Officer of the watch (near coastal)
Level 3 · AdvancedTransport and logistics 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Officers of the watch (near coastal) are responsible for navigating and operating small commercial vessels safely in near-coastal waters, working in passenger ferries, workboats, pilot vessels, and offshore support. Apprentices gain the competencies required for MCA Officer of the Watch certification, including navigation, watchkeeping, and emergency response. The role is a foundation for a career as a master mariner or specialist marine operator.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Navigation including chart work, passage planning, and electronic navigation aids
Collision regulations (COLREGs) and safe watchkeeping
Vessel stability, cargo, and load line requirements
Emergency procedures, fire-fighting, and survival at sea
Meteorology and tidal planning for near-coastal passages
Maritime legislation and MCA certification requirements
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Keep a safe navigational watch on the bridge
Plan and execute coastal passages using charts and ECDIS
Monitor weather, tidal conditions, and vessel traffic
Respond to emergencies including man-overboard and fire
Carry out deck duties, mooring, and cargo operations
Maintain log books and navigate in compliance with COLREGs
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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