The Able Seaman Apprenitceship takes approximately 2 years to achieve. That is the actual apprenticeship not the Effieicent deck hand certificate which is one element completed at HMS after phase 2.
Because the MCA (Maritime Coast Guard Agency) require you to show your seatime (12 months after completing your Nav watch Rating certificate) then with leave periods etc it is going to be at least two years.
MSN 1862 - gives full details of the requirements of completing the Able Seaman qualification and therefore the apprenitceship, as you do not complete the apprenticeship until you have the AB qualification.
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Mandatory Requirements for a Navigational Watch Rating Certificate
2.1 To qualify for a Navigational Watch Rating (NWR) Certificate, STCW Code A-II/4, you must: (a) Be at least 17 years of age; (b) Have completed at least 6 months’ seagoing service on vessels2 of at least 15m in load line length.
This seagoing service can be reduced to 2 months when undertaking 'special training', i.e. when following an MNTB course or MCA approved course;
5. Mandatory Requirements for an Able Seafarer Deck Certificate
(d) Complete at least: 18 months’ seagoing service in the deck department while holding an NWR Certificate, regulation II/4;
or 12 months’ seagoing service, while holding an NWR Certificate, regulation II/4, if following an MNTB approved programme o
So 2 months = 12 months + leave + Phase 1, Phase 2 and STCW short course of atleast 3 weeks takes you to around 2 years.
Just to reiterate the Apprenitceship is Able Seaman
Outlines the qualifying conditions for obtaining deck ratings certificates and an able seafarer’s deck certificates.
www.gov.uk
From -
Occupation: Able Seafarer (deck)
Duration
The training for an able seafarer will need to include a period of time being taught basic practical seafarer and watchkeeping skills and related underpinning knowledge and theory, interspersed with application of these skills during onboard practice and to comply with international and national sea time requirements. Coupled with required periods of leave, it is expected that minimum completion time of the apprenticeship will be around 18-24 months (including sea time).
Qualifications and certification
All of the following are mandatory:
- Level 2 Award in Maritime Studies: Deck Rating
- Level 2 Certificate in Maritime Studies: Able Seafarer (Deck)
– together these qualifications cover regulatory fire fighting, first aid, survival in the water, safety and social responsibility
- MNTB(1) Entry into Enclosed Spaces certificate
- MCA(2) Steering Certificate
- STCW(3) Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Certificate
- STCW Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
- STCW Navigational Watch Rating Certificate (including 2 months statutory sea time)
- MCA Efficient Deck Hand Certificate (including 12 months statutory sea time)
Hope that helps...
