Each month, we highlight a new apprenticeship on offer and dive into why it could be the top choice for you. Today, we take to the seas and look at the boatmaster level 3 apprenticeship.
Working in the marine industry as a boatmaster, you’ll learn to navigate vessels through busy and highly challenging waterways.
There are plenty of opportunities to develop your role once qualified: you could be the captain of a single vessel tourist boat or work for a large freight operator, responsible for safely moving freight up the river to a port.
In this role, you’ll only travel a limited distance out to sea, so you’ll rarely be out of sight of land, as you work on vessels that could range from the freight and civil engineering sector and passenger boats that carry up to 12 persons on board.
You’ll be responsible for ensuring the safe operation and passage of the boat and all those on board, as you plan the navigation, handle the vessel and ensure safe mooring and anchoring. Day to day, you’ll interact with other boatmasters, crew and any passengers, other vessels and emergency services. As much of your time will be spent on the water you can expect to be working outdoors in all weathers.
This apprenticeship will ensure you are a fully competent boatmaster, but you’ll also need to obtain a Tier 1 Level 2 Boat Master licence from the Maritime Coastguard Agency to lawfully operate a vessel.
Typical job titles could include skipper, captain or waterman.
Boatmaster in brief
Duration: 24 months
Relevant school subjects: Maths and geography
Entry requirements: Depend on employer, but likely GCSEs or equivalent qualifications or relevant experience.
Achievement upon completion: Level 3 (Advanced)—equivalent to A-levels
Potential salary upon completion: £20,000
Find out more: apprenticeshipguide.co.uk/boatmaster
Opportunities
The Find An Apprenticeship service lists many apprenticeships currently available in England. Check regularly to discover apprenticeships near you.
