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:

Occupational Certificate: Deck Hand (Able Seaman)

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
93792	Occupational Certificate: Deck Hand (Able Seaman)
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-TETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 11 - Services		Transport, Operations and Logistics
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	123	Not Applicable	NQF Level 03	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0425/24	2016-04-08	2025-12-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30		2029-12-30

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
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:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Deck Hand (Able Seaman).

The Deck Hand (Able Seaman) performs navigational, operational support and maintenance tasks on board a vessel.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Assist with navigation at support level.

Handle cargo handling and cargo stowage at the support level.

Assist with shipboard operations and care for persons on board at support level.

Maintain and repair at the support level.

Assist with mooring, towing, berthing and anchoring.

Carry out designated security duties.

Rationale:
The maritime transport industry, and shipping in particular, is subject to international political, economic and social pressures, typically conventions and protocols emerging from organisations like the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). This characteristic requires the governance of the industry to be as sensitive to international considerations as it is to domestic considerations.

South Africa's geographic location relative to its main trading partners makes it imperative that maritime transport is efficient, innovative and reliable. Transportation makes up a significant element in the pricing of South African traded goods. Efficient transport services, ensuring the safe and timely arrival of freight, are a prerequisite to competitive and successful trading. Trade is the economic life-blood of nations, with maritime transport carrying over 90% of all international trade. The successful implementation of this qualification will support the abovementioned strategies objectives.

South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is a body which is accountable to the Minister of Transport. SAMSA was established on 1 April 1998 in terms of the South African Maritime Safety Authority Act 5 of 1998 and their objective is to lead and champion South Africa's maritime interests as custodians and stewards of maritime policy, SAMSA must ensure that it develops and implements legislation and regulations that ensures that it meets its domestic and international obligations.

Currently SAMSA is the only accreditation body for all domestic and international qualifications in the maritime sector, which is not recognised in the South African education and training arena. This by implication affects a large compliment within the South African maritime sector. This has a ripple effect on the SA economy when these individuals are no longer eligible to work in this industry and are forced to join the unemployed ranks as they are unable to find alternative employment.

SAMSA's responsibility regarding the qualification of seafarers (as the authority that certificates South African seafarers and accredits training institutions) requires it to retain the IMO accreditation (South African seafarers'; employment opportunities are dependent on recognition of South African certificates of competence). SAMSA must also ensure the availability and advancement of South Africa's various maritime skills.

This qualification will address the need for education and training of Able Sea Farers in South Africa as there is no recognised National qualification currently which satisfies the SAMSA requirements and therefore the international requirements. It will ensure compliance with international standard practice and Harbour regulations. In the past, the nature of the profession did not allow, nor promote, access to this area of economic activity. This qualification will entrench open-access to a career as a Second Mate.

South African training institutions are accredited by SAMSA, which is in turn accredited by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The continued accreditation of SAMSA is vital. The standards set by the SAQA system are aligned with STCW95 and thus ensure that South Africa's education, training and eventual certification standards continue to be internationally recognised.

It is to this end that SAMSA has embarked on an application to be recognised by SAQA/QCTO as a Professional Body and proposed that the 8 Designations identified in the application, be left as such. The Designations are Master, Chief Mate, Deck Officer and Master Special Grade, Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, Engineer Officer of the Watch and Chief Engineer Special Grade. The Able Seafarer: Deck is the entry level qualification to these qualifications. Further specialisations need to be developed for Fisheries, Port Operations and Maritime Operations.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

RPL for access to the qualification:
Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

Knowledge Modules:

735101001-KM-01, Maritime Operations Theory, at NQF Level 3, 20 Credits.

735101001-KM-02, Health, Safety, Quality and Legislation, at NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.

735101001-KM-03, Environment, Energy Efficiency and Ethics, at NQF Level 3, 1 Credit.

735101001-KM-04, Maritime Transport Risk, at NQF Level 3, 2 Credits.
Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 29.

Practical Skill Modules:

735101001-PM-01, Assist with navigation at support level, at NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.

735101001-PM-02, Handle cargo and cargo stowage at support level, at NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.

735101001-PM-03, Assist with shipboard operations and care for persons on board, at NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.

735101001-PM-04, Maintain and repair at support level, at NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.

735101001-PM-05, Assist with mooring, towing, berthing and anchoring, at NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.

735101001-PM-06, Carry out designated security duties, at NQF Level 3, 2 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 24.

This qualification also requires the following compulsory Work Experience Modules:

735101001-WM-01, Navigation policies and procedures at support level, at NQF Level 3, 14 Credits.

735101001-WM-02, Shipboard cargo handling and stowage processes at the support level, at NQF Level 3, 2 Credits.

735101001-WM-03, Shipboard operations procedures and processes for caring for persons on board at support level, at NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.

735101001-WM-04, Maintenance and repair processes at the support level, at NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.

735101001-WM-05, Shipboard procedures for mooring, towing, berthing and anchoring a vessel, at NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.

735101001-WM-06, Ship security procedures and contingency plans, at NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 70.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. The ability to assist with navigation at support level.
2. The ability to handle and stow cargo at the support level.
3. The ability assists with shipboard operations and care for persons on board at support level.
4. The ability to maintain and repair at the support level.
5. The ability to assist with mooring, towing, berthing and anchoring.
6. The ability to carry out designated security duties.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

The ship is steered and helm orders are complied with as per maritime legislative requirements.

A look-out is maintained as per ship steering procedures.

A contribution to a safe watch is made in line with company policies and procedures.

An emergency situation is responded to as per legislative requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Different types of cargoes are handled.

Cargo is stowed and secured.

Hazardous cargo is identified and handled.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Different types of lifting equipment are identified and used.

Hatch covers and associated equipment are secured.

Mooring equipment is safely operated and maintained.

Occupational health and safety precautions are applied.

Precautions are applied and a contribution to the prevention of pollution of the maritime environment is made.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Painting, lubrication, cleaning materials and equipment are used.

Routine maintenance and repairs is performed.

Hand and power tools are used and waste materials are disposed of.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Assisted with anchoring a vessel.

Assisted with berthing a vessel.

Aided with mooring and towing a vessel.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Gangway watch keeping duties are carried out.

Security look out duties are carried out.

Security incidents are responded to.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Formative Assessment:
The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment:
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The international comparability study conducted specifically focused on identifying occupational standards or qualifications used in other countries that might contain indicators of best practice that could be used for comparison to or in the development of the Able Seafarer: Deck qualifications to be submitted for registration to the QCTO.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and its member states (UK, Australia, New Zealand and India) were selected as best practice as it was accepted as International standards.

The content, scope and duration of the qualification is uniform internationally.

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 data collection process included the following:

International legislation and conventions.

An extensive Internet search focussing on the countries identified as best practice countries.

Follow-up by email to obtain more detailed information especially in relation to case studies.

Contacting professional and academic colleagues in target countries with direct involvement in the development or application of relevant vocational qualifications.

The international comparability study was done in various countries, such as Papua New Guinea, United Kingdom, Australia, USA, New Zealand, India and South Africa.

Conclusion:
The identification of tasks and job profiles is based upon a sound methodology and extensive consultation with practitioners, resulting in valid and credible outputs that informed the development of the qualifications and unit standards. Useful comparisons may be drawn between the environmental trends identified in the best practice countries and those affecting the competencies covered in these qualifications and unit standards.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification will enable articulation to qualifications in the maritime transport industry, and shipping specifically in a career as a Second Mate.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

This Qualification replaces Qualification 49155, "Further Education and Training Certificate: Shipping", Level 4, 138 credits.

Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

Qualifying for external assessment:
In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience.

Foundational learning:
Foundational learning competence is a pre-requisite for the awarding this qualification.

Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
The absence of physical impairments which would impact on functioning and mobility aboard ship.

Part Qualifications:
This qualification does not have any associated part qualifications.

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.

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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.

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