National Occupational Standards

National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to undertake a particular task or job to a nationally recognised level of competence. They are used for a wide range of workforce development purposes, including 

• developing recruitment criteria and job descriptions; 
• as performance management tools and within performance appraisal processes; 
• identifying training needs;  
• developing training programmes and training interventions; 
• developing qualifications of all types – vocational, academic and professional. 

A suite of National Occupational Standards (NOS) covering a range of seagoing roles in the deck and engineer departments of merchant ships, harbour tugs and fishing vessels has been developed through the Maritime Skills Alliance (MSA). There is a direct relationship between STCW 95 standards and NOS covering Merchant Navy roles.