We have adopted a system for training, which we believe assists each student to achieve the qualification in a time efficient, balanced and personally programmed way. This involves:

1. Induction
This will be carried out during the first college phase.

Introduction to NVQ,s
How they work, units and elements, methods of assessment, types of evidence, production of portfolio, syllabus requirements.

Individual student counselling
Covers type of vessel, current position, and timetable of training, progress assessments and formal assessments. Each student has his/her own training programme from this time onwards, to allow for differing seatime, leave periods etc.

Initial training period
Usually based around safety at sea and emergencies. Units to introduce/build on watchkeeping duties, safe navigation and good practice laid down in STCW '95

Individual training programme for next period at sea. Tasks designed to meet the syllabus requirements of the above units, and introduce further units e.g. investigate ship's papers, stability information, manifests etc. which can be used in subsequent training periods as relevant to their vessel type unit. Evidence requirements for assessment will be identified, and an assessment plan made out for each student.

2. Ongoing training periods
Progress reviews/assessment of work done during previous seatime, examination of evidence gathered. Skills test - written/oral, Simulator tests.

Training period - syllabus
Further training , building on progress to date. Includes Simulator training, classroom tasks and exercises.

3. Training programme for next period at sea
Assessments/progress reviews
All students are subject to a progress review during each attendance period with us. Review sheets will be completed for each task, indicating where necessary further work /evidence is required.

Once sufficient evidence is gathered, and has been assessed, internal verification will begin and a programme of external verification by an Edexcel appointed verifier will follow. Units will be awarded as the course progresses, culminating in the full award on completion of all required units.

Work experience aboard suitable vessels is necessary to complete the practical evidence gathering requirements of the syllabus.

4. Accreditation of prior learning
All students will be reviewed during the induction period to ascertain APL. Evidence of prior learning will be required, and will be verified that it demonstrates current competence in accordance with the national standards for the VQ. Where there is any doubt or appeal regarding decisions on prior learning, they will be forwarded to the EV for a decision.