The Frameworks are:
- Rating Apprenticeships
- Foundation Degree (FD), incorporating the Scottish Professional Diploma (SPD)
- Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND)
The MNTB, in conjunction with the MCA, has developed the ‘short course’ criteria for specific STCW regulatory requirements. In addition, course criteria have been developed for non-mandatory courses that meet specific industry needs.
An important and mandatory part of initial seafarer programmes is the sea time component. MNTB Training Record Books (TRB) have been developed to enable the sea time to be appropriately structured and organised. The TRB defines the onboard tasks that must be completed to provide evidence to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) of seafaring competence at Officer of the Watch, Engineering Officer of the watch and Electro-technical Officer level. TRBs are also available for deck rating and able seafarer (deck), and engine room rating and able seafarer (engine).
The TRBs are accompanied by the MNTB On-Board Training DVD. The DVD looks at what is involved in completing the TRB for all trainees, it illustrates the roles of the Company Training Officer and the Designated Shipboard Training Officer, and it showcases good practice in onboard training. The DVD can be viewed by all those who are interested in ensuring that shipboard training experiences are of good quality and that they help to properly equip trainees with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to be the professional seafarers of tomorrow.
The new Training Course Recognition service under development by the MNTB will provide the opportunity for companies offering commercial training courses to the industry to have their courses recognised as meeting good practice in training course provision. The benefits of MNTB recognition to companies will be an increased profile and standing within the industry; an independent endorsement of its expertise, type and range of training provision; and an indication that the course delivers effective training to meet a specified company/industry need.
As part of the course recognition service the list of MNTB recognised training courses is provided on our dedicated web page.
Nautical colleges and universities involved in seafarer education and training develop their own programmes to meet the framework requirements and seek formal approval of them by the MNTB.