Qualified Assessor
Course 179

This course is intended to provide already qualified seafarers instruction and training in assessment techniques and appropriate guidance in assessment methods and practice. Individuals entering this course will already possess an appropriate level of knowledge and understanding of the competence they will be assessing. Each participant who successfully completes this course will be able to:

•apply the international provisions concerning the training and assessment of officers and ratings on merchant vessels;

•apply the national provisions concerning the training and assessment of officers and ratings on merchant vessels;

•determine effective assessment methods; and

•organize and administer (conduct) assessments.

This training meets the training requirements 46 CFR 10.405(a)(1) and 46 CFR 10.405(d) and STCW Code Section A-I/6 paragraphs 3 and 6. The Qualified Assessor is outlined as a requirement in NVIC 19-14 in response to the implementation of STCW, as amended.

Here are a few of the frequently asked questions excerpted from the NVIC. Please refer to the USCG Website to download and read the full NVIC and enclosures. This MPT Qualified Assessor #179 2 day Course meets the requirements of the NVIC and of the IMO Model Course. MPT also offers the Train the Trainer Classroom 5 day #176 Course as well as the Train The Trainer - Simulator 5 day #177 Course. Send us an email to info@MPTusa.com if you have any questions as to which course is best for you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (excerpted from USCG NVIC 19-14)

1. What is a Qualified Assessor? The term “Qualified Assessor” (QA) is defined in 46 CFR 10.107 as “a person who is qualified to evaluate, for STCW endorsements, whether an applicant has demonstrated the level of competence in the task for which the assessment is being made. This person must be individually approved by the Coast Guard or through a Coast Guard approved or accepted course or program of training.” QAs who assess mariners independent of approved training, including in-service assessments on board a vessel, must be individually approved by the Coast Guard to conduct specific assessments (46 CFR 11.301(a)(1)(i) and 12.601(b)(1)(i)). A QA assesses the ability of an individual to perform a task, duty, or responsibility properly, using established criteria and professional judgment in determining whether an acceptable level of proficiency and competence has been demonstrated. A QA must always personally witness the performance of the task, duty, or responsibility by the person whose competence is to be assessed. This performance is called a “practical demonstration” and is defined in 46 CFR 10.107 as “the performance of an activity under the direct observation of a … QA for the purpose of establishing that the performer is sufficiently proficient in a practical skill to meet a specified standard of competence or other objective criterion.” For purposes of assessment of competence of a skill or ability required for an STCW endorsement, the assessment criteria are set out in the standards of competence contained in the tables in the STCW Code.

2. Do I need to be approved as a QA to conduct shipboard assessments? On or after January 1, 2017, assessors must be approved by the National Maritime Center. In order to facilitate the transition to the new requirement for approval of QAs, the Coast Guard will accept assessments that have been demonstrated in the presence of and signed by an assessor who has not been Coast Guard approved until December 31, 2016. provided that the assessor meets the professional requirements in 46 CFR 10.405(a)(3) to assess competence for the specific endorsement. During this interim period, assessors must be in possession of the level of endorsement, or other professional credential, which provides proof that he or she has attained a level of experience and qualification equal or superior to the relevant level of knowledge, skills, and abilities to be assessed (46 CFR 10.405(a)(3)). Until December 31, 2016, the Coast Guard will accept assessments signed by mariners who hold an appropriate national endorsement and meet the qualifications described in Enclosure (2).

3. What are the requirements to be a Qualified Assessor? As specified in 46 CFR 10.405(a), to become a QA you should: • Have experience, training, or instruction in assessment techniques; • Be qualified in the task(s) for which the assessment is being conducted; and • Hold or have held the level of endorsement or other professional credential which provides proof that he or she has attained a level of experience and qualification equal or superior to the relevant level of knowledge, skills, and abilities for the task to be assessed.

4. How do I demonstrate that I have experience and/or training in assessment techniques? Documentation of training or instruction may be in the form of performance evaluations that include an evaluation of effectiveness in on-the-job conduct of assessment activities and/or a certificate of successful completion from a “train the trainer” or an assessor training course. A “train the trainer” course should be based on IMO model course 6.09, Training Course for Instructors and an assessor training course should be based on IMO model course 1.30, On-Board Assessment, or a similar syllabus covering the following areas: • Identification of performance standards; • Assessment of knowledge; • Assessment of skills and abilities; • Measurement of progress toward objectives and of adequate performance; • Favorable and unfavorable conditions for assessment; and • Use of feedback for performance improvement.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.