Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember Apprenticeship

Become part of a small, skilled team working on specialist vessels – from tugs and workboats to fast pilot boats and crew transfer vessels. Operate in ports, inland waterways, and offshore environments including wind farm construction, surveys, towage, salvage, and wreck removal. Most vessels are under 24m and accommodate up to five crew members.

What is a Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember?

A Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember works as part of a 2–3 person team to operate and maintain workboats. Responsibilities include navigation, berthing, personnel transfers, towing, and cargo handling. Crewmembers play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of specialist vessels across diverse marine environments.

Key Skills & Training Your Apprentice Will Gain

During this apprenticeship, the apprentice will develop the practical and theoretical skills needed for a career at sea, including:

• Communications: Operate VHF and UHF radios effectively.
• Navigation & Vessel Handling: Manoeuvre vessels safely and use bridge equipment to check positions.
• Berthing: Bring vessels alongside safely and handle mooring lines.
• Towing & Mooring: Carry out towing operations and lay moorings.
• Personnel Transfers: Ensure safe transfers to other vessels or offshore structures.
• Cargo Handling: Assist with slinging loads and crane operations.
• Skipper Progression: Gain a Skipper’s Licence for commercial vessels under 24m, opening a pathway to higher-level skipper qualifications.

Industry-Recognised Qualifications Included

This apprenticeship includes a wide range of MCA and RYA qualifications

View all included qualifications

Programme Details

• Duration: 18 – 24 months
• Level: Level 3
• Entry Requirements / Apprentice Requirements:
  • Minimum Level 2 in Maths and English (GCSE or Functional Skills)
  • MCA ENG1 medical (employer pays after successful interview)
• Job Role: Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember
• Minimum Age: 16

End Point Assessment (EPA)

Assessment Methods

1. Practical Demonstration with Questions

• What happens: You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks.
• Duration: 2 hours
• Questions: At least 3 questions will be asked by the assessor

2. Interview Underpinned by a Training Record Book

• What happens: You will have an interview with an independent assessor.
• Duration: At least 60 minutes
• Questions: At least 6 questions focused on specific aspects of your occupation
• Preparation: You must compile a training record book before the EPA gateway. This can be used to support your answers.

3. Additional Information

• The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.
• The apprenticeship concludes with an independent assessment evaluating you against the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard.
• All training during the apprenticeship is designed to prepare apprentices for the EPA.

On successful completion, apprentices will be awarded their Apprenticeship Certificate.

Career Opportunities

Completing the apprenticeship opens the door to a wide range of maritime careers. Apprentices can progress to higher-level skipper qualifications, work on various specialist vessels, or pursue advanced roles in offshore operations, port services, towage, salvage, or crew transfer operations.

Employers: Register Your Interest

Contact Cornwall Marine Network on 01326 211382.

Alternatively you can visit www.cornwallmarine.net or email training@cornwallmarine.net