Vessel Operations VQ Programme structure: This is HOW you will learn.

Programme Structure and Modality

PROGRAMME FEATURES 

The programme is designed for flexibility of delivery to ensure seafaring candidates can prioritise getting sea going time on working boats. The programme is delivered mainly in several, self-taught online units, practical research, distance learning navigation workbooks and a trainee task book to be completed on a commercial boat. Each student has a personal tutor for academic support through the programme.

SUMMARY OF PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

 

PROGRAMME DELIVERY

Core Vessel Operations Online Units

Learners are provided with learning units presented on a Learning Management System, hosted on myicourse.com. The learning material is presented in short (4 to 5 minute) videos and downloadable documents on the LMS. Students must answer multiple choice formative assessment questions spread over several tests. Broadband internet is required for completing the online units. A laptop is better for online lessons but a phone or tablet can be used. The results of the formative assessment are submitted as portfolio evidence.  

Boatmasters Guide to Navigating Caribbean Coasts

This 250 page textbook is downloaded by learners from the LMS. The book covers much of the same material as the online lessons with more details and diagrams. The textbook also contains banks of self-assessment questions. The textbook is examined in the Core assessments.

Coastal Navigation Workbook 1

Coastal Navigation Workbook 1 can be completed by distance learning. The knowledge required for completing the workbook is in the Core online lessons and the BGNCC textbook. The workbook is downloadable from the LMS.. Students are provided with copies of the nautical charts appropriate for the workbook. Navigation instruments are not provided. Students submit the completed workbook and nautical charts for formative assessment and the completed workbook and charts are a major part of the student’s portfolio.

Written Core Assessment

The written core assessment is a three hour live, in-person with an invigilator. Students answer multiple choice and other types of short answer questions on a printed exam sheet. The knowledge required for this assessment is in the Core online lessons and the BGNCC textbook.

Oral Core Assessment

The Oral Core Assessment is a live, in-person 45 minute session with an assessor.

Trainee Onboard Task Book

The main practical unit of the programme is the Trainee On Board task book. It is a practical unit that requires the trainee to be employed on a commercial boat for a minimum of 180 days (accumulative). The task book is printed and provided by the tutor. Trainees are encouraged to begin the task book as early as possible to ensure completion and avoid extra fees. During the trainee’s time on board, in addition to the duties of her job, she will have to complete the tasks in the book and create a portfolio of evidence. 

Advanced Seamanship Project

This practical unit requires the trainee to research how they will keep up to date with relevant Acts, Codes, Notices, Warnings etc. and how they will get information for a variety of upcoming operations. Students have to prepare brief notes on the project topics and submit a lists of resources used in preparing the notes. The list and notes are part of the student’s portfolio of evidence. 

Advanced Vessel Operations Online Units

Learners are provided with learning units presented on a Learning Management System, hosted on myicourse.com. The learning material is presented in short (4 to 5 minute) videos and downloadable documents on the LMS. Students must answer multiple choice formative assessment questions spread over several tests. Broadband internet is required for completing the online units. A laptop is better for online lessons but a phone or tablet can be used. The results of the formative assessment are submitted as portfolio evidence.  

Coastal Navigation Workbook 2

Coastal Navigation Workbook 2 can be completed by distance learning. The knowledge required for completing the workbook is in the Advanced and Core online lessons and the BGNCC textbook. The workbook is downloadable from the LMS. Students are provided with copies of the nautical charts appropriate for the workbook. Navigation instruments are not provided. Students submit the completed workbook and nautical charts for formative assessment and the completed workbook and charts are a major part of the student’s portfolio.

Practical Assessments

The practical assessments are closely related to the Trainee Onboard Task Book. At the start of the programme, tutors will identify which sections of the task book will have practical assessments and what the assessment will involve. 

Written Advanced Assessment

The written advanced assessment is a three hour live, in-person with an invigilator. Students are required to write descriptions and sketch diagrams to answer questions on a printed exam sheet. The knowledge required for this assessment is in the advanced online lessons and the completion of the Project.

Oral Advanced Assessments

The Oral Advanced assessments are closely related to the Trainee Onboard Task Book. At the start of the programme, tutors will identify which sections of the task book will have oral assessments and what the candidates broadly need to know.

Personal Tutors

Learners are assigned a personal tutor who coaches and advises the student through the programme. Students and tutors communicate by emails or Whatsapp, and where required by Skype or Zoom.