SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Nautical Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
105105  Advanced Diploma in Nautical Studies 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 11 - Services  Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Nautical Studies is to expose learners to advanced learning to enable progression from the Diploma in Nautical Studies and other related vocations to an applied specialization in the shipping industry.

The learning Exit Level Outcomes of the Advanced Diploma in Nautical Studies are:
  • Create an effective safety culture throughout their organizations through the compliance with maritime safety codes and regulations.
  • Address contemporary challenges and solutions to safely and effectively manage shipping operation within the international maritime context.
  • Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to review and apply appropriate business practices in the shipping sector.
  • Evaluate the impact of shipping on the natural environment and develop strategies to address the impact.
  • Provide knowledge and skills for access to a specialization in the practice of marine surveying.
  • Examine financial management systems and controls and investigate the impact of external factors on organizational financial management.

    In addition, through participation in the various modules the following Graduate Attributes will be obtained:
  • Critical and creative thinkers who work independently and collaboratively.
  • Knowledgeable practitioners.
  • Effective communicators.
  • Culturally, environmentally and socially aware within local and global context.
  • Active reflective learners.

    Rationale:
    The maritime sector of the economy has been identified as a potential area for eradicating poverty, "promote the creation of decent jobs" and reduce the unemployment rate. In the first quarter of 2013 the official unemployment rate was estimated to be 25.2% and the expanded rate was 36.7%.

    It is also the objective of the Department of Transport to "develop South Africa into one of the world's top 35 maritime nations. The expansion of the port of Durban has the potential to create 76000 permanent jobs in port related industries and reduce the local unemployment by 5% to 7%. A number of positions ashore require the experience, knowledge and skills of ships' officers.

    The Advanced Diploma in Nautical Studies will enable learners to make the transition from shipboard vocations to management positions ashore. These positions could include: Class, flag and cargo surveyors; technical and Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) managers in shipping companies; tug-masters, marine pilot, vessel traffic controllers and dredging personnel. The qualification is designed to meet the employment needs of the local shipping industry and the career aspirations of students. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The department's RPL process is aligned to the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. The policy will be applicable to all prospective candidates for the Advanced Diploma in Nautical Studies.

    The purpose of the policy is to:
  • Provide a framework for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning procedures within the institution.
  • Facilitate access and admission to learning programmes within education and training and career paths.
  • Accelerate redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
  • Promote and facilitate lifelong learning.
  • Outline general procedures relating to the processing of RPL applications at the institution.

    The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. The Advanced Diploma in Nautical Studies may be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    The appropriate credits would be assigned provided that the prospective candidate is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in the Advanced Diploma in Nautical Studies.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements are:
  • National Diploma in Maritime Studies.
    Or
  • National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (with Marine Engineering electives).
    Or
  • Diploma in Nautical Studies.
    Or
  • Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (with Marine Engineering electives). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Safety, Risk and Security Management, 24 Credits.
  • Global Maritime Domain, 24 Credits.
  • Shipping Business Management, 12 Credits.
  • Marine Environmental Management, 24 Credits.
  • Marine Surveying, 24 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Create an effective safety culture throughout their organizations through the compliance with maritime safety codes and regulations.
    2. Address contemporary challenges and solutions to safely and effectively manage shipping operation within the international maritime context.
    3. Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to review and apply appropriate business practices in the shipping sector.
    4. Evaluate the impact of shipping on the natural environment and develop strategies to address the impact.
    5. Provide knowledge and skills for access to a specialization in the practice of marine surveying.
    6. Examine financial management systems and controls and investigate the impact of external factors on organizational financial management. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Evaluate maritime regulatory framework and key legal concepts regarding safety, risk and security.
  • Analyse risk and quality management systems.
  • Apply auditing, measurement and improvement systems.
  • Relate safety management, safety culture and safety climate to shipping.
  • Explain impact of terrorism and piracy on global trade.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critically analyse contemporary challenges and solutions of shipping operations.
  • Apply best practice solution in shipping operations.
  • Apply national and international conventions, codes and regulations to safely and effectively manage shipping operations.
  • Appraise the Impact of national and international environmental conventions and regulations on shipping operations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply the principles of leadership and management to the shipping industry.
  • Use data and information to support decision-making.
  • Plan and use resources to meet objectives.
  • Develop skills and competencies to manage individuals and teams.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Appraise the impact of shipping practices on the natural environment.
  • Appraise the Impact of national and international environmental conventions and regulations on shipping operations.
  • Analyse current strategies to minimise pollution of the marine environment.
  • Develop strategies to mitigate the impact of shipping practices on the marine environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply marine surveying concepts to modern day shipping.
  • Explain the relationship between the marine surveyor and the client.
  • Evaluate laws and regulations relating to marine surveying.
  • Analyse the role of the marine surveyor in incident and accident investigation.
  • Evaluate various survey regimes within the context of modern day shipping.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Apply financial management terminology, concepts and principles to shipping operations.
  • Explain the current and potential sources of finance to support organisational activities.
  • Use a range of financial controls to support business decisions.
  • Apply measures to control a financial system.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessments will combine a number of different elements and require students to bring together different sets of outcomes of learning into a demonstration of applied competence. Integrated assessments will be emphasised in the Advanced Diploma in Nautical Studies because they link to the notion of applied competence which is a central concern of the National Qualification Framework. Applied competence will be achieved through reflective competence via the compilation of reports, a portfolio of evidence and/or journals.

    Integrated assessments will:
  • Assess a number of outcomes together using written classroom tests, case study reports and/or assignments.
  • Assess a number of modules together by using written classroom tests, case study reports and/or assignments.
  • Use a number of assessment methods and instruments for an outcome/s.
  • Acquire evidence from sources such as portfolios, logbooks and/or journals.

    Assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid, reliable and ensure that no student is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, so that an integrated approach to assessment is incorporated in the qualification. The following strategies will be employed to ensure that the validity of the assessment:
  • Clarify learning outcomes and their links to specific assessment criteria within an overall assessment strategy.
  • Ensure methods selected are "fit for purpose".
  • Use a range of assessment methods to ensure that all learning outcomes are assessed.
  • Establish good links between assessment, learning and personal development, by allowing students some element of choice while encouraging self-assessment and reflection.

    Reliability of the assessments will be achieved through:
  • Establishing clear, common and manageable assessment criteria.
  • Using internal moderators who meet during and after the assessment to compare results.
  • Using several assessment methods.
  • Evaluating the assessment criteria for effectiveness and relevance.

    Integrated assessment will support integrated learning. It will develop and measure students' abilities to not only understand the underpinning theory but also apply it in authentic contexts and reflect on what they are doing and why. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following international qualifications were evaluated during the design of the Advanced Diploma in Nautical Studies:
  • Institute of Maritime and Business Management in Singapore offers an Advanced Diploma in Maritime and Business Management with two similar modules to the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Advanced Diploma in Nautical Studies(Principles of Management, Human Resource Management and Accounting Finance).
  • The Cork Institute of Technology in Ireland offers a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours (Hons) Nautical Science. The Institute follows the Degree pathway, however, the content of two modules (Ocean Governance and Leadership and Management) is similar to this qualification offered at DUT.
  • University of Tasmania in Australia also offers an- Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Maritime Operations - Nautical) which is similar to this qualification in that many modules content cover the purpose and outcomes of the Advanced Diploma in Nautical Studies at DUT.
  • The Massachusetts Maritime Academy in the United States of America (USA) offers the Bachelor of Science (BSc) Marine Safety and Environmental Protection which compares well with the DUT qualification in the modules (Environmental Monitoring, Organisational Behaviour) and good practice especially in environmental management.

    During the development of the Advanced Diploma, qualifications from countries with best practices in this field of study were compared in terms of programme structure, modules offered, teaching and assessment approach. The best practices were incorporated into the advanced diploma qualification and contextualised for South Africa. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The following articulation options are possible:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Management
  • BTech in Business Administration
  • BTech in Operations Management.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Economics at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Studies at Nelson Mandela University (NMU).
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil) in Maritime Studies at Stellenbosch University (SUN). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Durban University of Technology 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.