Commissioners Information Bulletin 240
Issued: 30 July 2004

Establishment of a new recognised traineeship vocation of Boating Services and the approval of the relevant VTO

At the request of the Manufacturing and Related Services Industry Training Advisory Body (ITAB), the Commissioner for Vocational Training has designated a new traineeship vocation in Boating Services under section 5 of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 and has approved the relevant Vocational Training Order (VTO) for the new recognised traineeship vocation under section 6 of the same Act.

The new VTO highlights qualifications from the National Metal and Engineering Training Package MEM98, Boating Extension, endorsed on 24 April 2003, by the National Training Quality Council. This aligns the traineeship structures to the Boating Services competency standards and employment patterns within the industry.

Vocational Training Order Standard Format (VTO)
The VTO in each instance may make reference to:

1. the appropriate term or terms for apprenticeships or traineeships in that vocation,
2. the appropriate probationary period or periods for apprenticeships or traineeships in that vocation, having regard to the term or terms specified for them under paragraph (a),
3. the appropriate qualification or qualifications that may be awarded in relation to an apprenticeship or traineeship in that vocation,
4. any other training to be provided in addition to the training required for an appropriate qualification,
5. such other matters relating to the training of apprentices or trainees in that vocation as the Commissioner considers appropriate.

A copy of the relevant VTO supporting the newly established recognised traineeship vocation of Boating Servicesis at Attachment A.

Overview of the Metal and Engineering Training Package MEM98 - Boating extension
The Boating Services qualifications reside as a discrete sector grouping within the Metal and Engineering Training Package MEM98 and are comprised of new units of competency as well as a number of existing units from other training packages. A list of these new units are at Appendix B.

Boating Industry qualifications range from Certificate I to Certificate IV with lower level qualifications embedded in the qualification level above. Certificate IV in Boating Services can be achieved either by progression through the Boating Services stream, or by completion of a Certificate III in one of the other three areas within the boating industry qualifications:

• Marine (Services)
• Marine (Sales); and
• Textile Fabrication,

plus the attainment of competence in the required number of specified Boating Services competencies.

The packaging arrangements are based upon the attainment of core units and nominated electives ranging from 3 units for Certificate I to 20 units for Certificate IV.

A chart showing the relationship between the Boating Industry qualifications in the Metal and Engineering Training Package MEM98 and other training package qualifications is at Attachment C (PDF 70KB).

Three units of competency developed by the National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) were adopted by the industry as a benchmark for future minimum standards in relation to boat operation and regulatory arrangements. These include:

• MEM50.8EA Carry out trip preparation and planning
• MEM50.9AA Safely operate a mechanically powered recreational boat; and
• MEM50.10EA Respond to boating emergencies and incidents,

The boating industry recommended adoption of these units into the boating industry qualifications to encourage accessibility and to align vocational education and training outcomes with future licensing models.

The NMSC consented to, and fully supports, the inclusion of these units into the boating industry qualifications.

For the purpose of the new VTO in NSW, trainees in the boating services industry will have the option of gaining the following qualifications:

• Certificate II in Boating Services MEM20303
• Certificate III in Boating Services MEM30703
• Certificate IV in Boating Services MEM40203

The packaging and combination of the minimum number of units required for each revised qualification are outlined in Attachment D.

Qualification Packaging
The Boating Services qualifications are embedded and the nominal term for the Certificate II, III and IV Boating Services, when the trainee holds the lower level certificate in the same qualification, is 12 months. If the trainee holds a lower level certificate in one of the other pathways, the nominal term will be determined on a case by case basis in consultation with the RTO, and will be dependent upon the choice of units of competency already undertaken.

Industrial arrangements
Provisions for the employment of trainees in the boating services industry exist in the following instruments:

• Federal Metal, Engineering and Associated Industries Award 1998
• National Training Wage Award 2000
• Metal Trades (Training Wage) (State) Award

Note: Boating Services qualifications, whilst imbedded within the Metal and Engineering Training Package are aligned to neither the industrial classification system of the Federal Metal, Engineering and Associated Industries Award 1998 nor that of the Metal, Engineering and Associated Industries (State) Award. Unlike the Marine Craft Construction qualification, completion of a boating services qualification will not automatically lead to an industrial classification under these awards. Anybody seeking classification under these awards upon completion of a traineeship will need to establish their skill level in relation to the Metal and Engineering Competency Standards.

Note: Applications under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 to establish any traineeship or apprenticeship will not be approved unless the Commissioner is satisfied that appropriate industrial arrangements are in place.

VET in Schools
The Certificate I and II Boating Services qualifications are suitable for school-based traineeships. Many of the units contained within the qualifications are already being delivered in Curriculum Framework or Board Endorsed courses.

Learning resources and assessment materials
The Boating Services qualifications contain units of competency from the Metal and Engineering Training Package MEM98 and also draw heavily on units imported from other training packages. There are no specific metal and engineering non-endorsed components. However, there may be non-endorsed components available in the other packages.

Strategies to assist RTOS in accessing relevant materials information
NSW TAFE has indicated a willingness to deliver the qualifications as has the VOCOL Technical Training Centre in Port Macquarie. VOCOL delivers VET in Schools programs and training for part-time school based trainees. As many of the units which make up the qualifications are imported from well-established packages, much of the training required is already being delivered to other industries. Because of this, the development and delivery costs should be low and attractive to providers of all sizes.

Licensing
Licensing requirements apply where trainees are required to drive a recreational boat capable of more than 10 knots, or commercial vessels. Commercial vessels are defined as those used in connection with any type of business, trade or commerce. They can include:

• licensed fishing vessels
• charter vessels - fishing, diving tourism
• ferries
• water taxis
• work boats/tugs/small cargo vessels; and
• sailing school vessels

For any enquiries regarding this CIB, please contact the Vocational Training Tribunal Unit on (02) 9266 8579.

PAM CHRISTIE
Commissioner of Vocational Training