Vessel Operations VQ Programme content - This is WHAT you'll learn.

SSNT Vessel Operations VQ Programme content - This is WHAT you'll learn. 

 Trainee On Board Task Book

This Task Book is a very important piece of portfolio evidence because it is a record of real work performed by the candidate on the boat in the following activities. Candidates for VOCVQ are encouraged to start the task book as early as possible in the programme. The sections of the task book are as follows: HSE Responsibilities; Conduct workplace communication; Manage professional development and working relationships; Maintaining the Boat ; Inspecting the Boat; Preparing for emergencies; Anchoring the Boat; Mooring the boat; Planning coastal voyages; Manoeuvring the boat ; Carrying passengers ; Carrying deck cargo; Carrying oil and chemicals; Towing; Navigating with radar and Navigating coastal voyages.

Advanced Seamanship Project

The Project is a very important piece of portfolio evidence because it is a record of the candidates ability to keep knowledge up to date by accessing relevant Acts, Codes, Notices and Warnings online. Candidates are provided with the Project topics at the beginning and can expect to research scenarios involving: boat handling, stability, load line surveys, inspecting double-bottom and forepeak tanks and carrying dangerous goods. Candidates must retain and be able to recall the descriptions, calculations and sketches found in the research for later assessments.

Core VO online

Candidates have access to online videos and documents in the following subjects. Candidates must get 70% in all the formative MCQ tests to pass this part of the programme. The Core units are: D1 IRPCS, Buoyage & Flags; D2 Magnetic Compass, Charts and Publications; D3 Navigation Equipment and Meteorology; D4 Passengers, Distress, Search and Rescue; D5 Passage Planning and Coastal Navigation; D6 Anchoring, Mooring, Gangways, Towing.

Coastal Navigation Work Book 1

Candidates can access this workbook from the Core VO website. Candidates are provided with copies of the nautical charts necessary to complete the exercises in the following topics. The completed workbook is a very important piece of portfolio evidence. Workbook 1 covers: Plotting Latitude and Longitude; Magnetic Compass and Direction; Variation and Deviation; Aids to Navigation lights; Plotting Waypoints, Courses and Distances; Plotting Bearings and Distances; Using Current Information; Tide, Draught and Under Keel Clearance and Course to Steer. 

BGNCC (Self Study textbook)

Candidates can access this text book from the Core VO website. It should be used to prepare for the summative assessments to progress to the advanced level. The text contains information and self assessment questions on the following: Charts; Compasses; Measuring Direction and Distance; Position Fixing; Nautical Publications; Aids to Navigation; Tides and Current; Navigation Equipment; Meteorology; Prevention of Collisions; Entering and Leaving Port; Anchoring; Distress at Sea.

Core Assessment

Core Written Assessment

These assessments are to be done in person with a neutral invigilator present in the room. Candidates will be assessed in the following: Preventing Collisions; Port Entry and Departure; Lights, Shapes, Sounds; Compass Error; Coastal Emergencies; Carrying Passengers; Buoyage and Anchors and Anchoring.

Core Oral Assessments

The core oral assessment focuses on: IRPCS and Buoyage; Passengers and Distress; Instrumentation and Meteorology and Bridge Watchkeeping.

Advanced VO online

Candidates have access to online videos and documents in the following subjects. Candidates must get 70% in all the formative MCQ tests to pass this part of the programme. The Advanced VO units are: Nautical Safety Management; Cargo Work and Stability and Advanced Coastal Navigation.

Final Assessments

Candidates can access the final assessments when they have completed the Task Book and the Project.

Final Written Assessment

Based on the completed Projects and the contents of the advanced VO online units.

Final Oral Assessments

The final oral assessments focus on: Inspecting the Boat; Maintaining the Boat; Advanced Instruments; Carrying Oil and Chemicals and Carrying Deck Cargo.

Practical & Oral Assessments

The final practical and associated oral assessments cover: Creating a Passage Plan; Preparing the Boat for Departure; Navigating the Boat; Manoeuvring the Boat; Mooring the Boat and Anchoring the Boat.