Leading the engineering function for small vessels (less than 9000 Kilowatt and less than 3,000 Gross Tonnage) unlimited area.
Small vessel chief engineers work in the maritime engineering sector.
Small vessel chief engineer (Chief Engineer Officer, less than 9000 Kilowatt, less than 3000 Gross Tonnage, unlimited area STCW Reg III/2) is a statutory regulated occupation. In the UK, it is regulated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
The occupation relates to eight categories of small vessel, as defined by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. These are:
The small vessel chief engineer occupational standard incorporates the MCA’s regulatory requirements. It also has additional knowledge, skills and behaviours required for competency in the occupation, as defined by employers. In this document the inclusion of 'MCA' following a knowledge or skill statement means it is required by and assessed by the MCA.
Small vessel chief engineers ensure the day-to-day operation of the engineering aspects of a small vessel at sea and alongside (not at sea). This includes the vessel’s engine and other machinery and the technical side of ‘hotel services’ such as heating and ventilation. They prepare and check engineering systems, order engineering stock and supplies including bunkering (fuelling), and ready the vessel and systems for going to sea. Whilst at sea, they monitor engineering systems - adjusting parameters to maximise performance and minimise waste, diagnose faults and conduct basic repairs and replace parts. On return from sea, they shut down vessel running machinery and maintain operational availability. Liaising with repair contractors, keeping records, reporting, and preparing for statutory surveys and dry dock are all part of the role.
They typically work for several weeks at a time on board, sleeping on board, followed by a similar length of time on leave. Although some operate patterns to enable them to return home at the end of the day. The detail will vary between different types of vessels, and individual companies.
They are a first responder to safety related alarms and defects, both when on duty and on emergency alarm call out. Even when not on duty, a small vessel chief engineer needs to act during emergencies.
In their daily work, they interact with the vessel’s Master – who has overall responsibility for the vessel. Plus other officers and crew responsible for the navigation of the vessel. Depending on the size and nature of the vessel, they may work on their own or within a small team of engineers. They report directly to the vessel’s Master. They have contact with a shore-based Superintendent - who has responsibility for the engineering aspects of several vessels. Plus repair contractors and regulatory personnel, such as classification society surveyors and Port State inspectors.
They are responsible for conducting their duties in line with health, safety and environmental policy, and company procedures. They must work within the legal requirements set by international and national bodies. This includes SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea), MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships), local port requirements, and Port Marine Regulations. They can be personally prosecuted for failure to comply. They may have responsibility for the line management of more junior colleagues. They have budgetary responsibilities.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 48 months. The EPA period is typically 6 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Project report and presentation with questions
You will complete a project and write a report. The title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. The report should be a maximum of 5000 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 16 weeks to complete the project and submit the report to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 30 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 5 questions about the project and presentation.
The EPAO will confirm where and when the assessment will take place.
MCA oral examination for Chief Engineer Officer, less than 9,000 kW, less than 3,000 GT, unlimited area, STCW Convention Regulation III/2
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 01/06/2022 | Not set |
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