Maritime Occupations

Modern Apprenticeship

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What's Maritime Occupations like?

Do you have an interest in ships? Have you always wondered what life at sea might be like?

If so, a Maritime Occupations Modern Apprenticeship can help you find a job that matches your passion for the ocean. Join an industry that’s dedicated to finding new ways of promoting water transportation in Scotland.   

The apprenticeship is designed to increase your knowledge of the water vessels. You'll:

  • learn how to repair and maintain ships of all sizes

  • improve your understanding of different kinds of mooring equipment, such as cleats and winches

  • learn how to carry out search and rescue missions at sea

There's a variety of jobs to choose from in Scotland’s maritime industry. You could:

  • work as a harbour operative and help transport passengers to a ship

  • become a coast guard and help develop maritime safety initiatives

  • load precious cargo onto different vessels as a port operative

What's the qualification?

SCQF Level 5

You'll gain a Modern Apprenticeship in Martitime Occupations at SCQF Level 5.

Your qualification includes:

  • Maritime Studies: Deck Rating at SCQF Level 5

  • Maritime Studies: Able Seafarer (Deck) at SCQF Level 5

  • Diploma in Maritime Studies: Able Seafarer (Engine Room) at SCQF Level 5

  • Diploma in Maritime Studies: Workboats at SCQF Level 5

  • Diploma in Maritime Studies: Sea Fishing at SCQF Level 5

  • Port Operations at SCQF Level 5

SCQF qualification levels explained

What will I learn?

During your apprenticeship, you'll learn how to:   

  • carry out maritime employment, environmental and safety practices

  • contribute to workboat operations

  • perform vessel rope work, anchoring and mooring operations

  • secure a vessel for passage

  • work with basic vessel engineering systems

  • carry out survival techniques during maritime emergencies

  • do emergency first aid in response to maritime accidents or medical emergencies

  • communicate using equipment and visual means  

     

You'll develop the following core skills:   

  • communication

  • teamwork

  • numeracy

  • time management 

  • problem-solving 

     

These transferable skills are useful for working in other roles, such as fishing and port operations.

Where could it take me?

This Modern Apprenticeship gives you a variety of options. You can continue your studies with a maritime-related degree or graduate to a full-time job.   

Further education: develop your seafaring skills by applying for a Technical Apprenticeship in Maritime Occupations. You could go on to study for a bachelor’s degree in marine studies or a Masters in navigation and maritime science. Your experience will support your university application.   

Straight to work: Use your qualifications to find a job in the maritime industry. For example, you could work as a:

  • port operative

  • ship engineer 

  • coast guard

  • naval marine

  • harbour operative

  • ship technician

  • fisheries officer 

  • fishing sales assistant

Maritime Occupations framework image

Entry requirements

There are no set requirements for this Modern Apprenticeship. Although, it's beneficial if you have a genuine interest in the maritime occupations field.

How does it work?

You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or other learning provider. 

How long will it take?

This Modern Apprenticeship will take 12 to 24 months to complete.  

How to apply

Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.

You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.

Find vacancies near you