Open Awards
Level 2
QN: 610/5502/5
Curriculum Active
Open Awards Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies: Workboats (RQF)
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by Open Awards. Classified as a Occupational Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 344 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 2
Awarding Body
Open Awards
Syllabus Units
12 Units
Guided Hours
344 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Basic Navigational Watchkeeping
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know common nautical terms 1.1 Define nautical terms related to vessel operations including
- Know how to contribute to the monitoring and control of a safe watch 2.1 Identify relevant navigational sightings, sounds and weather changes that may affect the vessel 2.2 Explain how to report relative bearings of sounds, lights and other objects3.
- Understand what is involved in steering a vessel 3.1 Describe the difference between a gyroscope and a magnetic compass 3.2 Explain the meaning of common helm orders 3.3 Explain helm order procedure 3.4 Describe the effects of wind, sea state and ship’s speed on steering a vessel 3.5 Describe the change-over procedure between manual and automatic steering modes4.
- Know what bridge equipment is used for lookout and watchkeeping duties 4.1 Identify common bridge equipment used during lookout and watchkeeping duties 4.2 Identify equipment alarms 4.3 Explain the importance of reporting alarms to the Officer Of the Watch
2
Communicate Using Equipment and Visual Means
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand principles behind maritime communication 1.
- Describe the principles and basic features of the maritime mobile service 1.
- Describe the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) used in the A1 sea area 1.
- Explain the importance of protecting distress frequencies 1.
- Describe the Maritime Safety Information in the GMDSS 1.
- Demonstrate how to alert and locate signals in the GMDSS 1.
- Explain how different weather conditions and locations can affect radio and visual communication signals2.
- Know the requirements associated with recording communication 2.
- Describe organisational requirements for recording and retaining records of communications 2.
- Explain the importance of communication records3.
- Understand how to transmit and receive communications by visual methods 3.
- Demonstrate how to transmit and receive single letters by Morse light 3.
- Identify International Code flags / Signalling flags 3.
- Identify International Code single letter meanings 3.
- Demonstrate safety, urgency and distress signals4.
- Understand how to transmit and receive VHF radio communications 4.
- Explain how to operate radio equipment used in own organisation in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions 4.
- Describe organisational requirements for reporting difficulties in transmitting information using radio equipment 4.
- Summarise the regulations and obligatory procedures and practices for the use of radiotelephones on vessels 4.
- Identify the meaning of IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases used when operating radio equipment 4.
3
Contribute to Workboat Operations
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how to contribute workboat operations 1.1 Describe the procedure to support functions including
- storing the vessel
- taking fresh water
- bunkering operations 1.2 Describe the vessel’s permit to work system 1.3 Describe the procedures for contributing to operations that are the main purpose of a specialist workboat from one of the following
- Anchor handling
- Dive support
- Personnel transfer
- Be able to contribute to routine workboat operations 2.1 Assist in storing the vessel 2.2 Take soundings of bilges and tanks 2.3 Take fresh water on board 2.4 Assist in bunkering operations3.
- Be able to comply with workboat safety management systems 3.1 Comply with vessel permit to work system 3.2 Work in accordance with the Code Of Safe Working Practices4.
- Be able to contribute to specialist workboat operations 4.1 Relieve the deck watch 4.2 Hand over the deck watch 4.3 Assist in preparing equipment for operations 4.4 Operate equipment 4.5 Shut down/stow equipment5.
- Be able to respond to operational emergencies 5.1 Report an emergency to the appropriate person 5.2 Operate equipment emergency stop in accordance with procedures
4
Control Operation of Survival Craft and Rescue Boats
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to prepare survival craft and rescue boats for use 1.
- Direct preparation of craft for launching to operational requirements 1.
- Supervise safe boarding of craft 1.
- Ensure propulsion is available2.
- Be able to launch survival craft and rescue boats 2.
- Direct launching craft within equipment limitations 2.
- Demonstrate clear and concise communications to personnel throughout craft operations3.
- Be able to take initial actions on leaving a vessel 3.
- Ensure the craft clears the vessel safely 3.
- Supervise initial actions on leaving the vessel to minimise threat to personnel4.
- Be able to maintain survival actions in a survival craft 4.
- Manoeuvre the craft in the correct seamanlike manner 4.
- Maintain propulsion 4.
- Supervise of safe transfer of personnel 4.
- Identify casualties amongst personnel 4.
- Treat casualties amongst personnel 4.
- Apply survival management appropriate to prevailing circumstances and conditions 4.
- Demonstrate prompt response to unforeseen circumstances5.
- Be able to recover survival craft and rescue boats 5.
- Direct safe recovery of craft6.
5
Emergency First Aid in Response to Maritime Accidents or Medical Emergencies
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the types of accidents or medical emergencies that may occur 1.
- Identify the main types of maritime accidents and emergencies, including collision, fire, foundering and man overboard 1.
- Identify the types of casualties which may arise from these situations2.
- Know what to do in case of an accident or medical emergency 2.
- Describe the immediate measures to be taken in the case of accidents or medical emergencies 2.
- Describe body structure and functions 2.
- Describe how to make a rapid identification of probable ca
- use, nature and extent of casualty injuries 2.
- Describe how to assess the needs of casualties 2.
- Outline the importance of minimising risk of further harm to self and casualty3.
- Understand how to apply elementary first aid techniques 3.
- Describe how to apply appropriate measures in event of burns and scalds 3.
- Describe how to apply appropriate measures in response to accidents caused by electric current 3.
- Demonstrate how to apply resuscitation techniques 3.
- Describe how to control bleeding 3.
- Describe how to improvise bandages 3.
- Describe the uses of materials in emergency kit 3.
- Describe how to apply basic shock management measures4.
- Know how to adjust responses according to circumstances 4.
- Describe how the manner and timing of raising the alarm should relate to different degrees of accidents or emergencies 4.
6
Maritime Employment, Environmental and Health and Safety Practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of personal and employer rights and responsibilities 1.1 Explain the importance of maintaining good working relationships 1.2 Identify employer/employee rights and responsibilities under employment law 1.3 Identify sources of information regarding employment rights and responsibilities 1.4 Explain the dangers of drug, alcohol and substance ab
- use in a work environment 1.5 Identify the types of industry-specific bodies and their purpose e.g. trade unions and professional bodies 2.
- Understand the importance of protecting the marine environment 2.1 Identify the possible effects of operational or accidental pollution on the marine environment 2.2 Identify the use of Marpol in protecting the marine environment 2.3 Describe the responsible fishing scheme 2.4 List major factors that have an environmental impact on developments in ports and harbours3.
- Know health and safety practices and legislation 3.1 Identify the basic regulations with regard to health and safety at work, including
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA)
- The Merchant Shipping (Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen) Regulations 1998 (COSWP)
- Lifting and Handling (LOLER)
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 3.2 Identify and give examples of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and situations where they should be used 3.3 Identify a range of safety signs including those for
- Prohibition 3.4 Identify roles and responsibilities for safety officials 3.5 Identify the principles of risk assessment 3.6 Identify dangerous situations on board vessels and the surrounding area 3.7 Identify safe working practices relatedto
- Enclosed spaces
- Lifting and handling
- Typical hazards
7
Maritime Sector Overview
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Learning Outcome (The Learner will): Assessment Criterion (The Learner can):1.
- Know the components of the maritime sector and their relative economic importance 1.1 List the component sub-sectors of the Maritime sector
- Commercial fishing
- Commercial yachting
- Equipment manufacture
- Inland waterways
- Leisure boating
- Maritime education
- Maritime financial and legal services
- Marine science and research
- Merchant Navy
- Ship and boat building
- Ship and boat management
- Surveying 1.2 Identify the relative economic importance to the UK economy of the 5 major sectors2.
- Know key career pathways within the maritime sector 2.1 List key roles and entry requirements within
- Royal Navy 2.2 Identify key sources of industry and careers information
- British Marine Federation
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- Maritime Skills Alliance
- Merchant Navy Training Board
8
Securing a Vessel for Passage
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how to maintain a vessel’s weather and watertight integrity 1.
- Describe what is meant by weather and watertightness and how it is maintained within the vessel’s structure 1.
- Describe the methods of ensuring weather and watertightness with regard to openings above and below the waterline, including shell openings 1.
- Identify faults and failures that might compromise weather and watertight integrity and describe associated reporting arrangements 1.
- Describe how and when to take soundings of tanks, bilges, cofferdams, void spaces and chainlocker 1.
- Describe how to check for damage to hatches, tank lids, doors, air and sounding pipes 1.
- Identify typical damage following collision, grounding and contact with solid structures2.
- Know how to secure stores, moveable items and cargo for passage 2.
- Identify the signage for hazardous items on board, including safe stowage and emergency procedures, from industry guidelines e.g. IMDG, COSHH etc 2.
- Describe how to make checks on lashings and securing devices for deck cargo and deck equipment, equipment in store rooms, holds, cargo spaces, steering and engine room spaces 2.
- Describe additional precautions needed during heavy weather, including the purpose of restricting access to the weather deck
9
Survival in the Water during Maritime Emergencies
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know the types of maritime emergencies 1.
- Identify the main types of maritime emergencies, including collision, fire, foundering and man overboard2.
- Know the survival equipment used during maritime emergencies 2.
- Identify the types of life-saving appliances 2.
- Identify the location of personal life-saving appliances 2.
- Identify the equipment in a survival aircraft3.
- Understand the principles of survival during a maritime emergency 3.
- Outline the value of training and drills 3.
- Outline the importance of personal protective clothing and equipment 3.
- Outline the need to be ready for any maritime emergency4.
- Know how to abandon ship during maritime emergency 4.
- Identify the actions to be taken when called to survival craft stations 4.
- Identify the actions to be taken when required to abandon ship 4.
- Identify the actions to be taken when in the water 4.
- Identify the actions to be taken when onboard a survival craft 4.
- Identify the main dangers to survivors5.
- Be able to survive in the water during maritime emergency 5.
- Don a lifejacket 5.
- Don and use an immersion suit 5.
- Jump from a height into the water 5.
10
Vessel Construction and Stability
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know the main construction features of different vessel types 1.
- Name the main construction features of vessels 1.
- Identify different hull forms and the reasons for them 1.
- Identify common steering and propulsion types including sail and podded drives2.
- Understand vessel stability and flotation 2.
- Define the common stability terms 2.
- Describe the factors that affect a vessel's ability to stay afloat 2.
- Identify and read assigned loadline markings 2.
- Describe the effect of movement on vessel stability 2.
- Describe the factors that adversely affect vessel stability 2.
- State the existence and purpose of on-board vessel stability information
11
Vessel Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW)
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand fire prevention on board ship 1.
- Describe the possible consequences of fire on board ship 1.
- Identify common causes of fire on board ship 1.
- Describe procedures to minimise the risk of fire on board ship 1.
- Identify the fire protection systems used on board ship 1.
- Identify the fire and smoke detection, and automatic alarm systems on board ship 1.
- Outline the need for constant vigilance against fire on board ship2.
- Know how to respond in the event of a fire onboard ship 2.
- Outline the value of fire training and drills 2.
- Describe the shipboard fire fighting organisation 2.
- Describe the functions of fire party 2.
- Identify the location of fire fighting appliances and emergency escape routes on board ship 2.
- State the procedures to follow on discovering a fire on board ship 2.
- Describe the actions to take when called to muster stations3.
- Understand the principles of fire and extinguishing fire 3.
- Identify the three elements of fire 3.
- Identify types and sources of ignition 3.
- Identify types of flammable materials 3.
- Describe the different ways in which fire spreads 3.
- Describe the dangers of smoke inhalation 3.
12
Vessel Ropework, Anchoring and Mooring Operations
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of rope
- work and demonstrate the use of a range of ropes and wires on board a vessel 1.
- Describe the characteristics, safe handling
- use and care of different ropes and wires, including natural fibre rope, man made rope, wire rope and combination rope 1.
- Produce knots, bends and hitches in common use e.g. reef knot, bowline, sheet bend (double and single), rolling hitch, round turn and two half hitches, and identify the use of each 1.
- Demonstrate seizing, whipping and splicing wire and rope and identify the use of each 1.
- Demonstrate the safe use of bosun’s chairs and stages 1.
- use and care of blocks, tackles, hooks and shackles 1.
- Describe the rigging of safety lines2.
- Know how to safely assist in anchoring operations 2.
- Describe the types of anchor in common use, anchor parts, windlass and associated equipment, and anchoring terminology 2.
- Demonstrate safe anchoring procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment 2.
- Describe emergency procedures, e.g. slipping the bitter end, hanging off an anchor3.
- Know how to safely assist in mooring operations 3.
- Describe mooring terminology and equipment 3.
- Describe safe mooring procedures 3.
- Describe alternative mooring arrangements e.g. mooring to buoys, single point moorings, mooring alongside other vessels, slip wires, warping along a quay 3.
- Identify communication methods in common use 3.
- Describe ancillary mooring operations, including tugs, workboats, fire wires, fenders4.
- Know how to provide and maintain safe access to vessels 4.
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 610/5502/5
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- Open Awards
- Qualification Type
- Occupational Qualification
- Operational Start
- May 2025