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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Maritime Operations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48535  National Certificate: Maritime Operations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Transport and Logistics Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
TETA - Transport Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  130  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 10105/14  2015-07-01  2017-10-26 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2018-10-26   2021-10-26  

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.  

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
101729  Occupational Certificate: Engine Able Seafarer  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  138  Complete 
101730  Occupational Certificate: Deck and Fishing Able Seafarer  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  136  Will occur as soon as [NEW] is registered 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This qualification is aimed at people who work or intend to work on board ship as Able Seamen and/or Oilers (on deck and/or in the engine room). In particular, this qualification will be useful for Able Seamen and Oilers:
  • In ocean going Marine contexts.
  • In coastal and ocean going fishing operations.
  • On liquid cargo tankers.
  • In engine rooms on marine and fishing vessels.

    This qualification is designed to equip qualifying learners with the knowledge and skills to conduct the essential operations associated with efficient and safe Maritime Operations.

    Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Communicate in a variety of ways and for a range of purposes.
  • Use mathematics in real life situations.
  • Demonstrate a range of seamanship skills.
  • Handle cargo.
  • Respond to emergencies at sea.

    In addition, learners will be able to perform some of the following according to their choice of Electives:
  • Assist with the navigation of the vessel.
  • Work on a commercial fishing vessel.
  • Maintain watch on liquid cargo tankers.
  • Perform basic engineering maintenance and repair operations.

    Learners will generally carry out their role within the context of:
  • Given ship instructions and administration and/or safety systems.
  • Set maintenance procedures.
  • Given inspection and testing procedures.
  • Given Quality Assurance policies, procedures and processes.
  • The framework of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) regulations and licensing requirements.

    Rationale:

    Maritime Operations is a priority area within the South African transport context and is supported by legislation, national policies and strategies. In order to meet the requirements of the workplace it is important to have competent seaman at various levels. There is a critical need in the industry to have people to conduct the essential operations associated with efficient and safe onboard operations relative to surface Navigation and Engineering environments under normal shipping conditions, on board fishing vessels, tankers, or in port operations.

    The majority of the learners for this Qualification are likely to be already working in the Maritime Sector. The Qualification will give them the opportunity to build on experience or Qualifications they already have, and complement their practical skills with the essential knowledge needed to earn a formal Qualification and a licensed position in Maritime Operations. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible through the assessment of individual Unit Standards. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

    If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment as mentioned above.

    This Recognition of prior learning may allow:
  • Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
  • Gaining of credits towards the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Obtaining of this Qualification in part or in whole.

    Access to the qualification:

    This qualification is open to anyone with access to learning opportunities and work experience in the areas reflected in the exit level outcomes and unit standards. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The National Certificate: Maritime Operations Level 3 is made up of a planned combination of learning outcomes that have a defined purpose and will provide qualifying learners with applied competence and a foundation for further learning.

    The Qualification is made up of Unit Standards classified as Fundamental, Core and Elective.
  • Fundamental: 36 credits.
  • Core: 76 credits.
  • Elective : 18 credits (minimum).
  • Total: 130 credits (minimum).
  • Fundamental Components:

    The 36 credits allocated for the Fundamental Unit Standards are compulsory.
  • Core Components:

    76 credits have been allocated to the Core Unit Standards. This is to ensure that the Qualification has a strong focus on Maritime Operations. All 76 credits in the Core component are compulsory. The Core Unit Standards offer a broad contextual understanding and will enable the learners to gain competence in the operations within the Maritime Industry.
  • Elective Components:

    A minimum of 18 credits must be selected by the learner from the 204 credits available. These Elective credits allow for specialisations in various categories within Maritime Operations. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The outcomes are specified in terms of a combination of Specific and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes as defined in the different unit standards. On achieving this Qualification, a learner is able to:

    1. Demonstrate knowledge of and apply legislation and vessel policies and procedures.

    2. Work on board a sea-going vessel.

    3. Implement cargo movement practices.

    4. Apply first aid and safety on board a vessel in a simulated environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1:
  • Legislation is understood and applied in accordance with requirements and environmental guidelines.
  • Vessel policies and procedures are understood and applied in accordance with standards and procedures.

    2:
  • Work is performed onboard a vessel and in the engine room in accordance with safety standards and procedures.
  • A vessel is maintained in a safe manner and in accordance with operational standards and procedures.
  • Securing devices are maintained and used on board a vessel in accordance with vessel standards and procedures.
  • Work is carried out with other team members on board a vessel in a safe and productive manner.

    3:
  • Cargo is moved into and out of the vessel in accordance with standards and procedures.

    4:
  • First aid is performed in accordance with prescribed requirements.
  • A fire on board a vessel is extinguished in accordance with safety standards.
  • Survival practices and procedures are followed in the event of ship abandonment.

    Integrated assessment:

    Assessment should be carried out at regular intervals as well as at the end of the periods of study and should be offered in an integrated way. It is envisaged that learners will work at more than one unit standard at a time.

    The achievement of applied competence of this qualification will be demonstrated if the learner is able to apply operational knowledge and skills to operate on board a sea going vessel in a safe manner.

    Evidence is required that the candidate is able to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole at the time of the award of the qualification. Integration of skills will be demonstrated through the achievement of the core operational standards.

    Assessors should note that evidence of integration could well be presented by candidates when being assessed against the individual unit standards. Thus, there should not necessarily be separate assessments for each unit standard and then further assessment for integration. Well-designed assessments should make it possible to gain evidence against each unit standard while at the same time gaining evidence of integration. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Maritime profession is an area with globally recognised best practices, standards and Qualifications. This Qualification and set of Unit Standards utilises international and locally recognised best practice and standards.

    The following qualifications, courses and modules were used as part of the international comparability exercise:

    1. Papua New Guinea: National Fisheries College:
  • Certificate in Fishing Operations 1 (CFO1):
    A course for deckhand qualifications for fishing boat crews:
    > Basic skills required for employment as qualified deckhands on fishing boats.
    > Safe working practices, safety at seas, radio operations, deck skills, fish quality and handling.
    > Teamwork, discipline and understanding the chain of command at sea.
  • Certificate in Small Fishing Operations - 1 & 2:
    > Boat Safety.
    > Basic Navigation.
    > Mechanical maintenance and repair.
    > Fishing Gear Design.
    > Fishing Operations.
    > Seafood Handling.
    > Small Business Management.
    > Fisheries Resources Management.

    2. United Kingdom: Maritime Training (Plymouth):
  • Efficient Deck Hand (Ref. MCA - MGN 10):
    > Meaning of common nautical terms.
    > Name and function of various parts and equipment of the ship.
    > Use and care of ropes and wires, splicing of ropes.
    > Use of different types of blacks and shackles, bottle screws, bull-dog grips, thimbles, monkey plates.
    > Rigging and attendance of pilot ladders and hoists.
    > Rigging and bosun's chair and slinging an over side stager.
    > Precautions to be taken while working over side.
    > Identification of commonly used single letter flags.
    > Maintain an efficient lookout.
    > Operation of windlass, mooring winch, back spring, skip wire, rope stopper, chain stopper.
    > Opening and closing hatches, rigging up derrick.
    > Knots, bends and hitches in common use.
    > Securing in anticipation of rough sea.
  • Deck Officer Certificates of Competence - Ancillary Courses:

    > STCW '95 Basic Safety Training:
    > Basic principles of First Aid.
    > Fire Fighting, Survival at Sea.
    > Personal Safety and Social Responsibility.

    > Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting:
    > Principles of Fire Fighting.
    > Breathing Apparatus.
    > Command and Control of Fire Fighting Teams.

    > Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulation:
    > Navigation principles.
    > Electronic navigation aids.
    > Radar Principles and Operation.
    > Collision prevention.
    > Automatic Radar Plotting Aids.

    > Small Ships Navigation and Radar:
    > Chartwork.
    > Navigational aids.
    > Bridge watchkeeping.
    > Prevention of collision.
    > Radar principles.

    3.1. Australia: Australian Maritime College - School of Maritime Industry Operations (SMIO):
  • Deck Hand Course:
    > First Aid.
    > Fire-fighting.
    > Survival at Sea.
    > Occupational Health and Safety.
    > Seamanship Skills.

    3.2. Australia: WideBay TAFE - TAFE Queensland, Department of Employment and Training:
  • Certificate III in Seafood Industry (Fishing Operations):
    > Food handling and safety procedures.
    > Communication.
    > Workplace health and safety requirements.
    > Maintaining marine vessels and equipment.
    > Operating and maintaining outboard motors.
    > Emergency procedures on board a vessel.
    > Preparing for maintenance activities.
    > First Aid procedures.
    > Locating fishing grounds.
    > Managing and controlling fishing operations.
    > Complying with organisational and legislative requirements.
    > Operating low powered diesel propulsion systems and engine equipment.
    > Operate marine plant and systems.

    4. United States: Fort Lauderdale - Maritime Professional Training Masters, Mates & Engineers Inc.:
  • Lifeboatman/Proficiency in survival Craft and Rescue Boats:
    > Survival methods.
    > Inflatable liferafts.
    > Lifeboats.
    > Survival equipment.
    > Launching and recovery of life boats.
    > Shipboard Davit Systems.
    > Oar commands.
  • Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA):
    > Review of Radar Plotting Techniques.
    > ARPA Theory.
    > ARPA Errors and limitations.
    > Setting up and maintaining ARPA displays.
    > Use of ARPA information to avoid close quarters situations.
    > Navigation aided by ARPA.
  • Advanced Fire Fighting:
    > Pre-fire planning.
    > Rapid response team concept.
    > Incident command team.
    > Stability considerations during fire fighting operations.
    > Hazardous materials storage and organisation.
    > Inspection and service of fire detection and extinguishing systems and equipment.
    > Port fire investigation.
    > Combating shipboard fire.

    5. Mumbai, India: International Maritime Training Centre:
  • Practical Deck Skills Workshop:
    > Practical training in knots, bends, hitches and splices with synthetic and natural fibre rope.
    > Practical training in splices with wire rope.
    > Surface maintenance theory and procedures.
    > General maintenance of deck equipment.

    6. New Zealand: New Zealand Qualifications Authority:
  • National Certificate in Seafood Vessel Operations (Fishing Technology) - Level 3, 76 credits.
  • National Certificate in Seafood Vessel Operations (Nautical Skills) - Level 3, 77 credits.
  • National Certificate in Seafood Vessel Operations (Small Vessel Seafood Harvesting) - Level 2, 40 credits.

    The contents of the international qualifications, courses and modules are reflected clearly in the Exit Level Outcomes, in the related Associated Assessment Criteria and in the Unit Standards of this Qualification. It is evident that the international qualifications and the South African qualification have very similar, if not the same, contents. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation is possible with:
  • 14574: National Certificate: Freight Handling, NQF Level 3 (where cargo loading and crane operation are common activities).
  • 24456: National Certificate: Maintaining Vehicles, NQF Level 3.
  • 22933: Technical Certificate: Mechanical Fitting, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical articulation is possible with:
  • 3231: Certificate: Road Transport: Freight, NQF Level 4.
  • 14056: Certificate: Motor Mechanic, NQF Level 4.
  • 21103: Certificate: Diesel Mechanic, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQA's (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards, exit level outcomes as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors registered with the relevantTETA must carry out the assessment of learners. The following criteria are specified for assessors:
  • Relevant qualification at NQF Level 4 or equivalent, or higher.
  • Minimum of 2 years' working experience.
  • Registration as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Requisite SAMSA license. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  114002  Contribute to effective human relationships on board a vessel  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  114025  Discuss current legislative and company procedures applicable to the maritime industry  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  113997  Maintain the physical operating condition and appearance of the vessel  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  12483  Perform basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  114009  Carry out maritime communications  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  113998  Carry out rigging operations on a vessel  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  114001  Carry out safety, survival and emergency procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03  9 
    Core  114011  Control and extinguish fire  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  113986  Demonstrate knowledge of environmental policies and legislation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  114006  Follow safe deck practices on a commercial vessel  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  115068  Follow safe engine room practices on a commercial vessel  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  113994  Transfer and secure cargo and stores  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  113995  Work with fibre ropes, wire ropes and chains on a vessel  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  114007  Carry out basic service checks on small vessel marine propulsion system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  115072  Identify current legislative and company procedures applicable to the Fishing Industry  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  113991  Verify the operational condition of safety equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  113990  Adjust and position nets  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  113984  Adjust and position trawls  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  113999  Apply seamanship skills and techniques when operating a small vessel  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  113983  Apply weather information when navigating a small vessel  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  113989  Assist with the operation of main and auxiliary machinery and associated control systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  114034  Carry out trawl net repair  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  114003  Carry out watch keeping duties in the engine room at sea and in port  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  113987  Carry out watch keeping operations in port  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  244001  Demonstrate an understanding of the Merchant Shipping Collision Regulations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  114008  Describe and explain the danger associated with flammable cargoes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  113993  Maintain, prepare, deploy and retrieve crayfish traps to land catch  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  114005  Maintain, prepare, deploy and retrieve fishing nets to land catch  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  113988  Maintain, prepare, deploy and retrieve lines and long lines to land catch  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  113985  Maintain, prepare, deploy and retrieve trawls to land catch  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  113980  Monitor the competence and performance of crew on board ship  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  113982  Operate a vessel`s machinery, fittings and equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  114010  Operate and position lines and long lines  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  113992  Operate auxiliary equipment and systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  114004  Respond to and signal distress  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  115175  Respond to and signal distress on a fishing vessel  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  114000  Secure a vessel at mooring, anchor and berth  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  114035  Service Machines and Equipment on a commercial vessel  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  113979  Steer a commercial vessel and keep watch  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  113981  Arrange and complete lifts on site using lifting equipment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
    Elective  113996  Construct a fishing net for commercial fishing, while following a net plan  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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. Limadi Industrial Projects 
    2. South African Fire and Medical Academy (SAFMA) 


    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.