Fisher

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the fisher apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Fisher apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

A full-time fisher apprentice typically spends 18 months on-programme. The apprentice must spend at least 12 months on-programme and complete the required amount of off-the-job training in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.

The EPA should be completed within an EPA period lasting typically 3 months.

The apprentice must complete their training and meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA. The EPA will assess occupational competence.

An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must work with the training provider to select an approved EPAO.

This EPA has 2 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are below.

Assessment method 1 - practical assessment:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 2 - professional discussion:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 3 months.

The EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and start the EPA as quickly as possible.

The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice is occupationally competent. That is, they are deemed to be working at or above the level set out in the apprenticeship standard and ready to undertake the EPA. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider, but the employer must make the decision. The apprentice will then enter the gateway.

The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.

They must:

• confirm they are ready to take the EPA
• have achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

• have passed Complete basic training approved by any Maritime Administration which is signatory to the Seafarers Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) convention to achieve: 1 day Seafish Fishermen’s basic sea survival or STCW Personal Survival Techniques (1 day) (STCW A-VI/1)

• have passed 1 day Seafish Fishermen’s basic firefighting and prevention or 2 day STCW Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention (STCW A-VI/1-2)

• have passed 1 day Seafish Fishermen’s basic first aid or STCW Elementary First Aid (1 day) (STCW A-VI/1-3)

• have passed 1 day Seafish basic health and safety covering: know your vessel, understanding roles and responsibilities, maintaining effectiveness, working safely on a fishing vessel, dealing with emergencies.

• have passed Certificated 5 day Seafish Navigation and Watchkeeping course

• have passed Certificated 5 day Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA) Approved Engine Course Diesel Engine course (AEC 1)

• have passed Certificated 1 day Seafish Stability Awareness for Experienced Fishermen course

• have passed Certificated 1 day Seafish Advanced Stability Awareness course

• have passed Certificated Royal Yacht Association (RYA) GMDSS VHF Short Range Certificate (Radio Operator)

• submit a portfolio of evidence for the professional discussion

Portfolio of evidence requirements:

The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by the professional discussion . The portfolio of evidence will typically contain 10 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence should be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative rather than quantitative approach is suggested.

Evidence sources may include

• workplace documentation/records, for example workplace policies/procedures, records
• witness statements
• annotated photographs
• video clips (maximum total duration 20 minutes); the apprentice must be in view and identifiable

This is not a definitive list and other evidence sources can be included.

The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance, for example, witness statements, rather than opinions. The evidence provided must be valid and attributable to the apprentice and the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.

The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the discussion. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the discussion. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.

Gateway evidence must be submitted to the EPAO, along with any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO.

The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.

The result of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.

Overview

In a practical assessment with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides in which of the simulated environments it takes place. The assessment environment must closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

• This is a practical occupation best demonstrated through completing tasks in a real work setting.
• It is a holistic assessment method requiring the demonstration of knowledge, skills and behaviours.
• Demonstration will ensure that safety critical and seasonal aspects can be tested in a manner that is repeatable and consistent.
• The practical assessment makes use of employer resources and equipment, which will be familiar to the apprentice and thus allow them to perform at their best.
• The breadth of knowledge, skills and behaviours are unlikely to occur in a specific real-life scenario and this method ensures consistency for candidates operating across a range of diverse fishing boats.
• Questioning allows for the assessment of the breadth and depth of underpinning knowledge against the grading descriptors.
• This is a cost-effective method of testing and ensures validity by utilising available workplace equipment and sources and drills.

reduces the assessment burden on the apprentice

Delivery

The practical assessment must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the practical assessment.

The independent assessor must only observe one apprentice at a time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice of the practical assessment.

The practical assessment must take 3 hours.

The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical assessment by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.

The practical assessment may take place in parts but must be completed over 1 working day. A working day is typically considered to be 7.5 hours long. The reason for this split is to allow the completion of 8 discrete tasks to be carried out in order to demonstrate competence in a safety critical occupation.

The EPAO must manage invigilation of the apprentice during the assessment, to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations.

The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the practical assessment before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.

The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical assessment:

1. Inspection of the boat to ensure that safety equipment is in place and the engine is maintained. (20 mins)

2. Checking that the deck is clear of obstructions and that fishing gear is stowed away. (10 mins)

3. Inspection of refrigeration equipment to ensure it is working. (10 mins)

4. Prepare, shoot and haul fishing gear. (60 mins) *task 4 may also be assessed using video evidence collected on a trip, up to a maximum of 4 weeks prior to the end-point assessment window, supported by question and answers to take place during the end-point assessment to fully meet the mapped KSBs.

5. Simulated communication with other stations or boats using VHF radio. (15 mins)

6. Simulated issue of a distress call. (10 mins)

7. Simulated reaction to safety critical incidents, deploying the anchor, man overboard and fire on board. (40 mins)

8. Tying up the boat taking account of the ride. (15 mins)

These tasks may be delivered as a group exercise where other team members are required to operate the vessel and powered equipment.

Where a practical assessment requires the apprentice to work with additional people, the employer is responsible for arranging suitable people both in number and capability, all of which must be agreed with the EPAO in advance of the assessment. The additional people must be briefed by the independent assessor and cannot influence the assessment outcome. All of the task(s) must be attributable to the apprentice and any additional people should provide a written statement to confirm this.

The following 8 activities should be observed during the practical assessment in order to enable the apprentice to demonstrate occupational competence against the KSBs assigned to this assessment method:

1. Carry out an inspection of the boat to ensure that safety equipment is in place and the engine is maintained – 20 mins

Safety equipment - Locate and identify all safety equipment on vessel. Identify dates for servicing of safety equipment and clearly demonstrate an inspection of condition of safety equipment to ensure it is fit for purpose. Note and comment on anything that is out of date, and what the process would be to service and update the safety equipment. Identify and locate alarm systems and check their status A scenario-based question must be asked in relation to K1 if the following is not identified during the observation:

• out of date equipment

or

• defective equipment

Auxiliary and main Engine maintenance

Carry out fuel level, oil level, water level checks and demonstrate how and where to top up if required. Also carry out checks for leaks and signs of developing problems on both the main engine and auxiliary engine.

2. Check that the deck is clear of obstructions and equipment is stowed away safely – 10 mins

Shut all hatches and doors on the vessel before departure. Position all moving weighted items such as fish boxes, net bins, insulated fish tubs and any loose items are stowed away and tied down to restrict movement. Tuck all lines and ropes away and to reduce risk of getting washed overboard, or tripping hazard on deck.

Position items to correct locations on the vessel deck and storage areas to demonstrate weighted items are stowed correctly for stability, as well as ensure they are tied down and secured so will not move when out to sea.

3. Inspect refrigeration/ storage facilities to ensure that it is operating correctly – 10 mins

Depending on the type of fishery and vessel, 1 of the following 2 methods should be observed:

• Activate powered refrigeration system. Inspect pipes freezing and fish room.
• Check temperature readings.
• Check quantity and safe storage of ice for length of trip.

Or

• Inspect the insulated tub(s) to ensure condition is fit for purpose.
• Collect, prepare and secure enough ice for the trip.

4. Prepare, shoot, and haul fishing gear with other crew members – 60 mins (not including travel to and from port).

This task can be demonstrated on one of the following:

• Trawling gear
• Potting gear
• Netting gear

*task 4 may also be assessed using video evidence collected on a trip, up to a maximum of 4 weeks prior to the end-point assessment window, supported by question and answers to take place during the end-point assessment to fully meet the mapped KSBs.

5. Simulated communication with other stations or boats using VHF radio –15 mins

The observation should include:

• Power up the radio and adjust the settings to stop the static.
• Tune the radio to the required frequency.
• Perform a simulated check to the coastguard to ensure that the radio is working. Adopt radio etiquette when communicating.
• Wait for a simulated reply confirming someone has heard your transmission.
• Emergency channel is 16.
• Show use of emergency DSC function of radio.
• Demonstrate awareness of silence period either side of the hour and half past the hour and not to use the radio check during this time.

6. Simulate the issue of a distress alert - verbally issue a mayday and use of a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) - 10mins

• Tune the radio to the simulated emergency channel.
• Locate the digital select calling button and explain that this will transmit GPS coordinates to the coastguard.
• Simulate the verbal issue of a distress signal including the vessel name, current location, speed and bearing. Describe the vessel type, number of people on board and describe any injuries and explain any intention to deploy lifeboats.

7. Simulated reaction to the following safety critical incidents - 40 mins

During the EPA, the workboat should undertake a man overboard (MOB) drill, a fire drill and deploy the anchor out of the port drill. The apprentice is required to undertake all of the elements of the drills listed below (whilst working with other members of the crew).

Fire room drill 15 mins – to include:

• Communication with crew to raise the alarm.
• Move safely around vessel. Close all doors and vents to reduce risk of spreading fire.
• Communicate with other crew to ensure everyone in safe positions and accounted for.
• Simulate communication with necessary emergency services if required.

Man overboard 15 mins – to include:

• Communicate with crew to raise the alarm
• Ensure that crew members are in correct positions and each person carrying out specific role as planned in the risk assessment and safety folder
• Check that one person takes on role as visual on deck to keep eyes on the man overboard
• Activate plotter to show where person went over
• Use life ring and smoke flare to mark the place
• Communicate with skipper and crew to set up retrieval equipment
• Communicate with skipper to locate and come alongside MOB
• Deploy retrieval equipment to perform rescue
• Recover MOB

Anchor drill/ emergency stop 10 mins – to include:

• Communicate with skipper and crew to raise alarm
• Put on and wear appropriate PPE for anchor deployment
• Deploy anchor(s) safely
• Monitor lengths of cable deployed
• Retrieve anchor

8.Tie up the boat taking into account the tide - 15 minutes.

To include:

• Locate and prepare mooring gear including cleats on the boat and cleats/ pilings on the dock. Check and attach fenders.
• Set up 2 bow lines and 2 stern lines.
• Secure dock lines with appropriate boating knots so that the boat stays in place.
• Adjust length of rope to mitigate the tide size and rise and fall of water, as well as wind.

These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The independent assessor must ask a minimum of 1 open question during each task to assess related underpinning KSBs (i.e. a minimum of 8 open questions per apprentice for the practical assessment as a whole). Follow up questions for clarification are allowed. The independent assessor must use questions from a question bank generated by the EPAO or they can tailor these questions based on what they observe in order to assess underpinning knowledge, skills and behaviours. Questioning must be completed within the total time allowed for the practical assessment. There may be breaks during the practical assessment to allow the apprentice to move from one location to another and for meal breaks. Any breaks that occur do not count towards the assessment time. KSBs observed and answers to questions must be documented by the independent assessor.

The apprentice may choose to end the assessment method early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end the assessment methods early, unless in an emergency. The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end the assessment early.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must assess the practical assessment and responses to questions holistically when deciding the grade.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

• the KSBs observed
• the apprentice’s answers to questions
• KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved

Assessment location

The practical assessment will take place at the employer premises on board a fishing boat or chartered vessel. The environment must closely relate to the apprentice's natural working environment and provide the required equipment and resources needed for the practical assessment to be undertaken.

Additional venue requirements that must be in place include:

Tasks 1, 2, 3 and 8 should be carried out whilst in port.

Tasks 4, 5, 6 and 7 should be carried out away from port. Any travel time to and from port should not be included in the overall assessment time.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of tasks and questions in the case of re-sits and retakes, to minimise predictability.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the practical assessment:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Overview

This professional discussion is a two-way discussion which involves both the independent assessor and the apprentice actively listening and participating in a formal conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to make detailed and proactive contributions to confirm their competency across the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

The rationale for this assessment method is:

• Some KSBs need more nuanced questioning than a knowledge test can provide.
• This method assesses a disparate range of knowledge, skills and behaviours that would be difficult to observe due to the nature of the workplace, the length of time required and / or because they can only be carried out at specific times of the year and / or when resources are available.

Delivery

The professional discussion must be appropriately structured to draw out the best of the apprentice's competence and cover the KSBs assigned to this assessment method.

The purpose of the questions will be:

to draw out understanding and evidence relating to the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Questions will focus on catch quality, fisheries management and species identification, navigation, personal safety and welfare and problem solving.

The independent assessor will conduct and assess the professional discussion.

The professional discussion must last for 90 minutes. The independent assessor has the discretion to increase the time of the professional discussion by up to 10% to allow the apprentice to complete their last point.

During this assessment method, the independent assessor must take questions from questions for this assessment method must be taken from the EPAOs question bank. Independent assessors must use the question bank as a source for questioning and are expected to use their professional judgment to tailor those questions appropriately. Independent assessors are responsible for generating suitable follow-up questions in line with the EPAO’s training and standardisation process. The professional discussion will have a minimum of 15 questions.

Video conferencing can be used to conduct the professional discussion, but the EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.

KSBs met and answers to questions, must be recorded by the independent assessor.
The independent assessor will make all grading decisions.

Assessment location

The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

The professional discussion can take place in any of the following locations:

• employers’ premises
• other suitable location determined by the EPAO (e.g. assessment centre or training provider)
• via video conferencing

Question and resource development

Questions must be written by EPAOs, be relevant to the occupation and assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. It is recommended that this be done in consultation with employers of this occupation. EPAOs should maintain the security and confidentiality of their questions when consulting employers.

Each EPAO must develop a test specification. They must also develop a question bank of sufficient size to prevent predictability and review it regularly (and at least once a year) to ensure it, and the questions it contain, are fit for purpose.

EPAOs must ensure that apprentices have a different set of questions in the case of re-sits/re-takes.

EPAOs will produce the following material to support this assessment method:

• Independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • Training materials
  • Administration materials
  • Moderation and standardisation materials
  • Guidance materials
  • Grading guidance
• Question bank
• Guidance documentation for the apprentice and employer

Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the practical assessment and professional discussion in line with this EPA plan.

The EPAO must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they will be awarded an overall fail.

To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. All assessment methods are weighted equally in their contribution to the overall EPA grade. Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of fail, pass or distinction. Independent assessors must individually grade each assessment method, according to the requirements set out in this plan. EPAOs must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade. Apprentices who fail one or more assessment method will be awarded an overall EPA 'fail'. In order to achieve an overall EPA 'pass' grade, apprentices must achieve at least a pass in both assessment methods. In order to achieve an overall EPA 'distinction' apprentices must achieve a distinction in both assessment methods.

Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does. The apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.

The employer and the EPAO should agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 3 months of the EPA outcome notification.

Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.

Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.

The apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of pass if they need to re-sit or re-take one or more assessment methods, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.

Reasonable adjustments

The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for a reasonable adjustment
• what reasonable adjustments may be made

Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Special considerations

The EPAO must have special consideration arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for a special consideration
• what special considerations will be given

Special considerations must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Internal quality assurance refers to the strategies, policies and procedures that an EPAO must have in place to ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions.

EPAOs for this EPA must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities table.

They must also appoint independent assessors who:

• have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 2 gained in the last 5 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
• meet the following minimum requirements:

  must have been employed in the maritime industry in the last 5 years.

Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

• using the employer’s premises

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

This apprenticeship aligns with:

• An apprentice successfully completing the end-point assessment would be eligible to apply for individual membership of the National Federation of Fisherman’s Organisation (NFFO)