Apprenticeship training course
Port agent (level 3)
Represent the vessel operators or owners to facilitate the efficient arrival, working, and departure of their vessels in a port.
- Qualification level
-
3
Equivalent to A level. - Typical duration
- 18 months
- Apprenticeship category
- Transport and logistics
- Maximum funding
-
£13,000
Maximum amount government will fund
for apprenticeship training. - Also known as
-
- Boarding Clerk
- Port Agent
- Ships Agent
- Skills
-
Skills an apprentice will learn
- Complete the required national and local reporting systems with required vessel and cargo data.
- Identify and comply with all local, national and international regulations and legislation that apply.
- Interpret and complete information required on International Maritime Organisation vessel / voyage information forms.
- Identify the needs of the vessel (within limits of own authority).
- Source vessel services for the time and place when these are needed.
- Coordinate crew arrivals/departures required to meet ships complement.
- Negotiate a positive outcome for the vessel that meets the contractual arrangement.
- Identify and apply sustainable practices.
- Plan and prioritise workload to meet objectives.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with the vessel and port operations.
- Respond to unexpected situations and incidents, offering an appropriate remedy.
- Adopt a communication method that takes account of the audience and is suitable for the circumstances.
- Make informed recommendations that aid the vessels progress, prioritising health, safety and security.
- Maintain a network of stakeholders.
- Utilise the strengths of teams to support vessel progress.
- Apply relevant IT reporting solutions to assist vessel progress, for example using software required by a particular Government covering the ports jurisdiction.
- Report on vessel progress, using the required format (e.g., Maritime pro formas).
- Store data correctly and only share data when it is permitted in accordance with legislation and regulation.
- Comply with relevant health and safety procedures.
- Comply with relevant security procedures.
- Monitor vessel progress against expected plans.
- Create the required disbursement accounts.
- Create a required “Statement of Fact”.
- Match supplier quotations with the services/goods needed to support vessel operations.
- Apply project management techniques needed to deliver port agency within budget.
- Provide financial services that meet needs of the vessel (within limits of given authority).
- Quality assure work in accordance with organisational requirements and contractual arrangements.
- Handle complaints in line with organisational requirements.
- Problem solves changes in circumstances impacting vessel progress.
Full information on Port agent (level 3) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.