Scottish Qualifications Authority (Trading As SQA)

Scottish Qualifications Authority (trading as SQA)

SQA Level 3 Diploma in Supervision of Port and Maritime Operations (QCF) 60165285

Type of qualification / QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework)
Credits / 42
Guided Learning Hours / Minimum of 248 to Maximum of 300 Guided Learning Hours
Overview of the Qualification / This level 3 vocational qualification has been designed to assess the skills and knowledge that are required in order for you to be able to undertake your job in port and maritime operations efficiently. It is a standalone qualification which will enable you to build on your experience and is valued by employers in the port industry.
The primary purpose of this qualification is to confirm your occupational competence in the safe and secure operations of a port environment. There are a range of port environments which you may be working infrom those dealing with liquid bulk through to containers and passengers, so the qualification can be adapted to meet you own specific job role. This qualification will provide, on completion, confirmation to employers and industry, through on-the-job experience that you have the skills and knowledge to operate as a Stevedoring, Marine, Passenger or General Supervisor working in the port.
This qualification is assessed by completing a portfolio of evidence which details your achievements at work through a variety of evidence such as:

observations from an assessor who watches you carry out your work and checks you can do the work-based tasks safely and securely whilst complying with the relevant health, safety security and environmental regulations;
witness testimonies and supporting evidence from your supervisor in the workplace or professional discussions or question and answer sessions.

Your assessor will work with you confirming that you have met the requirements set out in this qualification and are therefore competent in your role.
You will also need to demonstrate that you can work with others to ensure the port operates effectively and that equipment is operated within the relevant health and safety guidelines.
You may be working in a port which deals with cargo and you will need to demonstrate that you can supervise the loading and unloading of cargo ships. Or if you are working in a passenger terminal you will need to demonstrate an ability to work with and supervise others to ensure passengers pass through the terminal safelywhich will involve liaising with customers, shipping agents, passengers and HM Customs and Immigration.
To be awarded the qualification, you must achieve a total of 42 credits by completing all three mandatory units:

Take action to reduce risks to health and safety in a port (4 credits)
Promote and maintain health,safety and security in a port (5 credits)
Provide leadership for your team in logistics operations (4 credits)

You would also need to complete the remaining required 29 credits from the optional groups of units which range from developing procedures to controlling risks to health, safety and security in ports to ensuring operational readiness of a port terminal, to co-ordinating and controlling vessel berthing operations. The qualification structure can be found here.
Who is the qualification for? / This qualification can be taken by employees working in a port environment and may be of interest to you if you:

have already completed a level 2 Certificate in Port Operations either through an apprenticeship or as a standalone programme and now want to progress your career further within the industry
are wishing to enter the industry and just starting your career within a port as a Port Operative
wishing to transfer from another career.

Age range / This qualification is approved for 16 – 18 year olds, and 19 + learners.
Entry requirements
Apprenticeships/
Other qualifications / Although some of you may already have achieved the Level 2 Port Operations qualification no prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification. However, experience or knowledge of port operations would be an advantage along with a willingness to learn.
There is no Apprenticeship route available for this job and no other nationally recognised vocational qualification at this level that meets industry requirements for progression to this job role.
There is a level 2 in Port Operations available which you can take as a stand-alone programme or through the Maritime Occupations Intermediate Apprenticeship – Port Operations pathway which is available for general Port Operatives. However, if you are looking to enter the Port Industry at a higher level and hold a position of responsibility then you will need to take this level 3 Diploma in Supervision of Port and Maritime Operations. Or you may already be working as a team leader in the Port and want to have your skills and knowledge recognised through a national qualification allowing you to progress to the Supervisor role.
What can the qualification lead to? / The qualification will help you if you are looking to progress further in your career:

General Supervisor – with responsibility for ensuring the work of teams is carried out safely and to the requirements of the port. They may be responsible for the loading and unloading of cargo, the operation of harbour craft, safety within the port and liaising with port and other customers.

Passenger Supervisor – liaising with freight customers, shipping agents, passengers, HM Customs, Immigration and Harbour Authority as well as supervising the team working in the passenger terminal to ensure the work is carried out safely and to the requirements of the port and its customers.

Stevedoring Supervisor – with responsibility for teams of port operatives working on loading or unloading of cargo ships, briefing them on their work, ensuring they operate equipment and machinery safely as well as dealing with problems as they arise.

Marine Supervisor- supervising the operation of harbour craft and ensuring that port teams are working safely and the area is safe to work in.

On completion and you may choose to continue your learning in the workplace by taking further specialist courses relevant to your rolesuch as: Port Management or Health and Safety Inspection.
Or you may want to develop your knowledge to a higher level by following a relevant Foundation Degree such as:Navigation and Maritime Science or Maritime Operations or the Diploma for Harbour Masters or something more general such as Business / Management type Foundation Degree.
Any other relevant information / The qualification is designed by employers to meet their specific needs, and ensures that successful learnersare “job ready”.
This qualification is based on the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Port Operations and was developed in conjunction with Port Skills and Safety and the Maritime Skills Alliance to ensure itis ‘fit for purpose’ to meet the needs of employers.
The qualification is recognised and supported by Port Skills and Safety, the Maritime Skills Alliance and employers working within the ports and maritime sectors.
Each industry has a standards-setting body and they are responsible for developing the National Occupational Standards which define what employees must be able to do, how well, and in what circumstances to show they are competent in their workplace and able to carry out activities in relation to operating safely and securely in a port.
SQA website /
Telephone / 0345 279 1000
E-mail enquiries /