Port Marine Operations Officer

On a port marine operations officer apprenticeship course, you’ll help ensure the safe transit and handling of vessels into and out of the port.

The marine operations team at the port assists in the safe passage and management of vessels entering and departing the port.

As a port marine operations officer, you will be involved in vessel berthing, port control and marine services, harbour and marina operation, conservancy, environmental protection, statutory compliance, and harbour marine craft operation as a leader or member of a port or harbour marine operations team.

This is a critical position that contributes significantly to the safe and effective running of the harbour. This apprenticeship is designed to give hands-on experience in all aspects of port marine operations, such as lock and dock operations, mooring boat operations, health and safety activities within a port operation, radio room operations, and marine control centre operations. Shift work and working in a variety of scenarios may be required.

What you’ll learn

On a port marine operations officer apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

• Carry out marine craft activities such as basic towing, personnel transfer and recovery, hydrographic surveys, and so on in compliance with port-specific standards.
• Respond to fires and disasters, mainly on board ships, and use emergency equipment, such as oil spill response.
• Deliver basic first aid in the workplace.
• Lead, manage, and engage with colleagues and others in all marine activities within a port, including emergency services and other stakeholders; take command of a situation, deliver dependable results while encouraging and supporting the development of others.
• Handle loads with manual and mechanical care, such as mooring lines, freight, and storage.
• Use communication equipment such as a VHF radio to communicate clearly.
• Comply with legislation, standards of practice, and corporate policies and procedures while working within health, safety, and security systems.
• Carry out port marine operations specific to the place, such as leisure, fishing, commodities, and passenger transportation, among others.
• Contribute to marine environmental protection, notably preserving scientifically significant areas and maritime conservation zones.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• Depending on the employer, but likely A-levels or equivalent qualifications or relevant experience.
• Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment consists of three distinct assessment methods: 

• Practical Assessment 
• Multiple Choice Test 
• Professional discussion 

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 4 Port Marine Operations Officer Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.