Training and certification of personnel in the Merchant Navy is administered and regulated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Seafarers Branch. Current schemes operate mainly under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeepers.

 

Maritime Training (Plymouth) offer candidates the NVQ, FD and BSc (Hons) routes. The NVQ Scheme can be summarised as follows:

(i) Merchant Vessel Support Level 2

This is the appropriate qualification for persons with some sea experience who are considered to be competent ratings in merchant vessels, in either the deck or engine room departments.

(ii) Merchant Vessel Operations Level 3

This is the appropriate qualification for the Deck Department Officer of the Watch role in merchant vessels.

(iii) Merchant Vessel Operations Level 4

This is the appropriate qualification for the senior deck officer (Chief Mate) role in merchant vessels.

 

 

Related Links

How NVQ's Work | Merchant Navy Career Path | Efficient Deck Hand