defined in STCW 95 and has been further clarified by both the UK Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The knowledge and skills developed in the suite of Units within the HND match the underpinning knowledge required for Chief Mate Certification and those of the HNC match the underpinning knowledge required for Officer of the Watch (OOW) Certification. (However, candidates aspiring to OOW certification will be required to undertake additional HN Units, see section 5.1.1). For the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment, it is essential that seafarers have a level of competence that enables them to carry out their duties safely and effectively. Accordingly it is a requirement of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) that merchant vessels are operated by seafarers who hold a ‘Certificate of Competency’ which attests to their competence at the level or rank for which they are employed. The current requirements are detailed in the IMO ‘Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping’ convention as amended in 1995, commonly referred to as ‘STCW 95’. As a signatory to IMO, the UK Government is responsible for ensuring compliance with STCW 95 on board UK registered merchant vessels and by seafarers seeking to gain UK Certificates of Competency. This task is undertaken by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), which is part of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). See Appendix 1 for details of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency requirements.


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2.1 Consultation and market research

The consultation phase of the revision

Under the supervision of the MNTB, the UK maritime sector, undertook a major review in 2004/2005 of the arrangements for training and certification of UK seafarers and cadet training in particular. The review took the form of a major consultation exercise, involving UK shipping companies and employers, port authorities, the Maritime Skills Alliance, training establishments, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), union representatives from the main seafarers unions and many other interested parties. The remit of the review was to determine the type of future officer that the shipping industry required and the mechanisms required to deliver the necessary training and certification structures. As a result of consultation it was decided that there was a need to attract Officer Trainee entrants with higher academic qualifications than those at present, and that there was a definite additional need for more management and soft skills than the present system afforded. This resulted in the introduction of a Foundation Degree-based training programme in England and Wales, coming into effect in session 2006/2007. In Scotland however, providers of HNC and HND Nautical Science in consultation with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) formed a Qualifications Design Team (QDT) in 2005, with a view to developing a suitable single award that would provide the respective underpinning knowledge for STCW 95 as required by the MNTB in Scotland. This was reflected in the development of the revised HND. Evidence of consultation Extensive consultation between the QDT, MNTB, MCA, SQA and the UK shipping industry has been carried out in developing these Group Awards. The MNTB in their role of overseeing the review of cadet training throughout the UK have held various consultation meetings with which the QDT have been involved. These meetings took the form of a steering group, which had representatives from the marine colleges’ senior management team and also working groups at which both colleges, shipping companies, seafarers unions and other interested parties attended. A copy of the working plan is attached as Appendix 5. The reports of each of the meetings are available from the MNTB. Market research The MNTB employed consultants to carry out extensive market research into the perceived training needs of employers within the marine industry and how this training could be delivered.


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The market research identified the need to: ♦ raise the levels of management skills in the workforce in particular the

management of health, risk and safety ♦ increase the attractiveness of the sector by ensuring there are attractive career

paths that provide compatible qualifications that are viable ♦ provide good communications between people working in often dangerous

environments ♦ develop a coherent qualifications framework for the sector ♦ develop a Foundation Degree or Scottish equivalent ♦ address management skills issues and attract a higher standard of entry. An open seminar was also attended by all the major UK shipping companies, plus representatives for the SQA and MCA. The purpose of this seminar was to explain the proposed training of Officer Trainees, in Scotland. There was broad agreement for the proposals of the HNC and HND in Nautical Science and that it would continue to be highly effective means of delivery of the underpinning knowledge required by STCW 95. Management and leadership skills which were identified by the MNTB consultation are contained within the HND Nautical Science, but may be supplemented by a Professional Development Award at SCQF level 9, which will also include elements of work based learning. It was agreed that a combination of the HNC and HND Nautical Science and a Professional Development Award at SCQF level 9 would certainly meet, if not exceed, the overall requirements of the marine industry. The QDT also carried out two rounds of market research. The first consisted of a questionnaire sent out to 40 companies. The questionnaires focussed on the requirement for Core Skills within the awards and copies of these are given in Appendices 7 and 7a. Analysis of the results can be summarised as follows: Communication All respondents thought that the three strands of reading, writing and oral communication were very important. All respondents indicated that development of these skills was a requirement, whilst the majority considered that assessment was necessary. Numeracy All respondents thought that of the skill’s components, Using Number was essential and Using Graphical Information was very important. It was felt by all respondents that both required development within the HNC/HND and a majority felt the need Using Number to be assessed. Information Technology There was some variance on the perceived value of IT skills ranging from views that they were very important, were quite important and only fairly important. However, all thought that the opportunity should be available to develop IT skills within the awards.


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Problem Solving All respondents felt that Critical Thinking was very important and a majority felt that it should be assessed within the Units comprising the award. Planning and Organisation and Reviewing and Evaluating were views by all respondents as components that should be developed within the awards. Working with Others All respondents felt that this particular skill was very important, given the nature and importance of ships’ crews in the modern marine industry. A majority felt that this skill should be assessed within the awards.

Additionally the following comments/views on Core Skills were expressed: Communication: Officer Trainees must be able to interpret technical

reports and manuals, compile reports, give clear instructions, and communicate within a group.

Numeracy: Numeracy is essential for calculations involving

navigation and stability, and trainees must be capable of rapid manual calculations. Numeracy is required for interpretation of diagrams and computer generated data and diagrams, plus statistics.

Information Technology: There is a need for Officer Trainees to be proficient

in using software applications. The use of IT in navigation systems was also highlighted.

Problem Solving: Decision making ability was underlined as a major

requirement, together with being able to consider safety requirements when undertaking a task. Planning of work and maintenance was also emphasised, as was the importance of learning from debrief sessions and reports.

Working with Others: It was considered that this was an essential quality

with modern multinational crew. As well as the need for teamwork, respect for personal values was highlighted.

It was agreed by the QDT to adopt a Core Skills strategy that would provide opportunities for the development of Core Skills throughout the Group Awards. This strategy focuses on signposting opportunities for skills development in the core Units of the award. The Graded Units integrate the knowledge and skills developed, and provide further opportunities for candidates to enhance their transferable skills. The second round of market research consisted of questionnaires and was targeted at marine employers. The purpose of this research was to obtain views on the proposed content of the HNC and HND and its relevance to the shipping industry. Whilst there was a relatively low response rate, the areas covered by the questionnaire had been covered at length within the consultation process organised by the MNTB, and also in the GCNS seminar.


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On the question of the title, the majority of respondents agreed that it reflected the content of the qualification, that it reflected the demands of the vocational area and that it related well to professional bodies in the maritime sector. On the content of both HNC and HND, all respondents felt that this reflected the aspirations of employers. Comments on additional aims in Questions 2 and 3, which were taken into account during development, included the following: Cross cultural communications and management of multinational crews should be included in the HNC Nautical Science. Increased expertise in management and leadership would be required within the industry and this should be taken into account when developing awards. A summary of the Unit content and aims had been included with each questionnaire and all respondents agreed with the proposed content and Units. Each of the noted skill areas were identified as ‘very relevant’ by all respondents.

3 Aims of the Group Awards

The HNC and HND Nautical Science comprise an important component in the requirements for UK Officer Trainees Certificates of Competency, to the extent that they are quoted in paragraph 9.0 of MGN No 8 from the MCA (see Appendix 2; note: HNC is referred to as ‘HND part 1’ in this guidance note). The use of the HNC and HND Nautical Science to provide the academic knowledge underpinning MCA Certificates of Competency has worked very successfully since 1984, including during and since the introduction of SVQs in the mid 1990s. There is no reason to suggest that this will not continue for the extended future. The use of the HNC and HND Nautical Science with its wide range of nautical subjects providing the academic requirements for Certificates of Competency has long been recognised for several reasons as follows: ♦ An HNC and HND commands respect among young people, their parents and

careers advisors. ♦ As part of the overall training scheme the HNC and HND works well and

produces an outcome which matches the needs of employers, in that it provides officers who are adaptable to change, flexible in their roles and attitudes and able to move from ship to ship, having a thorough understanding of their duties.

♦ An HNC and HND provide the type of officer who is in great demand worldwide. Currently this demand exceeds supply and all successful candidates obtain immediate employment.

♦ An HNC and HND used as the means of delivering the UPK of a SVQ, automatically ensures the academic rigour of the vocational qualification through the use of existing internal and external moderation systems. This will continue for the immediate future as explained above.

♦ An HND is recognised by Higher Education Institutions to the extent that in many cases it enables direct progression into the 2nd year or above of many degree programmes.

♦ The HNC and HND provide status and are seen by the industry as a valuable base for progression to shore-based employment within the individual company structure.


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♦ The HNC and HND are recognised internationally and there remains a high demand for the qualifications as part of an MN Certificate of Competency from numerous foreign nationals at all levels.

♦ The HNC and HND Nautical Science also provide the skills and knowledge relevant to many shore-based careers in the operational aspects of shipping, including ship management, cargo handling, pilotage, towage, pollution control, surveying, port control and other marine related occupations.

♦ The HNC and HND awards allow for great flexibility in delivery to wider range of entry qualifications.

The HNC and HND Nautical Science will ensure that the provision of seafarer training in the Scotland matches similar training elsewhere in the UK and also allows for a diverse entry and exit profile within the industry. It is expected that the HNC and HND will allow for easy progression to higher qualifications for those seafarers not enrolled on Officer Trainee training schemes, and in addition, those seafarers from overseas who wish to progress towards a first UK Certificate of competency and beyond. The development of new higher level awards such as the Professional Development Award in Marine Management should allow holders of a Nautical Science HND to obtain employment ashore at later stages in the seagoing career. Employers and the Merchant Navy Training Board have been consulted on the content of the proposed award and all fully support changes in this revision of the Group Awards. The Group Awards have been rewritten, particularly the HND, in order that they comply with the SQA 2003 design principles. As part of this rewrite both awards now also detail the proposed Core Skills exit profile which ties in with the MNTB Core Skills mapping for the Industry National Occupational Standards (NOS).

3.1 General aims of the Group Awards

The HNC and HND have a number of general aims which can be summarised as follows: ♦ To develop the ability to analyse and plan tasks commonly encountered in the

work place ♦ To develop approaches to problem solving and critical thinking ♦ To develop an evaluative and reflective approach to work and studies ♦ To develop the ability to work and communicate effectively with others ♦ To develop the ability to plan and organise studies and research ♦ To develop skills for employability and progression to higher qualifications ♦ To enable the candidate to consolidate knowledge and skills to enhance career

progression. ♦ To enable the candidate to develop skills to enhance their own personal

development. ♦ To develop Core Skills which are capable of being transferred to any type of

employment.


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3.2 Specific aims of the Group Awards

3.2.1 Specific aims of the HNC Nautical Science

1 To enable candidates to obtain a Certificate of Competency as an Officer Trainee.

2 Prepares candidates for the responsibility of keeping a watch at sea and in port. 3 Develops skills to enable candidates to effectively navigate a vessel by

traditional and modern means. 4 Develops skills to enable candidates to operate a vessel in a safe and effective

manner. 5 Develops skills to enable candidates to work with others in a safe and effective

manner. 6 Develops skills to deal with emergency situations. 7 Develops awareness of current maritime legislation. 8 Prepares candidates for the MCA written and Oral examinations at Officer of

the Watch level. 3.2.2 Specific aims of the HND Nautical Science

9 Develops the skills required to manage and control the safe navigation of the vessel in all conditions.

10 Develops the skills required to manage and control vessel operations in compliance with current legislation.

11 Develops a sound understanding of shipboard management issues and techniques. 12 Develops a sound understanding of the ship Masters role with respect to the legal

aspects of managing the navigation and operation of the vessel. 13 Develops an understanding of the vessels propulsion maintenance and engineering

requirements. 14 Prepares candidates for the MCA written and Oral examinations at both Officer of

the Watch level and, in the case of mature seafarers, Chief Mate Level.

Other differences between the HNC and HND Group Awards can be summarised as follows: ♦ Entry requirements ♦ Depth of knowledge and understanding required for HND Units compared with

HNC Units ♦ The level of responsibility as defined under STCW 95 ♦ Possible progression routes into higher education The links between the above aims and the individual HN Units, for both the HNC and the HND are shown in Appendix 8 and 9.

3.3 Target groups Access onto both the HNC and HND programmes are at the discretion of the centre however the following guidelines should be borne in mind. Candidates for the HNC and HND Nautical Science fall into the following two categories: new entrants and mature entrants.


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New entrants to the Merchant Navy

These candidates will be new entrants to the shipping industry who hold the requisite school leaving qualifications detailed below. They will all follow one of a number of programmes of planned training which are described below which uses the HNC and HND as the mode for delivery of the underpinning knowledge required by STCW 95. Officer Trainee entrants Candidates can be broadly split into three main groups: Group (1) Entrants with basic Standard Grade/GSCE qualifications. Group (2) Entrants with Higher Grade/Advanced Higher/A Level qualifications below a threshold of 120 UCAS points. Group (3) Entrants with Higher Grade/Advanced Higher/A Level qualifications above a threshold of 120 UCAS points. The distinction between 2 and 3 is a result of the review carried out by the MNTB as detailed in Appendix 1. Basically, those candidates identified in Group (3) above, will follow a fast track programme similar to that developed in England, which will have, ‘added value’, in the form of additional management studies. Group (3) will also complete a programme of work based learning as opposed to the current SVQ/NVQ programmes. It is intended that this group of candidates will take the optional HN Unit Marine Engineering Systems in Part 2 of the HND Nautical Science. Initially it is intended that Groups (1) and (2) above, will follow similar programmes to those that Officer Trainee entrants complete at the present time. The exact structure of such programmes is currently under review by the MNTB/MCA and the eventual future of the SVQ/NVQ in these programmes has yet to be decided. Candidates who are Standard Grade entrants may enrol on either the HNC or HND, depending on the final outcome of consultations between the MNTB, MCA and major stakeholders in the maritime sector. It is expected that Higher and A Level candidates who have less than 120 UCAS points would follow a similar programme to that which already exists. It is unlikely that these candidates will be exempted from the safety papers at either OOW or Chief Mate level, therefore it is recommended that these two groups of candidates would take the Safety Management Systems Unit instead of the Marine Engineering Systems Unit if progressing to HND Part 2. Both groups would initially complete a Marine Foundation Course prior to entry on the main HNC and HND Nautical Science course. Candidates currently enrolled on level 2 and 3 SVQ will retain the option of progression by achieving the level 4 SVQ in Merchant Vessel Operations or opting for the non-VQ route.


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Mature serving seafarers

This group of candidates will comprise mature serving seafarers who are undertaking either the HNC or HND Nautical Science in order to progress their professional qualifications to either ‘Officer of the Watch Unlimited’ or ‘Chief Mate Unlimited’ level respectively. Access can be via either the VQ or non-VQ routes to MCA Certification. The entry requirements are fully detailed by the UK MCA in their ‘Marine Guidance Notes’ (MGNs) and comprise minimum levels of relevant industrial experience and existing marine certification. The current MGNs form Appendices 2, 3 and 4 of this document.

3.3.1 Non-seafarers

To date there has been no demand from non-seafarers to enrol on the HNC or HND in Nautical Science. However, there may eventually be a demand for some of the new HN Units from shore based concerns within the overall maritime base, following review of the wider maritime sector.

3.4 Employment Opportunities within the wider maritime sector The HNC Nautical Science can provide an excellent understanding of the operation of a marine vessel for a candidate who does not intend to go to sea as a serving Officer Trainee. It can be utilised by anyone wishing to obtain employment in a shore based position within the wider maritime sector. Examples of possible career paths are: ♦ Ship Management ♦ Port and Harbour Operations ♦ Freight and Transportation Operations ♦ Marine Insurance Industry ♦ Ship Broking and Chartering ♦ The wider Maritime Safety Industry, eg Safety Equipment Manufacturers,

Meteorological Services, Pollution Prevention Services etc. As well as UK Officer Trainees, the qualifications can be used for overseas candidates wishing to obtain a UK Certificate of Competency. They can also be used by mature seafarers who are either progressing towards an OOW Certificate of Competency or who already possess their OOW qualification and wish to progress to the Chief Mate Unlimited Certificate. In this respect both awards proved to be extremely versatile. The award of an HND Nautical Science allows even for candidates perhaps not wishing to progress to a seagoing career, to gain an overall understanding of both shipboard operations and the legal requirements regarding transportation of goods by sea. In addition to the career paths mentioned above, the HND will allow candidates to enter the following career paths: ♦ Personal Management within the marine industry ♦ Naval Architecture and Ship Building ♦ Hydrographic Surveying


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4 Access to Group Awards 4.1 Entry guidelines

Access onto both the HNC and HND programmes are at the discretion of the centre however the following guidelines for minimum entry standards should be borne in mind:

4.1.1 Standard Grade entrants Standard Grade passes at a minimum of Grade 3 or GCSE passes at a minimum of Grade C or a pass at Intermediate 2 in: (i) Mathematics (Standard Grade at Grade 2) (ii) English, or a subject involving the use of English (iii) A science subject with a significant content of a physical science (iv) One other subject OR: Completion of a Marine Foundation Course which includes at least the following: (i) All mandatory STCW 95 Elementary Courses (ii) Mathematics — Numeracy, Algebra, Spherical and Plane Trigonometry, Geometry to a standard to allow smooth progression into the HNC/HND Nautical Science. (iii) HN Unit D75X 34 IT Applications Software 1 or equivalent. (iv) Six months industrial experience.

4.1.2 Higher/A Level entrants (less than 120 UCAS points)

Standard Grade passes at Grade 3 or better (Mathematics to Grade 2) or GCSE passes at Grade C or better or a pass at Intermediate 2 in: (i) Mathematics. (ii) English or a subject involving the use of English. (iii) A Science subject with a significant content of a Physical Science. (iv) One other subject. AND: At least two Higher Level passes, of which one should be either Mathematics or a Physical Science subject, or at least one ‘A’ Level pass in Mathematics or a Physical Science.

4.1.3 Higher/A Level entrants (more than 120 UCAS points)

Standard Grade passes at Grade 3 or better (Mathematics to Grade 2) or GCSE passes at Grade C or better or a pass at Intermediate 2 in: (i) Mathematics. (ii) English or a subject involving the use of English. (iii) A Science subject with a significant content of a Physical Science. (iv) One other subject.


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AND: At least two Higher Level passes, of which one should be either Mathematics or a Physical Science subject, or at least one ‘A’ Level pass in Mathematics or a Physical Science. The grades achieved in the above must be such that the total UCAS tariff for the Highers, A Levels or Advanced Highers is in excess of 120. Consideration would be given to candidates with alternative subjects at Higher, A Level or Advanced Higher provided that the grades at Standard Grade/GCSE were of an acceptable standard. Enrolment on the programme would be at the discretion of individual centres, but the overriding criteria should be that the candidate has sufficient mathematical ability to successfully complete the programme. Consideration will also be given to postgraduate entrants with a degree in a relevant discipline.

4.1.4 Mature serving seafarers

This group of candidates will comprise mature serving seafarers who are undertaking either the HNC or HND Nautical Science in order to progress their professional qualifications to either ‘Officer of the Watch Unlimited’ or ‘Chief Mate Unlimited’ level respectively. Access can be via either the VQ or non-VQ routes to MCA Certification.

The entry requirements are fully detailed by the UK MCA in their ‘Marine Guidance Notes’ (MGNs) and comprise minimum levels of relevant industrial experience and existing marine certification. The current MGNs form Appendices 2, 3 and 4 of this document. There is no requirement for an English subject as an entry requirement. This is because the language used for communication at sea is English and all of the above group will already have substantial periods of seagoing experience. However it may be advisable for centres to screen any candidates who are not confident English speakers, in order that they can be given appropriate support within the college environment.

4.1.5 Non-seafarers Access for this group is at the discretion of the centre and consideration will be given to candidates’ past academic and employment history.

4.2 Progression from HND Year 1 to HND Year 2 Normally candidates who pass 15 HN Unit credits (120 SCQF points) including all the HNC Nautical Science mandatory Units will gain access to the HND Nautical Science year 2. In addition mature entrants must have previously been awarded an STCW 95 Officer of the Watch Unlimited Certificate of Competency by a National Administration.


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4.3 Recommended Core Skills entry levels The table below gives the recommended Core Skills entry level for the first year of HND Nautical Science. The same entry level would be recommended for the HNC Nautical Science.

Core Skills Recommended Entry Profile

Communication SCQF 4 Information Technology SCQF 4 Numeracy SCQF 4 Problem Solving SCQF 4 Working With Others SCQF 4


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5 Group Award structure 5.1 Framework of HNC and HND Nautical Science

5.1.1 Framework of HNC Nautical Science

Summary of design principles — HNCs will: ♦ be at SCQF level 7 and have 96 SCQF credit points (12 HN credits) ♦ have a minimum of 48 SCQF credits (6 HN credits) at level 7 ♦ have one Graded Unit of 8 SCQF points at SCQF level 7 ♦ have a mandatory section with a minimum of 48 SCQF credit points

(6 HN credits), including the Graded Unit For a candidate to achieve the HNC in Nautical Science, they would require to attain all of the mandatory Units of 96 SCQF credit points (12 SQA credits). These mandatory Units are also required for certification under STCW 95. Mandatory Units

Unit title Code SCQF credit points

SCQF level

SQA credit value

Chartwork and Tides F0LV 34 16 7 2 Navigational Mathematics and Science

F0M0 34 8 7 1

Marine Meteorology: An Introduction

F0LH 34 8 7 1

Bridge Watchkeeping F0LR 34 12 7 1.5 Marine Cargo Operations F0LM 34 12 7 1.5 Ship Stability: An Introduction F0LD 34 12 7 1.5 Naval Architecture: Ship Construction

F0LF 34 8 7 1

Celestial Navigation F0LS 35 12 8 1.5 Nautical Science Graded Unit 1 F13B 34 8 7 1 Total 96 12

Additionally for candidates who require an Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency the following additional Units would be required: ♦ F0LK 34 Marine Emergency Response and Communication ♦ F0LJ 34 Marine Law and Management


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5.1.2 Framework of HND Nautical Science Summary of design principles — HNDs will: ♦ be at SCQF level 8 and have 240 SCQF credit points (30 HN credits) ♦ have a minimum of 64 SCQF credit points (8 HN credits) at level 8 ♦ have one Graded Unit of 8 SCQF points at level 7, plus 16 SCQF credit points ♦ of Graded Units at level 8 ♦ have a mandatory section with a minimum of 96 SCQF credit points, including ♦ the Graded Units For a candidate to achieve the HND in Nautical Science they would require to attain all of the mandatory Units of 232 SCQF credit points (29 SQA credits) and one optional Unit worth 8 SCQF credit points (1 SQA credit). These mandatory Units are also required for certification under STCW 95. Mandatory Units


SCQF level

SQA credit value

Chartwork and Tides F0LV 34 16 7 2 Navigational Mathematics and Science

F0M0 34 8 7 1

Marine Meteorology: An Introduction

F0LH 34 8 7 1

Bridge Watchkeeping F0LR 34 12 7 1.5 Marine Cargo Operations F0LM 34 12 7 1.5 Ship Stability: An Introduction F0LD 34 12 7 1.5 Naval Architecture: Ship Construction

F0LF 34 8 7 1

Celestial Navigation F0LS 35 12 8 1.5 Nautical Science Graded Unit 1 F13B 34 8 7 1 Marine Emergency Response and Communication

F0LK 34 8 7 1

Marine Law and Management F0LJ 34 8 7 1 Information Technology: Applications Software 1

D75X 34 8 7 1

Marine Passage Planning F0LG 35 12 8 1.5 Management of Bridge Operations F0LW 35 12 8 1.5 Applied Marine Meteorology F0LP 35 12 8 1.5 Ship Stability: Theory and Practical Application

F0LC 35 12 8 1.5

Marine Vessels: Structures and Maintenance

F0LY 35 8 8 1

Management of Vessel Operations F0LX 35 16 8 2 Shipmasters Business F0LN 35 16 8 2 Shipboard Management F0LB 35 8 8 1 Nautical Science Graded Unit 2 F13C 35 8 8 1 Nautical Science Graded Unit 3 F13D 35 8 8 1 Total 232 29


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Optional Units


SCQF level

SQA credit value

Marine Engineering Systems D78P 35 8 8 1 Safety Management Systems D5VR 35 8 8 1

5.1.3 Graded Units Graded Units are a means of ensuring that candidates have achieved the overall aims and objectives of the HNC/D by assessing the integration of knowledge and skills. There are three distinct Graded Units in the HND Award, the first of which also features in the HNC award. Nautical Science Graded Units 1 and 3 assess that candidates have been able to assimilate sufficient information across a range of Units to operate a vessel safely with regards to the stability, cargo and legislative requirements laid down by international law. ♦ Graded Unit 1 assesses the above at the level of operational responsibility as

defined in STCW 95.

♦ Grade Unit 3 assesses the above at the level of management responsibility as defined in STCW 95

Nautical Science Graded Unit 2 assesses that candidates have been able to assimilate sufficient information form a range of Units to navigate a vessel safely at the level of management responsibility as defined in STCW 95. Nautical Science Graded Unit 1 has been designed to meet the following specific aims of the HNC Nautical Science; Specific Aims 1, 2, 4, 8 Nautical Science Graded Unit 2 has been designed to meet the following specific aims of the HND Nautical Science; Specific Aims 9, 11, 12, 14 Nautical Science Graded Unit 3 has been designed to meet the following specific aims of the HND Nautical Science; Specific Aims 10, 11 ,12, 14

All Graded Units take the form of open-book examinations under supervised conditions. Candidates will have access to materials which have the approval by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency. developed in the individual Units.


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5.1.4 Link Between Graded Units and MCA Safety Examinations The Graded Units all take the form of examinations, with the reasoning that they can help prepare candidates to sit the MCA safety examinations. These Units will always be taken prior to the MCA written examinations and can be used by candidates and teaching staff as a diagnostic tool to discover areas where candidates are weak or strong. This enables revision to be managed more effectively. As detailed in Appendix 1, the UK MCA requires candidates following a non-VQ route to certification to undertake safety examinations. Currently at both ‘OOW Unlimited’ and ‘Chief Mate Unlimited’ level, the safety examinations comprise two closed-book written examinations each of approximately 3 hours duration. The syllabus for each is set by the MCA with the pass criteria generally set at 60%. The production, moderation and marking of the examinations is administered throughout the UK by SQA Testing Services, on behalf of the MCA. The main intent of these is to draw together in a holistic way, the knowledge requirements of a certificate whilst providing a reliable independent assessment of candidate’s abilities. Clearly therefore, their purpose is similar to that of the SQA Graded Units. In view of the close similarity between Graded Units 2 and 3, and the MCA/SQA safety examinations at Chief mate level, candidates who achieve a pass in the appropriate safety examination will be given credit for the relevant Graded Unit as detailed in the table below. The grade awarded to the Graded Unit will be proportionate to the grade of pass in the Safety Examination, a copy of which is sent to all centres putting candidates forward. In the case of Graded Unit 1 there will be no equivalence to either of the two safety papers taken at Officer of the Watch level.

MCA Certificate Level

MCA/SQA Safety Examination

HNC/HND Nautical Science Graded Unit

Chief Mate Unlimited

Navigation HND Nautical Science Graded Unit 2

Chief Mate Unlimited

Stability HND Nautical Science Graded Unit 3

With respect to candidates currently following the VQ route to certification, whilst the MCA gives exemption from the appropriate level safety examinations upon successful completion of the appropriate SVQ in Merchant Vessel Operations, this exemption will not be extended to the proposed HNC and HND Nautical Science Graded Units.

5.1.5 Core Skills Entry and Exit levels There are opportunities in both Group Awards to develop the five Core Skills. Information Technology at SCQF level 6 is embedded in the HN Unit D75X 34 which is included in the HND Nautical Science.


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A matrix mapping Core Skills to individual Units can be found in Appendices 12 and 13. Table of Core Skills entry and exit levels:

Core Skills Recommended entry level

Recommended HNC exit level

Recommended HND exit level

Communication SCQF 4 SCQF 5 Signposted SCQF 6

Signposted Information Technology

SCQF 4 SCQF 5 Signposted SCQF 6 Embedded and

Signposted Numeracy SCQF 4 SCQF 5 Signposted SCQF 6

Signposted Problem Solving SCQF 4 SCQF 5 Signposted SCQF 6

Signposted Working With Others

SCQF 4 SCQF 5 Signposted SCQF 6 Signposted

Transferable skills and Core Skills have been built into the awards to allow easy progression between HNC and HND and onto further study or degree programmes. Information Technology has been included into the HND Nautical Science in order that the requirements of ship owners, can be met. Centres should wherever possible develop opportunities to integrate Core Skills within their teaching and learning programmes.

5.2 Mapping information 5.2.1 Mapping of the aims of the Group Award to individual Units

A mapping matrix of the aims of the HNC to the individual Units can be found in Appendix 8. A mapping matrix of the aims of the HND to the individual Units can be found in Appendix 9.

5.2.2 Mapping of National Occupational Standards to individual Units

In 2005/2006 a major review of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) within the Maritime sector was undertaken. The review was carried out as a consultation exercise instigated by the Merchant Navy Training Board and involved all the major shipping companies, training institutions and port and associated authorities plus representatives from the UK fishing industry.


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As a result of the review, a new set of NOS was devised which was more generic in nature than the previous NOS. These covered the wider maritime sector, rather than the mainstream Merchant Navy. The new NOS have been aligned to the HNC and HND in Nautical Science. The MNTB has reviewed the NOS mapping of the HNC/HND and confirmed that all the requirements have been met. A mapping matrix between the new and old NOS plus a mapping matrix of the new NOS to individual HNC/HND Units is contained in Appendices 14, 15 and 16 respectively.

5.3 Articulation, professional recognition and credit transfer 5.3.1 Articulation and progression

♦ Successful candidates who achieve the HND Nautical Science Group Award will

be eligible to apply for 2nd or 3rd year entry to a number of marine related degree programmes offered by a variety of higher education institutions. These include Glasgow, Strathclyde, Newcastle, Liverpool John Moores, Cardiff, Southampton and Plymouth Universities.

♦ Candidates successfully completing the HND Nautical Science may also articulate to an MSc programme in Marine Operations delivered at the City of London University.

♦ Successful candidates who achieve the HNC Nautical Science Group Award as a means of gaining a UK MCA ‘Officer of the Watch’ Unlimited Certificate, will be eligible to progress to complete the full HND Nautical Science Group Award at Chief Mate Unlimited level once they have gained the relevant Industrial Experience specified by the MCA.

♦ In addition those candidates who wish to change career and work ashore may, depending on academic performance in the HNC, be allowed to proceed directly onto Part 2 of the HND Nautical Science. These candidates whilst eligible for Certification at OOW level would not be able to use HND Part 2 as a route to Certification at Chief Mate level without first gaining the relevant industrial experience.

5.3.2 Credit Transfer arrangements

Credit transfer can be given where there is broad equivalence between the subject related content of the Unit (or combination of Units). It is recommended that centres consult current SQA Credit Transfer Arrangements and the guidance in Appendix 6/6a on credit transfer for mandatory Units within HNC/HND Nautical Science developed using 1988 design rules and the HNC/HND Nautical Science developed using the 2003 design principles. The credit transfer matrices in Appendices 6 and 6a have been verified by the External Verifier. Candidates who are given credit transfer between HN Units must still satisfy all other conditions of HNC/HND in Nautical Science developed using the 2003 design principles, including the mandatory Units and Graded Units, and the correct number of credits at the correct SCQF level.


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6 Approaches to Delivery and Assessment 6.1 Content and Context

The HNC and HND Nautical Science are designed to allow candidates to develop appropriate technical and practical skills, which will meet the requirements of employers, prepare candidates for the level of responsibility on board ship and allow future progression to higher rank within the industry or to enter higher education. It is not possible to quantify such technical and practice skills in exact detail. However, the best way to prepare candidates to meet the changing technical and practical requirements of the modern maritime industry is to ensure candidates have a solid foundation of theory and practice upon which they can build new knowledge, understanding and skills. Transferable skills and Core Skills have been built into the awards to allow easy progression between HNC and HND and thence onto higher education. Information Technology has been included into the HND Nautical Science in order that the requirements of ship owners can be met. Due to the fact that both Group Awards may be used as a vehicle to obtain a MCA Certificate of Competency, the majority of Units are mandatory. There is a choice of two optional Units in the HND Nautical Science, however within individual candidate groups, only one of these Units will be available. This is due to the Group Awards being used for exemptions from MCA Written examinations. This is discussed below in the section on Indicative Training Programmes. When centres are planning the delivery of the HNC or HND Nautical Science, the following guidance is worthy of note: HND Nautical Science Year 1 All Units at SCQF level 7 should be delivered prior to delivery of Units at SCQF level 8, preferably in year 1 of the HND by centres wishing to gain MNTB approval to award Certificates of Competency. The exception to this is Unit F0LS 35 Celestial Navigation. This should be included in the group of Units delivered in year 1 as it is a requirement for the award of an Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency under STCW 95. It should also be noted that Unit F0M0 34 Navigational Mathematics and Science should be delivered either before or in conjunction with the Celestial Navigation Unit. F0M034 contains all the basic mathematical knowledge and concepts required for completion of F0LS35. The content of the Units complement each other and a firm understanding of the navigational concepts in F0M034 should enable candidates to pick up the theoretical concepts of F0LS35 much more quickly. Prior to undertaking to Graded Unit 1, F13B 34. It is recommended that candidates have completed or are in the process of completing the following Units:

F0LD 34 Ship Stability: An Introduction F0LR 34 Bridge Watchkeeping F0LF 34 Naval Architecture: Ship Construction


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F0LM 34 Marine Cargo Operations F0LJ 34 Marine Law and Management Year 2 Centres are strongly recommended to deliver the following Units in conjunction with one another: F0LP 35 Applied Marine Meteorology F0LG 35 Marine Passage Planning F0LW 35 Management of Bridge Operations The content of all three are complementary to each other and each will have some common teaching strands. eg Visibility/ice/severe weather and its effect on both passage planning and bridge manning and routines. Likewise the following Units are complementary to each other and would benefit from being delivered in conjunction with one another. F0LX 35 Management of Vessel Operations F0LN 35 Shipmasters Business F0LC 35 Ship Stability: Theory and Practical Application Prior to undertaking to Graded Unit 1, F13C 35. It is recommended that candidates have completed or are in the process of completing the following Units: F0LG 35 Marine Passage Planning F0LW 35 Management of Bridge Operations F0LP 35 Applied Marine Meteorology Prior to undertaking to Graded Unit 1, F13D 35. It is recommended that candidates have completed or are in the process of completing the following Units: F0LC 35 Ship Stability: Theory and Practice F0LX 35 Management of Vessel Operations F0LN 35 Shipmaster’s Business HNC Nautical Science Prior to undertaking to Graded Unit 1, F13B 34. It is recommended that candidates have completed or are in the process of completing the following Units: F0LD 34 Ship Stability: An Introduction F0LR 34 Bridge Watchkeeping F0LF 34 Naval Architecture: Ship Construction F0LM 34 Marine Cargo Operations F0LJ 34 Marine Law and Management The comments regarding HND Nautical Science year 1 above apply equally to the HNC Nautical Science.


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A more complete explanation of how Units relate to one another may be found in individual Unit descriptors which can be downloaded directly from the SQA website. Officer Trainee Training Programmes Institutions wishing to deliver the HNC/HND as part of an MNTB approved training scheme should see Appendix 10 if intending to deliver the Professional Diploma in Marine Operations and for those delivering training via the, ‘Alternative Route’, to certification please see Appendix 11. Both of these give indicative training programmes which may lead to MNTB approval to deliver such courses.

6.2 Core Skills Centres should also seek opportunities to integrate Core Skills within their teaching and learning programmes. Such opportunities may include the following: Communication ♦ Providing candidates with opportunities to develop their communication skills

by allowing them to give full answers to questions asked by the lecturer and by giving responses to certain assessment situations.

♦ Develop complex, vocationally specific reading skills (eg Nautical Publications, Statutory Instruments, Nautical tables )

♦ Develop report writing skills in a number of Units (eg Marine Law and Management (F0LJ 34), Marine Passage Planning (F0LG 35), Management of Bridge Operations (F0LW 35) etc.)

♦ Allowing candidates to develop their Communication skills in group work activities (eg Marine Emergency Response and Communications (F0LK 34), Management of Vessel Operations (F0LX 35), Shipboard Management (F0LB 35))

Numeracy ♦ Developing and reinforcing Numeracy and Mathematical skills when teaching

navigation and stability topics (eg Navigational Maths and Science (F0M0 34), Celestial Navigation (F0LS 35) and stability Units (F0LD 34 and F0LC 35))

♦ Developing Using Graphical information skills by use of a range of graphical representations (eg Chartwork and Tides(F0LV 34), Marine Passage Planning (F0LG 35), Ship Stability Units (F0LD 34 and F0LC 35), Naval Architecture: Ship Construction (F0LF 34) and both Meteorology Units (F0LH 34 and F0LP 35))

Information Technology ♦ Develop Information Technology skills through the application of IT within a

Maritime context (eg Chartwork and Tides (F0LV 34), Celestial Navigation (F0LS 35), Ship Stability Units (F0LD 34 and F0LC 35), IT Software Applications 1( D75X 34))


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Problem Solving Skills ♦ Develop Critical Thinking Skills through the application of navigational,

stability and management principles and technologies to solve typical problems encountered on board a ship

♦ Develop Planning and Organisational skills (eg Marine Passage Planning (F0LG 35), Marine Vessels: Structures and Maintenance (F0LY 35))

♦ Develop reviewing and evaluation skills through, for example, the review and evaluation of the problems and solutions to typical shipboard situations (Marine Passage Planning (F0LG 35), Shipmasters Business (F0LN 35), Management of Bridge (F0LW 35) and Vessel operations (F0LX 35), Shipboard Management (F0LB 35))

Working with Others ♦ Develop Working with Others skills through group discussion on the solution to

management and operational procedures (e.g. Shipboard Management (F0LB 35) — role play scenario: eg personnel management roles and conflicts, collaboration for Passage Planning (F0LG 35); collaboration in search and rescue scenarios in Management of Bridge Operations (F0LW 35); identifying risk factors in Management of Vessel Operations (F0LX 35))

6.3 Assessment

The suggested assessment strategy for the HNC and HND in Nautical Science is to adopt a holistic approach to Unit assessment. Units have been designed to sample Knowledge and/or Skills. A single instrument of assessment is recommended, but where this is not possible centres should avoid over-assessing. Formative assessment Formative assessment should be used throughout the delivery of Units to reinforce learning, build candidates’ confidence and prepare them for summative assessment. Re-assessment Re-assessment should operate in accordance with a centre’s assessment policy and the professional judgement of the assessor. SQA advises that there should normally be at least one re-assessment opportunity. Please refer to SQA’s Guide to Assessment and Quality Assurance for Colleges of Further Education, (www.sqa.org.uk). Developing alternative assessments The design of original assessments should inform the re-assessment process to a large extent, as the original determines the type of assessment instruments used and the purpose of the assessment. It may be useful for centres to build up a bank of assessments which can be used in whole or in part for re-assessment purposes.


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Assessment writers should always refer to the Unit specification when developing an alternative assessment to ensure that it is of equal demand to the original assessment and that it covers all the necessary criteria. Where candidates have not provided satisfactory evidence for Knowledge and/or Skills items which have been sampled, they should be reassessed on a different sample. Re-assessing Graded Units Re-assessment of the HNC and HND Nautical Science: Graded Units should be based on a substantially different assessment. Opportunities for assessment integration The following table indicates the proposed assessment strategy for the Group Awards and also indicates opportunities for assessment integration.


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HNC Nautical Science and HND Year 1

Unit No Name Credit value

SCQF credit points

Suggested assessment

F0LS 35 Celestial Navigation

1.5 12 O1 — Practical Demonstration and Questioning. O2 and 3 Combined into a 3 hour Examination — 65% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria

F0LV 34 Chartwork and Tides

1.5 16 O1 Questioning or Assignment. O2, 3 and 4 Combined into a 3 hour Examination — 65% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria

F0M0 34 Navigational Maths and Science

1.5 12 O1, 2 and 3 assessed each by a 3 hour Examination — 65% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria

F0LH 34 Marine Meteorology: An Introduction

1.0 8 O1 — Practical and Questioning O2/3/4 combined into a 2 hour Examination — 50% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria

F0LR 34 Bridge Watchkeeping

1.5 12 O1 — Multi Choice Test — 65% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria O2/3 —Test

F0LM 34 Marine Cargo Operations

1.5 12 O1/2/3 – 2hr Examination — 50% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria O4 — 1hr Examination using Multiple Choice Questions

F0LD 34 Ship Stability: An Introduction

1.5 12 O1 — 2 hour Examination —Examination on Hydrometer — 60% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria O2/3/4 — 3 hour Examination — 60% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria

F0LF 34 Naval Architecture: Ship Construction

1.0 8 2hr examination — 50% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria

F13B 34 HNC Nautical Science Graded Unit 1

1.0 8 As detailed in Unit Specification

HND Year 1 and requirements for those who possess an HNC Nautical Science who wish to obtain STCW 95 at OOW level F0LK 34 Marine Emergency

Response and Communications

1.0 8 O1/2 — Short Answer Questions — 50% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria O3/4 — Standard Signals Examination.

F0LJ 34 Marine Law and Management

1.0 8 O1/2 Questioning O3 — Assignment/ Presentation


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HND Nautical Science Year 2

Unit No Name SQA credits

SCQF points

Suggested assessment

F0LG 35 Marine Passage Planning

1.5 12

F0LW 35 Management of Bridge Operations

1.5 12

Units combined for assessment purposes. 7 assignments OR two 3 hour Examinations plus one exam PLUS one Coastal Passage Plan Assessment (open-book) conducted under supervised conditions — 65% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria

F0LP 35 Applied Marine Meteorology

1.5 12 O1 Practical Forecasting Exercise — 50% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria O2/3/4 examination — 50 % Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria

F0LC 35 Ship Stability: Theory and Practical Application

1.5 12 O1/2 — 3 hour Examination — 60% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria O3 — 1.5hr Examination — 60% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria

F0LY 35 Marine Vessels: Structures and Maintenance

1.0 8 O1/2 and 3 — 3 hour Examination — 60% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria

F0LX 35 Management of Vessel Operations

2.0 16 O1/2/3 — 3 hour Examination comprising Extended Response Questions — 50% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria O4 — 1 hour Examination of Short Answer questions 60% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria

F0LN 35 Shipmaster’s Business

2.0 16 O1, 2 and 3 assessed by individual closed-book examinations or by short answer questions.

F0LB 35 Shipboard Management

1.0 8 Case Study

D78P 35 Marine Engineering Systems

1.0 (Opt)

8 1 hour final exam comprising Multiple Choice Questions — 60% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria

D5VR04 Safety Management Systems

1.0 (Opt)

8 Case Studies.

F13C 35 Nautical Science: Graded Unit 2

1.0 8 As per Unit Specification

F13D 35 Nautical Science: Graded Unit 3

1.0 8 As per Unit Specification


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6.4 Graded Units The purpose of the Graded Units in the qualifications is to assess the candidate’s ability to integrate and apply the Knowledge and/or Skills in the individual Units in order to demonstrate that they have achieved the principal aims of the qualifications. For the HNC, one single credit Graded Unit at SCQF 7 must be achieved. For the HND, two single credit Graded Units at SCQF level 8 in addition to the SCQF 7 Graded Unit is required. Graded Unit 1 and Graded Unit 3 also benefit from including a practical ship loading problem which has to be dealt with using information which would normally be found on board a merchant ship. All Graded Units should make use of extracts of tabular data which are commonly found on board ships and which are now supplied as MCA approved extracts for use in all HND/HNC examinations within the UK. These extracts have been promulgated to all UK Nautical Colleges and can be obtained from any of these institutions. The understanding required in interpreting and using such tables is essential for the safe operation of any vessel. Additionally, the use of the extracts in Graded and other Units gives candidates the opportunity to practice with them prior to MCA written examinations. Centres devising Graded Units may find the following advice useful. Centres in the past have found it very useful to select a ship type and an ocean/coastal passage around which to devise the assessment instrument. eg A fully loaded bulk carrier is to make a passage from Rotterdam (Netherlands) to the Panama Canal in September. This scenario would allow candidates to demonstrate knowledge of cargo operations in terms of preparations for loading and securing the cargo. It would also enable questions on shipmasters business with regard to documentation for cargo and cargo carriage regulations. A question regarding stability calculations during or after loading could be devised to meet all the requirement of the Graded Unit descriptor. The area of the voyage and the time of year would allow navigation questions to be devised with regard to Tropical Revolving Storms in the Caribbean Sea, sailing problems to determine courses and distances, navigational problems in determining the vessels position, etc. This type of problem will also assist in determining whether the trainee has a good overall grasp of all the necessary skills required to make a successful passage.


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6.4.1 Management of Graded Units The timing of the delivery of Graded Units will vary from centre to centre and also depending on the group taking the award, but and will most likely be focused on the second half of the academic year towards the end of a cadet trainee phase. It is recommended that candidates study the key contributing HN Units prior to sitting the Graded Unit examinations. However, it is in the best interest of candidates to introduce the concept of Graded Units as early as possible. It is best practice and also in the best interest of candidates for course teams as a whole to take responsibility for the Graded Units and to introduce the relevance of the individual nautical science Units to the Graded Units. This should include keeping candidates advised of where each nautical science Unit lies in relation to the Graded Units, including the different knowledge and skills that the Graded Units integrate. Tutors can aid this by making reference to and comparison with practical solutions to problems likely to be encountered whilst on a ship. Dates for Graded Unit examinations should be set at the start of each course/phase and these dates should be clearly indicated to candidates. Centres should consider planning in advance for the following where appropriate:

♦ Identification of course team ♦ Identification of assessment panel members (internal centre process) ♦ Identification of internal verifier ♦ Setting of question papers and marking instructions ♦ Vetting of question papers and marking instructions ♦ Prior verification from SQA ♦ Production of question papers and marking instructions ♦ Proofing of question papers and marking instructions ♦ Security of question papers ♦ Distribution of question papers ♦ Invigilation of examinations ♦ Identification of markers/marking team ♦ Marking/Cross marking ♦ Marking check/internal verification ♦ Marker reports (internal centre process) ♦ Finalisation of grades (internal centre process) ♦ Issue of results (internal centre process) ♦ Appeals (internal centre process) ♦ Forwarding results to SQA and maintaining assessment records NB: as indicated above, prior verification of assessment instruments is available from SQA. More detailed guidance can be found in the publication Guidance on Group Award Graded Units: Using the Design Principles for Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (www.sqa.org.uk).


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6.4.2 Suggested approaches to assessment Graded Unit 1 (F13B 34) This assessment should include a practical ship loading problem suitable for OOW level, using MCA stability data sheets. In designing the assessment centres would do well to take the approach of using a particular type of vessel and designing the assessment around the operational, stability and legislative requirements for a vessel of that type. For example an oil tanker is chosen as the type of vessel in which case questions could be asked about operational requirements relevant to loading, carriage and discharging of oil cargoes. The stability section could include a full loading problem including free surface effects, ballasting and deballasting and determination of final vertical centre of gravity (KG), the final metacentric height (GM) and intact stability criteria. Legislative questions could cover pollution requirements, carriage of dangerous goods in bulk etc. Graded Unit 2 (F13C 35) As well as the Graded Unit specification, centres may wish to bear in mind the MCA safety papers when setting questions. Guidance for the level at which these assessments are set may be gained from past MCA/SQA written examinations at Chief Mate level. Centres may obtain past papers from either the SQA or MCA. Graded Unit 3 (F13D 35) Again consideration should be given to setting a practical ship loading problem as the instrument of assessment. Questions should be set to demonstrate understanding at the management level as required by STCW 95. Candidates should be required to demonstrate how to determine whether the subject vessel complies with the MCA Intact Stability criteria. In all Graded Units questions should make full use of the current MCA examination extracts that are available to all FE institutions delivering Nautical Courses. If centres have difficulty in obtaining sets of the extracts then advice can be obtained from the Faculty of Maritime Studies, at Glasgow College of Nautical Studies.

6.5 Open Learning All nautical science Units within these Group Awards could be delivered by open or distance learning. However, it would require planning by the centre to ensure sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence. Arrangements would have to be made to ensure that closed-book assessments were conducted under supervision. Centres should be aware that if the HNC/HND are used to deliver the underpinning knowledge required for STCW 95, leading to the award of a UK Certificate of Competency via open/distance learning, then their programmes may require further approval by the Merchant Navy Training Board.


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6.6 Indicative training programmes for target groups Centres wishing to use the HNC/HND Nautical Science as a vehicle for delivering the Underpinning Knowledge required for MCA certification should consider contacting the Merchant Navy Training Board when designing programmes as these will be subject to MNTB approval, especially in the case of cadet training programmes. Indicative training programmes which have been granted MNTB approval are given below. The suggested sequence for the delivery of Units where training programmes are phased can be found in Appendix 10 for the Professional Diploma and Appendix 11 for the Mainstream (Standard Grade) /Alternative route.

6.6.1 Officer Trainees following the route to ‘OOW Unlimited’ Certificate Level and then progressing to ‘Chief Mate Unlimited’ by either VQ or non-VQ routes Candidates will comprise new entrants as Officer Trainees and entry requirements are detailed in Appendix 1. All will be following a programme of training which includes achieving both levels 2 and 3 SVQ in Merchant Vessel Operations or equivalent Work Based Learning Units with the HNC and HND Nautical Science as the Underpinning Knowledge (UPK.) Beyond level 3 SVQ, candidates will have the option of either progression by achieving the level 4 SVQ in Merchant Vessel Operations or opting for the non-VQ route.


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6.6.1.1 Standard Grade entrants/Higher/A Level entrants (less than 120 UCAS points) Phase College/

Sea Programme

1 College Induction which may include 1 week at an Outdoor Centre Level 2 UPK and STCW 95 Elementary Courses Mathematics for the Marine Foundation Course

2 Sea Sea service for level 2 SVQ. Completion of GCNS Distance Learning Marine Mathematics Programme

3 College SVQ level 2 Assessment CPSC and EDH Courses Medical First Aid Course Selected HNC/HND Part 1 Units

4 Sea Sea service for level 3 SVQ 5 College Remaining HNC/D Part 1 Units:

GMDSS NaRasT (Operational) 4 Day Fire Fighting

6 Sea Sea service for level 3 SVQ 7 College HND Part 2

SVQ level 3 Assessment and Orals Preparation ‘OOW’ Certificate of Competency

8 Sea Sea Service as a Watchkeeping Officer 9 College Level 4 VQ Assessment or MCA examination preparation

HN Unit Emergency Planning MCA Orals preparation NaRasT (Management) Medical Care Course Chief Mate Unlimited Certificate of Competency HN Unit Marine Engineering Systems

10 Sea Watchkeeping Officer 11 College Master’s Certificate preparation Course (Orals only)

Notes ♦ The majority of candidates will be sponsored or employed by ship

owners/managers from Phases 1 to 7 inclusive. Phases 8 to 11 will be completed whilst candidates are employed as Watchkeeping Officer Trainees.

♦ Candidates who need to undertake a Marine Foundation Course to fulfil the entry requirements will have to undertake a longer Phase 1 and a Distance Learning Marine Mathematics Programme during Phase 2. Coupled with a minimum of 12 months for Phases 1 and 2, this will ensure these candidates are able to cope adequately with the rigour of the HNC and HND Nautical Science from the commencement of Phase 3.

♦ Candidates who prior to Phase 1 have achieved the full HND entry requirements will undertake the shorter Phase 1 and will not be required to complete a full 12 month period prior to Phase 3.

♦ The HN Units forming the HNC or HND part 1 Nautical Science will be completed during Phases 3 and 5. The remaining HND Nautical Science Units will be completed during Phase 7.


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♦ Beyond Phase 7, candidates have the option of progressing either via the non-VQ or VQ routes. Those who opt to follow the VQ route will need to prepare a Level 4 SVQ portfolio during Phase 8, but will gain an exemption from the MCA for 6 months of the sea service requirements for a Chief Mate Unlimited Certificate.

♦ Those who opt to follow the non-VQ route will have to complete a full 18 months sea service as a Watchkeeping Officer during Phase 8. During Phase 9 they will be required to undertake the two MCA/SQA Safety Examinations at Chief Mate level.

6.6.1.2 Higher/A Level entrants (more than 120 UCAS points)

Phase College/

Sea Programme

1 College Induction which may include a weekend at an Outdoor Centre STCW 95 Elementary Courses HNC/HND Part 1 Units Introduction to Work Based Learning via PDA

2 Sea Sea service including work based learning 3 College Assessment of Work Based Learning completed in Phase 2

CPSC and EDH Courses Medical First Aid Course HND Part 2 Units Delivery of Outstanding PDA Units

4 Sea Sea service including completion of work based learning 5 College Assessment of Work Based Learning and PDA

GMDSS NaRasT (Operational) MCA Orals Preparation Advanced Fire Fighting

6 Sea Sea Service as a Watchkeeping Officer 7 College MCA Orals preparation

NaRasT (Management) Medical Care Course Signals (if Required) Chief Mate Unlimited Certificate of Competency

8 Sea Watchkeeping Officer 9 College Master’s Certificate preparation Course (Orals only)

Notes ♦ The majority of candidates will be sponsored or employed by ship

owners/managers from Phases 1 to 5 inclusive. Phases 6 to 9 will be completed whilst candidates are employed as Watchkeeping Officer Trainees.

♦ The HN Units forming the HND part 1 Nautical Science will be completed during Phases 1 and 3. The PDA and work based learning will be completed in Phase 5.

♦ Beyond Phase 5, candidates have the option of progressing either via the non-VQ or VQ level 4 routes. Those who opt to follow the VQ route will need to prepare a level 4 SVQ portfolio during Phase 6, but will gain an exemption from the MCA for six months of the sea service requirements for a Chief Mate Unlimited Certificate.


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Those who opt to follow the non-VQ route will have to complete a full 18 months sea service as a Watchkeeping Officer during Phase 6. During Phase 7 they will be exempted from undertaking the two MCA/SQA Safety Examinations at Chief Mate level provided they have successfully completed Phases 1 and 3 with the requisite pass marks in Navigation and Stability related subjects.

6.6.2 Officer Trainees holding a UK MCA ‘OOW’ Unlimited Certificate or non UK equivalent progressing to a ‘Chief Mate Unlimited’ Certificate These candidates will comprise mature serving officers all of whom must have achieved the MCA entry requirements and therefore already hold equivalence to the HNC Nautical Science or HND part 1 Nautical Science (plus HN Units Emergency Response and Communications and Marine Law and Management). All will be attending college to progress their qualifications to Chief Mate Unlimited level.

Phase College/ Sea

Programme

8 Sea Sea Service as a Watchkeeping Officer 9 College HND Part 2 Units (with the exception of Emergency Response and

communications and Marine Law and Management) MCA/SQA examination preparation MCA Orals preparation NaRasT (Management) Medical Care Course Chief Mate Unlimited Certificate of Competency

10 Sea Watchkeeping Officer 11 College Master's Certificate preparation Course (Orals only)

Notes ♦ The Phase numbers commence at 8 to illustrate alignment with indicative

programme in 6.6.1.1. The main difference with this group being that HND Part 2 is completed during Phase 9 instead of Phase 7.

♦ As detailed earlier, the HND Part 1 Nautical Science has always represented the academic knowledge requirements of the 'OOW' Unlimited Certificate of Competency or its equivalent predecessors. Therefore these candidates will be credited with the Units comprising HNC or HND part 1 Nautical Science (plus HN Units Emergency Response and Communications and Marine Law and Management) by the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process.

♦ During Phase 9 candidates will complete the HND Part 2 Nautical Science. As all these candidates will be following the non-VQ route they will be required to undertake the two MCA/SQA Safety Examinations at Chief Mate Level.

♦ Holders of Pre 1987 MCA Class 2 Certificates or non-UK Equivalents who have completed the required sea service for issue of a Master Unlimited Certificate will be required to complete Phase 9 in its entirety except they will undergo a 'Masters' Orals examination in lieu of Chief Mate. If successful this will lead to the issue of an Unlimited Masters Certificate.

♦ Candidates will take the optional Unit D78P 35 Marine Engineering Systems and will not therefore study Unit D5VR 35 Safety Management Systems.


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6.6.3 Experienced seafarers following the non-VQ route to 'OOW Unlimited' Certificate Level These candidates will comprise mature serving seafarers who are currently employed within the industry as Deck Ratings, Uncertificated Officers or Radio Officers. All must have achieved the entry requirements specified by the MCA and in this indicative instance all will be following a non-VQ programme which includes the HNC Nautical Science.

College/ Sea

Programme

Sea Sea Service as specified by the MCA and must include 6 months bridge watch keeping time within final 12 months of sea service. Completion of GCNS Distant Learning Marine Mathematics Programme

College CPSC and EDH Courses Medical First Aid Course GMDSS NaRasT (Operational) 4 day Fire Fighting HNC Nautical Science (plus HN Units Emergency Response and Communications and Marine Law and Management) Computing HN Unit D75X 34 IT Apps 1 or equivalent. MCA/SQA ‘OOW’ Safety Examinations MCA Orals OOW Unlimited Certificate of Competency.


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7 General information for centres

7.1 Candidates with disabilities and/or additional support needs The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments, or considering alternative Outcomes for Units. Further advice can be found in the SQA document Guidance on Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs (www.sqa.org.uk).

7.2 Internal and external verification

All instruments of assessment used within this/these Group Award(s) should be internally verified, using the appropriate policy within the centre and the guidelines set by SQA. External verification will be carried out by SQA to ensure that internal assessment is within the national guidelines for these qualifications. Further information on internal and external moderation can be found in SQA’s Guide to Assessment and Quality Assurance for Colleges of Further Education (www.sqa.org.uk).

7.3 The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency requirements

Centres should be aware that when the HND Nautical Science is being used in conjunction with the Scottish Professional Diploma the following will be required by the MCA for certification purposes. The Chief Examiner of the MCA has advised that exemption from the OOW and Chief Mate Written examinations will be given, provided the following criteria have been met: Following MNTB consultation, the Chief Examiner of the MCA advises colleges that when the new HNC/HND are used to deliver a Foundation Degree (or the Scottish Equivalent) then the following applies, should candidates wish to be exempted from sitting MCA written examinations at OOW and Chief Mate levels: ♦ Any Unit which contained elements of vessel navigation related content would

require a minimum pass mark of 65%. ♦ Any Unit which contained elements of Ship Stability related content would

require a minimum pass mark of 60% ♦ All other Units in an award would require a minimum pass mark of 50% ♦ Candidates not achieving the above will not be exempted from any MCA

written examination at either OOW or Chief Mate level. It should be noted however that this will not affect the award of the HNC or HND, assuming the minimum Evidence Requirements have been met for each Unit and Graded Unit.


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7.4 Merchant Navy Training Board requirements Centres using the HNC/HND to deliver the underpinning knowledge for either an OOW or Chief Mate Certificate of Competency will have to ensure that programmes receive MNTB approval. Part of the approval process will involve mapping the content of Units to the requirements of STCW 95 at both the Operational and Management levels. To assist centres in this task mapping matrices for both of the above are included as Appendices 17 and 18.

8 General information for candidates The knowledge and skills provided by the Group Awards The revised HNC and HND in Nautical Science are specifically designed to equip you to enter employment in the Merchant Navy in the capacity of a Deck Officer. They have also been designed to enable you to develop the skills required to gain employment within the wider UK maritime sector including shore based positions. Both the HNC and HND in Nautical Science aim to develop your practical, interpersonal and social skills which have been identified in our research as important requirements for a career in the maritime sector. The structure of the awards The HNC and HND in Nautical Science are designed to equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to allow you to gain employment in the maritime sector, gaining professional qualifications en route or to progress to further studies or degree programmes. The HNC Nautical Science is made up of 12 credits (96 SCQF points), all of which are mandatory. The award provide

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