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: Vessel Safety Practices 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
64929  National Certificate: Vessel Safety Practices 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Maritime Defence 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
SAS SETA - Safety and Security SETA  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  139  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

Vessel Safety Officers, also know in the Merchant Navy as Deck Officers of the Watch, the Fishing Industry as vessel Skippers and in the South African Navy as Bridge Watchkeepers, are responsible for internal and external ship communication, the maintenance of a safe bridge watch, the navigation of the vessel and the execution of specific evolutions during a bridge watch.

This Qualification will equip learners to fulfil these responsibilities by giving them holistic training in the procedural, structural, navigational and mechanical components and competencies of the bridge and contextualised understanding of how these various components function together to optimise the performance and safety of the ship and its crew.

Recipients of this qualification will be able to:
  • Communicate in a maritime environment.
  • Maintain a safe bridge watch.
  • Navigate the vessel.
  • Conduct specific evolutions during a bridge watch.

    Rationale:

    This Qualification has been purpose-built for the Maritime Sector and meets the needs of the sector by providing training standards against which junior maritime officers can be trained. This Qualification meets the needs of society by providing competent maritime officers who are able to apply the complex knowledge and skills required to manage the bridge of a ship, as Vessel Safety Officers, within a safety conscious and highly regulated sector. Learners achieving this Qualification could be recognised for licensing purposes by the various maritime sub-sectors, namely the South African Navy, the Merchant Navy and the Fishing Industry.

    This Qualification contributes to an integrated National Qualifications Framework; provides for access, mobility and progression within the maritime sector; enhances the quality of training within the maritime industry, allows for the redress of past and contributes to the development of the learner as maritime officers within the Maritime Sector.

    The majority of the learners attempting this qualification are likely, in the case of the Merchant Navy or the Fishing Industry, to be cadets who are working their way up the ranks or, in the case of the South African Navy, candidate officers or officers on officer training opportunities. This Qualification will allow learners access to learning pathways within the Merchant Navy, the Fishing Industry and the South African Navy. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the Merchant Navy and SA Navy learner has the following knowledge and skills:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4.

    It is assumed that the Fishing Industry learner has the following knowledge and skills:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This Qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible, if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this Maritime Qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of an Integrated Assessment as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow:
  • For accelerated access to further learning.
  • Gaining of credits towards a unit standard.
  • For full or partial recognition of the Qualification.

    All recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited Education, Training, Quality, and Assurance Body and is conducted by a registered workplace assessor. Because the standards are only core and fundamental, these standards may have been acquired in a range of economic sectors and these will be recognizes as appropriate.

    Access to the Qualification:

    There is an open access to this qualification for learners:
  • Who have successfully completed a National Senior Certificate, or
  • Who have successfully completed the FETC: Harbour Watchkeeping, and
  • Who meet the psychological and physical requirements of the respective Maritime Sub-sectors. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, a Core and an Elective Component.

    To be awarded the Qualification learners are required to obtain a minimum of 139 credits as detailed below.

    Fundamental Component:

    The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 15 credits all of which are compulsory.

    Core Component:

    The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 80 credits all of which are compulsory.

    Elective Component:

    The Elective Component consists of three specialisations, each with its own set of Unit Standards. Learners are to choose a specialisation area and complete all the Unit Standards in that specialisation. The specilisation areas are:

    South African Navy Ship Bridge Watchkeeping (44 Credits):
  • ID 261037: "Execute emergency drills during a bridge watch on a naval vessel", NQF Level 4, 7 Credits.
  • ID 261007: "Maintain vessel safety under operational conditions", NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • ID 261080: "Prepare for and carry out fleet work exercises", NQF Level 5, 7 Credits.
  • ID 261077: "Maintain the stability of the ship", NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • ID 261014: "Apply meteorological concepts to shipboard operations", NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • ID 261000: "Demonstrate knowledge of and compliance with pollution prevention requirements", NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • ID 261001: "Maintain the watertight integrity of the ship", NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • ID 261005: "Prepare and execute bridge procedures for helicopter operations", NQF Level 5, 2 Credits.

    South African Navy Submarine Bridge Watchkeeping. This specialsation has still to be developed.

    Maritime Bridge Watchkeeping (Merchant Navy and Fishing Vessels). This specialsation has still to be developed. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate in a maritime environment.

    2. Maintain a safe bridge watch.

    3. Navigate the vessel.

    4. Conduct specific evolutions during a bridge watch.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification promotes, in particular, the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Maintaining a safe bridge watch.
  • Navigating the vessel.
  • Conducting specific evolutions during a bridge watch.

    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • The maintenance of a safe bridge watch.
  • The navigation of the vessel.
  • The conducting of specific evolutions during a bridge watch.

    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Maintaining a safe bridge watch.
  • Navigating the vessel.
  • Conducting specific evolutions during a bridge watch.

    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Communicating in a maritime environment.
  • Maintaining a safe bridge watch.
  • Navigating the vessel.
  • Conducting specific evolutions during a bridge watch.

    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Communicating in a maritime environment.
  • Maintaining a safe bridge watch.
  • Navigating the vessel.

    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • Communicating in a maritime environment.
  • Maintaining a safe bridge watch.
  • Navigating the vessel.
  • Conducting specific evolutions during a bridge watch. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 Visual and verbal communication are conducted according to national and international maritime accepted codes and practices.
    1.2 The appropriate technology is used to establish contact and transfer information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 Bridge watch duties are executed in compliance with standard operating procedures for the maintenance of a safe watch.
    2.2 Emergencies are handled according to the level of authority and standard operating procedures.
    2.3 Bridge personnel are supervised in the execution and accomplishment of their tasks.
    2.4 The safety, security, stability and integrity of the vessel is maintained throughout the watch in accordance with standard operating procedures.
    2.5 Waste disposal is monitored for compliance with pollution prevention requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Navigational planning is conducted so as ensure a safe and accurate passage within prevailing weather conditions.
    3.2 Electronic navigation systems are applied to ensure a safe passage.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 The ship is handled within its handling capabilities and limitations under all weather conditions and sea states.
    4.2 Operations, evolutions and exercises are executed according to standard operating procedures and/or special orders.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the Qualification. Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably linked. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the unit standards should be integrated.

    Assessment of the communication, language and literacy should be conducted in conjunction with other aspects and should use authentic maritime sector contexts wherever possible.

    A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Assessors and moderators should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Assessment should ensure that all Specific Outcomes, Essential Embedded Knowledge and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are assessed. The assessment of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of Specific Outcomes and Essential Embedded Knowledge. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Best Practice:

    The Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code. All maritime organisations and navies comply with the Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Codes. This leads to a substantial degree of uniformity in a highly regulated international environment. This qualification was developed based on the Code.

    The Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code:

    Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code as adopted by the 1995 Conference of the International Maritime Organisation and recognises the specific roles and responsibilities of a watchkeeper. It lays down duties and responsibilities and provides standards and criteria for the learning and assessment of watchkeepers. Signatories to the Convention include 71 countries, amongst them leading seafaring nations such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

    Areas of specified competence include:
  • Plan and conduct a passage and determine position.
  • Maintain a safe navigational watch.
  • Use of radar and automatic radar plotting aids to maintain navigational safety.
  • Respond to emergencies.
  • Respond to a distress signal at sea.
  • Use the Standard Navigational Vocabulary as replaced by the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases, and use English in written and oral form.
  • Transmit and receive information by visual signaling.
  • Manoeuvre the ship.
  • Monitor the loading, stowage, securing, care during voyage and unloading of cargoes.
  • Inspect/report defects and damage to cargo spaces, hatch covers and ballast tanks.
  • Compliance with pollution-prevention requirements.
  • Maintenance of seaworthiness of the vessel.
  • Prevention, control and fighting of fires on board.
  • Operation of life-saving appliances.
  • First aid on board ship.
  • Compliance with legislative requirements.

    Findings: All of these areas are addressed in the National Certificate: Vessel Safety Practices, Level 5.

    Conclusion:

    The National Certificate: Vessel Safety Practices, Level 5 deals with all of the requirements of the Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code and therefore, due to its international acceptance, also compares favourably with a majority of foreign maritime sectors. Once the maritime officer has completed the National Certificate: Vessel Safety Practices, Level 5 he/she would have achieved all the competencies of the Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification lends itself to both vertical and horizontal articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal articulation is possible with the following Qualifications:
  • ID 58840: National Certificate: Submarine Operations, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 64129: National Certificate: Warship Operations, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 57714: National Certificate: Marine Pilotage, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical articulation is possible with the following qualifications:
  • ID 58783: National Certificate: Warship Command and Control, NQF Level 6.
  • ID 49783: National Diploma: Joint and Multi-National Operations, NQF Level 6.
  • ID 1413: National Diploma: Maritime Studies, NQF Level 6.
  • ID 62417: National Diploma: Transport Economics, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    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 Education, Training, Quality, and Assurance (ETQA) Body.
  • 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, 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 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of 2 (two) years' practical, relevant occupational experience.
  • A relevant Qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher.
  • To be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    Terms have been clarified as far as possible through the use of range statements. Further clarification of terms is provided as follows:
  • Integrated Platform Management Systems (IPMS) refers to a system which enables the integrated monitoring and control of all of the platform machinery and systems of the ship, such as propulsion, steering, electrical generation and distribution, auxiliaries, fire/smoke/flood detection and damage control.
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) refers to a satellite-based radionavigation system which permits users with suitable receivers to establish their position, speed and time on land, sea or in the air, at any time of the day or night and in any weather condition, anywhere in the world. The System is accurate to within 30 metres.
  • Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) refers to a method of increasing the accuracy of positions derived from GPS receivers. With DGPS receivers, position accuracy is improved, going from 30 meters to better than 10 metres.
  • Content Management System (CMS) refers to a computer software system used to assist its users in the process of content management. A CMS facilitates the organization, control, and publication of a large body of documents and other content, such as images and multimedia resources.
  • Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) refers to a system which is an amalgam of various individual radio systems, both terrestrial and satellite, specifically designed to automate a ship's radio distress alerting function, which removes the requirement for manual watchkeeping on distress channels. Search and Rescue (SAR) authorities ashore, as well as shipping in the immediate vicinity of the ship or persons in distress will be rapidly alerted so that they can assist in a coordinated SAR operation with the minimum of delay.
  • Radio Regulations refer to the Radio Regulations annexed to, or regarded as being annexed to, the most recent International Telecommunications Convention which may be in force at any time.
  • Officer refers to a member of the crew, other than the Captain (or Master), designated as such by international law or regulations or, in the absence of such designation, by collective agreement or custom.
  • Deck officer refers to an officer qualified in accordance with the provisions of Chapter II of the Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention.
  • Rating refers to a member of the ship's crew other than the Captain (or Master) or an officer.
  • The Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code refers to the code as adopted by the 1995 Conference resolution 2, as it may be amended.
  • Seagoing service refers to the service on board a ship relevant to the issue of a certificate or other qualification.
  • Standard of competence refers to the level of proficiency to be achieved for the proper performance of functions on board ship in accordance with the internationally agreed criteria.
  • Management level refers to the level of responsibility associated with:
    > Serving as captain (or master) or first officer on board a seagoing ship.
    > Ensuring that all functions within the designated area of responsibility are properly performed.
  • Support Level refers to the level of responsibility associated with performing assigned tasks, duties or responsibilities on board a seagoing ship.
  • Operational level refers to:
    > Serving as officer in charge of a navigational watch on board a seagoing ship.
    > Maintaining direct control over the performance of all functions within the designated area of responsibility in accordance with proper procedures and under the direction of an individual serving in the management level for that area of responsibility. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  261006  Communicate using standard maritime verbal and visual communication procedures  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Core  261079  Conduct seamanship evolutions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
    Core  261098  Supervise personnel in a shipboard environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  261004  Conduct a safe navigational passage  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  24 
    Core  260997  Demonstrate understanding of operating procedures, capabilities and limitations of bridge equipment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Core  261008  Execute and manage bridge conduct procedures  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  261057  Manoeuvre the ship using control systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  261097  Use electronic navigation systems other than radar to maintain safety of navigation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  261078  Use maritime communications system for internal and external communication  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Core  261009  Use radar and automatic radar plotting aids to maintain safety of navigation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Fundamental  115792  Access, process, adapt and use data from a wide range of texts  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  115789  Sustain oral interaction across a wide range of contexts and critically evaluate spoken texts  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  115790  Write and present for a wide range of purposes, audiences and contexts  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  261000  Demonstrate knowledge of compliance with pollution prevention requirements  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
    Elective  261037  Execute emergency drills during a bridge watch  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Elective  261014  Apply meteorological concepts to shipboard operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  261005  Conduct bridge procedures for helicopter operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  2 
    Elective  261080  Conduct fleet work exercises  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Elective  261077  Demonstrate an understanding of ship stability  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  261001  Demonstrate an understanding of ship watertight integrity  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  261007  Maintain vessel safety under operational conditions  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 


    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.