Port operative / Skills England

Key information

Status: Approved for delivery (available for starts)
Reference: ST0307
Version: 1.1
Level: 2
Options: Cargo operative, Passenger, ferry and cruise operative
Minimum duration to gateway: 12 months
Typical EPA period: 3 months
Route: Transport and logistics
Maximum funding: £8000
Date updated: 19/07/2024
Approved for delivery: 24 September 2018
Lars code: 350
EQA provider: Ofqual
Example progression routes:
- Team leader or supervisor,
- Port marine operations officer
Review: this apprenticeship will be reviewed in accordance with our change request policy.

This apprenticeship has options. This document is currently showing the following option:

Occupation summary
Typical job titles
Core occupation duties
Option duties
Cargo operative duties
Passenger, ferry and cruise operative duties
Knowledge
Skills
Behaviours
Qualifications
Version log

Details of the occupational standard

Occupation summary

This occupation can be found in a variety of ports, harbours, and marinas. From a major international trade gateway, Naval base supporting the Royal Navy, to a single jetty jutting out into a river or sea. A port is typically a location on the coast where goods are loaded and unloaded, however they can be found inland such as the Manchester ship canal and Port of Boston in Lincolnshire. Ports serve many purposes, including recreation, commercial trade, the energy sector and defence. The port industry is diverse, supporting a wide range of activities vital to many sectors of the UK economy. Ports are critical transportation networks that facilitate both international and domestic trade.

The UK has the largest port sector in Europe, with 120 commercial ports. Port operatives may be employed by large port authorities, such as the Port of Felixstowe. Which handles roughly 48% of all containerised trade within the UK, to other porting authorities such as the Port of Boston or enlisting as a port operative in the British Army.

Port operatives have key roles in enabling businesses to deliver on time and safely. Cargo can include any goods imported or exported from the UK, such as cars, food, manufactured goods, and raw materials. The work they do varies depending on the type of ship or cargo. Operatives in larger ports tend to specialise, but smaller ports often require them to perform a wide range of duties.

Port operatives are engaged to ensure that freight is moved efficiently from a docked ship, directly to a road vehicle or train for onward transportation, or to a warehouse or holding area for temporary storage. Port operatives may be required to operate large items of mobile and fixed lifting equipment and other vehicles, such as forklift trucks and mobile cranes.

A port operative may be required to work on board any type or size of moored or anchored vessel in a port.

Port operatives can also work in passenger operations, ensuring that customers of ferry services or cruise liners travel through the port safely and efficiently. While maintaining excellent customer service. Passenger facilities at ports can be similar to those found at airports, with catering and other recreational services for passengers waiting to join the ship.

Working hours may include unsocial hours, and working outdoors in inclement weather is probable. There may be some on-call requirements as well as shift and weekend work. The working environment is likely to be physically demanding. Entry restrictions may apply to applicants.

Typical job titles include:

Cargo operative Container operative Ferry operative Passenger operative Port operative Port plant operator Port warehousing operative Roll-on roll-off operative Stevedore

Core occupation duties

Duty	KSBs
Duty 1 Perform safe working practices within the port environment.	K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K9 K10 K12 K13 K18 S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S8 S9 S10 S11 S14 B1 B3 B4 B5 B6
Duty 2 Comply with industry standards, relevant legislation, and environmental regulations.	K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K8 K9 K10 K12 K14 K15 K16 K18 S1 S4 S8 S11 S12 S13 S14 S15 B1 B2 B3
Duty 3 Comply with port security. (International ship and port facility (ISPS) code).	K1 K5 K6 K8 K10 K18 S1 S2 S5 S7 S14 B3 B5
Duty 4 Follow the standard operating procedures in line with company policies.	K4 K5 K6 K7 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 S1 S4 S6 S8 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14 S15 B1 B3 B6
Duty 5 Demonstrate situational awareness of traffic and the movement of goods, materials and people around the port to avoid risks to themselves and others.	K1 K4 K7 K8 K10 K12 K18 K19 S2 S4 S5 S6 S10 S14 B1 B2
Duty 6 Use equipment and machinery safely, following instructions, and legislation.	K4 K10 K11 K12 K13 K18 S2 S5 S9 S11 S14 B1
Duty 7 Promote sustainable practices and reduce environmental impact in port operations.	K10 K14 K15 K16 K18 S6 S12 S13 S14 B2 B3 B5
Duty 8 Work as part of a team supporting colleagues to meet customer expectations, quality requirements and deadlines.	K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 K24 S13 S14 S15 S17 S18 S20 B3 B4 B5 B6
Duty 9 Check and process relevant documentation, inventories and records of information, utilising the relevant technology.	K4 K9 K10 K13 K20 K23 S8 S9 S11 S12 S13 S16 S19
Duty 10 Communicate with internal and external stakeholders.	K4 K9 K15 K16 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 S8 S14 S16 S17 S18 B4 B5 B6

Option duties

Cargo operative duties

Duty	KSBs
Duty 11 Perform stevedoring, maintenance and marine operational activities.	K25 K26 K27 K28 K31 K32 S21 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 S27 S28
Duty 12 Safely unload and load goods according to its properties.	K26 K28 K29 K30 K31 S22 S23 S24 S25 S27
Duty 13 Identify and report damage to product in the ships hold, terminals, and storage areas along with damage to cargo and cargo claims.	K30 K31 S26
Duty 14 Check that the cargo is secured safely.	K28 K29 K30 S25 S27
Duty 15 Communicate with colleagues to help undertake planned cargo movements.	K26 K27 K29 K32 S22 S28

Passenger, ferry and cruise operative duties

Duty	KSBs
Duty 16 Ensure the safe transfer of passengers as they embark and disembark from vessels.	K33 K34 K35 K39 S29 S30 S31 S32 S35 S36
Duty 17 Transfer supplies to and from vessels using associated equipment and techniques.	K35 K36 K37 S31 S32 S33
Duty 18 Support the quayside operations with passenger and supply activity to ensure safety and security.	K34 K36 K37 K38 S30 S31 S34 S36
Duty 19 Provide assistance for customers who may need additional support, for example: elderly, disabled, parents with buggies, young or vulnerable people	K33 K36 K39 K40 S29 S30 S35 S36
Duty 20 Engage with customers to deliver an exceptional customer service. Ensure that they are respected and made to feel welcome supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion.	K33 K36 K39 K40 S29 S35 S36

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Regulations and legislation that impact the port sector. Back to Duty

K2: Health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance and impact on role and its safe operation. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Back to Duty

K3: Hazards and risks that occur in the workplace. Back to Duty

K4: Methods to promote safe working including, risk assessments, method statements, control measures and safe systems of work. Back to Duty

K5: Importance of compliance with regulations and legislation. Back to Duty

K6: Associated regulations and legislation relating to control of substances hazardous to health. (COSHH) and the international maritime dangerous goods (IMDG) code. Back to Duty

K7: Policies, procedures and working practices. Back to Duty

K8: Port security and the security levels that are associated with the port industry. Back to Duty

K9: Information sources: text, data, job card, work instructions, risk assessments, method statements, operation manuals, and permits to work. Back to Duty

K10: Principles and considerations for responding to incidents and emergencies. Back to Duty

K11: Principles of using equipment and machinery. Back to Duty

K12: Principles and methods of safe movement of traffic, goods, and pedestrians around the port. Back to Duty

K13: The principles and techniques of pre-operational checks. Back to Duty

K14: Environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Back to Duty

K15: Impact of the sector on the environment and efficient use of resources. Back to Duty

K16: Port waste management techniques including recycling, reuse, and safe disposal of waste. Back to Duty

K17: Factors that delay the completion of planned work for example the impact of the weather, tides, and road traffic. Back to Duty

K18: Limits of authority and escalation procedures. Back to Duty

K19: Principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Back to Duty

K20: Information systems used to support port operations. General data protection regulation (GDPR). Cyber security. Back to Duty

K21: Written communication techniques. Back to Duty

K22: Verbal communication techniques. Back to Duty

K23: Documentation: methods and requirements – electronic and paper. Back to Duty

K24: Principles of team working and wellbeing. Back to Duty

K25: Techniques of identifying and handling cargo. Back to Duty

K26: Toolbox talks. Back to Duty

K27: Classifications of cargo including dangerous goods, liquid bulk, dry bulk, break bulk, roll on; roll off, (roro), and containers. Back to Duty

K28: Principles and techniques for loading, unloading, and storing of products including transport weight limits and loading distribution principles. Back to Duty

K29: Loading, lift or stow plans. Back to Duty

K30: Processes for identifying, recording, and reporting pre-existing damage and any new damage. Back to Duty

K31: The principles and techniques of securing loads. Back to Duty

K32: Principles and techniques of radio communication and hand signalling following associated legislation, regulations, and recognised standards such as The Health and Safety (Signs and Signals) Regulations and BS 7121. Back to Duty

K33: Types of equipment or assistance for passengers to safely embark and disembark a vessel. Back to Duty

K34: The security and safety risks posed when a passenger embarks and disembarks a vessel. Back to Duty

K35: Principles and techniques of the operational activity associated with passenger vessels. Back to Duty

K36: Procedures for managing damaged, lost, unclaimed, unlabelled, unaccompanied, or suspect baggage and items. Back to Duty

K37: Techniques for handling baggage and other items taking into account the kind of baggage and items. Back to Duty

K38: The principles of making safe and secure the quayside and the transit areas of a port for the passengers. Back to Duty

K39: The impact of weather and tide considerations on passengers. Back to Duty

K40: Customer service techniques including understanding diverse needs. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Follow port sector procedures in line with sector regulations and legislation. Back to Duty

S2: Follow procedures in line with health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance. Back to Duty

S3: Identify and report hazards and risks in the workplace. Take action to mitigate hazards and risk. Back to Duty

S4: Comply with safe systems of work and apply control measures. Back to Duty

S5: Identify hazardous goods. Back to Duty

S6: Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs). Back to Duty

S7: Comply with port security measures. Back to Duty

S8: Follow instructions provided from information, for example, text, data, job card, work instructions, risk assessments, method statements, operation manuals, or permits to work. Back to Duty

S9: Use equipment and machinery. Back to Duty

S10: Follow procedures to ensure safe movement of traffic, goods, or pedestrians around the port. Back to Duty

S11: Carry out pre-operational checks. Back to Duty

S12: Comply with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Back to Duty

S13: Follow techniques for waste management across the port. Back to Duty

S14: Escalate issues of concern. Back to Duty

S15: Follow equity, diversity, and inclusion principles. Back to Duty

S16: Use information systems. General data protection regulation (GDPR). Cyber security. Back to Duty

S17: Communicate in writing with others for example, colleagues and stakeholders. Back to Duty

S18: Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders. Back to Duty

S19: Record or enter information - paper based or electronic. Back to Duty

S20: Apply team working and wellbeing principles. Back to Duty

S21: Uses cargo handling techniques. Back to Duty

S22: Use toolbox talks. Back to Duty

S23: Classify cargo. Back to Duty

S24: Load, unload, or store cargo. Back to Duty

S25: Follow a loading, lift or stow plan. Back to Duty

S26: Identify, record and report pre-existing damage or new damage. Back to Duty

S27: Secures the load, for example to maintain the integrity of the cargo, or to prevent damage to the vessel. Back to Duty

S28: Use techniques to coordinate planned cargo movements for example, hand signalling or radio communication. Back to Duty

S29: Provide equipment or assistance for passengers to embark and disembark a vessel. Back to Duty

S30: Follow procedures for secure passenger access. Back to Duty

S31: Carry out operational tasks related to passenger vessels, such as loading and unloading commodities and products, assisting the vessel, its occupants and vessel staff. Back to Duty

S32: Follow procedures for damaged, lost, unclaimed, unlabelled, unaccompanied, or suspect baggage. Back to Duty

S33: Use techniques and equipment to handle baggage and items. Back to Duty

S34: Complete site checks. Back to Duty

S35: Take action to mitigate the risks to passengers where there are adverse weather conditions. Back to Duty

S36: Identify customer needs and deliver a service to meet those needs, resolving queries or problems. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Prioritise health, and safety. Back to Duty

B2: Considers the environment and sustainability. Back to Duty

B3: Team-focus to meet work goals. Back to Duty

B4: Supports an inclusive workplace. Back to Duty

B5: Act in a professional manner. Back to Duty

B6: Respond and adapt to work demands and situations. Back to Duty

Qualifications

English and Maths

English and maths qualifications must be completed in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.

End-point assessment (EPA plan)

Rigorous robust and independent assessment undertaken by an apprentice at the end of training to test that the apprentice can perform in the occupation they have been trained in and can demonstrate the duties, and knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) set out in the occupational standard

End-point assessment organisation (EPAO)

An organisation approved to deliver end-point assessment for a particular apprenticeship standard. EPAOs must be on the register of end-point assessment organisations

Holistic or synoptic

Assessment of an apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours in an integrated way i.e. assessing several KSBs at the same time

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSB)

What is needed to competently undertake the duties required for an occupational standard

Valid

Referred to in relation to assessment methods; fit for purpose

Change request policy

Most changes to an apprenticeship are made as a result of a holistic review of it. We prioritise the need for such reviews based on a range of factors. These include:

the time since the apprenticeship was developed or last reviewed (taking account of its typical duration)
the existence of any known problems with it (e.g. lower than expected starts, low achievement rate, high withdrawal rate, any issues with the availability of training or end-point assessment provision)
whether the apprenticeship is currently subject to a dispensation
the relative significance of the apprenticeship based on how many users it has

The availability of an employer group to support a review and its potential impact on any related technical education product also inform the timing of a review.

Details of apprenticeships that are currently being revised or adjusted are available in our revisions and adjustments status report.

Version log

Version	Change detail	Earliest start date	Latest start date
1.1	Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised.	19/07/2024	Not set
1.0	Approved for delivery	24/09/2018	18/07/2024

Find an apprenticeship

Employers involved in creating the standard: Associated British Ports, British Army, Explosive Learning Solutions, International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), KSB Maritime, Liverpool Council, Marine Society & Sea Cadets, PD Ports, Peel Ports, Port of Blyth, Port of Dover, Port of London Authority, Port Skills and Safety LTD, The Bristol Port Company

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Port operative