Level 3 Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember Apprenticeship

Workboat crewmembers work on a variety of specialist commercial vessels typically less than 24m in length such as tugs, pilot boats, crew transfer and supply vessels. They operate these in different marine environments including offshore wind farms, ports and inland waterways. This training programme ensures that the crewmember is competent in a range of deck-related and navigation skills.

• Key competencies include:– Communications using VHF/UHF radios
  – Navigation and vessel handling using bridge equipment
  – Berthing and mooring vessels
  – Towing operations and laying moorings
  – Safe practices on board and personnel transfers
  – Cargo handling using slings, cranes and securing cargo
• Download our Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember Information leaflet

In partnership with the Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) UKSA is providing the training for this apprenticeship over 12 to 18 months.

Recruitment options will be advised upon separately once suitable employers have been signed up with MSSC.

• No experience required
• Apprentices must be a UK national or have been resident for at least 3 years. EU nationals must have settled status.
• You must be aged 16+
• Individual employers will determine their own entry requirements but due to the nature of the role it is expected that candidates will meet certain medical standards of physical health.  Possession of a driving licence is likely to be advantageous.
• GCSE English, Maths and Science Grade 4-9 required (apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking their end point assessment)
• Every civil apprentice without exception will need to pass the MCA’s strict ENG 1 medical requirements.

This is a government funded programme, please contact our careers team for more information.

Our apprenticeships offer aspiring seafarers the chance to take a step on a career pathway within maritime through a standardised programme. Through UKSA and the Marine Society you can gain international qualifications and a skillset foundation built for the maritime sector.

“If you’re a young person interested in the maritime or outdoor sector, or someone who wants to retrain, we invite you to get in touch so we can find an apprenticeship that meets your aspirations.”

– Darrell Bate, Director of Maritime Training and Development Marine Society and Sea Cadets

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, new knowledge, skills and behaviours and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment which will include holiday entitlement. By the end of an apprenticeship, you’ll have the right qualities and qualifications needed for your chosen career.

An apprenticeship is a mixture of On and Off the Job Training which allows you to put new learnt skills and knowledge into practice in a real-life work setting.

It can take between one and six years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience. It’s funded from contributions made by the government and your employer, so does not cost you a thing!

 How to become an Apprentice?

To become an apprentice, you must:

• be 16 or over.
• not already be in full-time education.
• live in England.

You can start an apprenticeship whether you’re starting your career, want a change or you’re upskilling in your current job. You can have a previous qualification like a degree and still start an apprenticeship.