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SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Occupational Certificate: Boat Builder and Repairer (Boat Builder) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94573  Occupational Certificate: Boat Builder and Repairer (Boat Builder) 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Boat Builder and Repairer (Boat Builder).

Boat Builders build, maintain and/or repair boats and install and maintain marine systems (including amongst others marine electrical and electronic, propulsion and steering and marine plumbing systems) using a variety of materials (including amongst others glass fibre, wood and composites).

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Construct boats and component parts.
  • Install different marine systems.
  • Repair and/or maintain boats, components and marine systems.

    Rationale:
    South Africa has a well-developed, albeit relatively small, boat building industry, which competes very favourably with the boat building sectors in other countries. South African built boats are highly regarded for their quality by both South African and foreign boat owners. This is testimony to the high degree of knowledge and skill prevalent in the South African boat building sector. These skills need to be formally transmitted to an increasing number of workers in the sector so that South Africa can remain at the forefront of world small craft construction and continue to attract foreign and local buyers.

    An extensive review was undertaken of education and training programmes and qualifications in the boat building sector and this resulted in the determination of a learning pathway for the sector. This qualification is a registered Trade qualification that addresses the full skills requirements of the boat building sector and will prepare qualifying learners for the broad range of activities that must be undertaken by the competent boat builder, whilst at the same time providing a sound base for further learning.

    This qualification reflects the need and demand within the boat building sector for skilled employees. The qualification will enable learners to manufacture world-class products; it will improve professionalism in the sector and enhance the general quality of service delivery in the industry, thereby contributing positively to investor confidence and the international competitiveness of the South African small craft construction sector.

    The qualification can be used to give recognition to experienced, but unqualified boat builders for the skills and knowledge they have acquired through the recognition of prior learning and credit accumulation. It also provides learners with opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader manufacturing environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    National Senior Certificate or National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4 with Mathematics. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • Basic principles of health, safety and quality, NQF Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • Occupational health, safety and environment, NQF Level 3, 2 Credits.
  • Hand, power and pneumatic tools, NQF Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • Introduction to Boat Design, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • Principles of boat design, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Principles and techniques of boat design and construction to standard, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • Marine materials and corrosion, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • Theories and principles of inflatable boats, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • Basic principles of marine joinery, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • Processes, Methods and Techniques of Marine Joinery, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Basic principles of composite construction, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • Theories of composite construction and repair, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Theories and principles of advanced composite construction, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • Principles of engine and drive systems, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Marine electrical installation, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Marine electronics and power management, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • Theories of marine systems, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • Theories of surface preparation for boat painting, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • Principles of boat painting, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 93.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Use tools and equipment and apply health and safety requirements in all boat building processes and activities, NQF Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • Apply basic boat building skills using materials, tools and equipment, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • Measure and mix resin system and prepare mould surface, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • Undertake lofting activities, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • Produce a plug, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • Identify common defects and repair gel coat in boat building, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • Fabricate advanced composite components in boat building, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • Prepare on-board marine systems for installation, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • Fair and paint surfaces, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • Install deck fittings and skin fittings, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • Install marine electrical systems/components, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • Install propulsion and steering (engine, shafts, propellers) systems, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • Install LPG components/systems, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • Install plumbing components/systems, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 84.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • Boat and component part construction processes and procedures using either composites, aluminium, wood or inflatable fabric (or a combination of these materials) in a boat building yard, NQF Level 4, 120 Credits.
  • Processes and procedures for installing different marine systems on boats, NQF Level 4, 53 Credits.
  • Boat maintenance and/or repair procedures and processes, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 183. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. The ability to construct boats and component parts to specification.
    2. The ability to install different marine systems.
    3. The ability to repair and/or maintain boats, components and marine systems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Lofting activities are undertaken through the identification of various lines, working with table of offsets, preparing the loft floor and working with centre line sections, patterns and moulds.
  • Lofting activities are undertaken in accordance with health, safety, environmental and housekeeping principles and requirements.
  • Plugs are produced by lifting and setting up moulds, using different methods, producing moulds and laminates, fitting shaping pieces and finishing plug surfaces in accordance with health, safety, environmental and housekeeping principles and requirements.
  • Composite components are fabricated for boat building by working with resin systems, preparing and polishing mould surfaces and addressing common faults.
  • Deck and skin fittings are installed by positioning fittings and seacocks, bonding items and using adhesives and sealants in accordance with health, safety, environmental and housekeeping principles and requirements.
  • Knowledge and understanding is demonstrated with respect to lofting, producing plugs, fabricating components and boats and installing and fitting deck and skin fittings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Marine electrical systems/components are installed utilising wiring diagrams and installation processes, hand and power tools in accordance with health, safety, environmental and housekeeping principles and requirements.
  • Propulsion and steering (engine, shafts, propellers) systems are installed utilising wiring diagrams and engine, shafts and propeller installation processes, hand and power tools in accordance with health, safety, environmental and housekeeping principles and requirements.
  • LPG components/systems are installed including activities related to handling and storing, positioning, connecting LPG equipment and installation processes, hand and power tools in accordance with health, safety, environmental and housekeeping principles and requirements.
  • Plumbing components/systems are installed utilising system diagrams and installation processes, pipe joining and cutting, bending and installing fittings, hand and power tools in accordance with health, safety, environmental and housekeeping principles and requirements.
  • Knowledge and understanding is demonstrated with respect to the installation of different marine systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Health and safety principles are applied, personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing are used and all other requirements are met when working with boat building materials, hand, power and pneumatic tools to undertake the tasks/activity.
  • Common faults including blistering, dry patches, voids, cracking, wrinkling, surface pinholes, fish eyes and gel coat peeling are identified and addressed as part of the repair and/maintenance activities.
  • The extent of damage is determined, damaged material is removed and repairs to gel coats are carried out in accordance with task instructions.
  • Preventative measures are identified and implemented using laminating and rectification procedures.
  • Paint defects are identified and rectified in accordance with fairing and painting procedures.
  • Knowledge and understanding is demonstrated with respect to repairing and/or maintaining boats, components and marine systems.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The external assessment model requires that the external assessment will be conducted through a combination of a written assessment and practical task at an accredited trade test centre. The written examination will be concluded at an accredited trade test centre and marked by registered assessors. Practical tasks will also be assessed by registered assessors. The combination of the written and practical assessment will be conducted over a period of two working days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African boatbuilding qualification has been developed to fit into the Occupational Qualifications Framework where the Boat Builder is a registered trade and the qualification was developed to ensure that the apprentice qualifies as a boat builder after successful completion of a three year study as well as a summative Trade Test in order to meet trade regulations. International practice also reflects one large qualification encompassing the full range of competencies, skills and knowledge, which has to be completed for the person to be equipped as a competent boat builder. This provides a good basis for comparison of the qualification with other qualifications from around the world.

    While the qualified South African boat builder may ultimately have very similar skills, and a comparable level of knowledge to boat builders in different countries, the process of developing these is quite distinct in South Africa.

    This qualification was compared with training offered in countries that are acknowledged leaders in the small boat-building industry i.e. countries whose industry supplies small craft to other countries. These countries are:
  • UK.
  • New Zealand.
  • USA.
  • Turkey.
  • Australia.

    The UK:
    In the UK there are very well established boatbuilding schools which offer the full range of training in a specialist practical environment. Many of the programmes include theoretical examinations which students do online, while they have to demonstrate competence through a series of assignments managed and assessed at their boat building yard. The South African boat building qualification is much more comprehensive.

    New Zealand:
    New Zealand offers qualifications at level 3 and level 4 whilst most boat building qualifications in other countries are at level 4 with the learner spending between three and five years accumulating the necessary credits, skills and experience to attain the Level 4 qualification. In New Zealand there is a very well developed tradition of practical training being done in boatyards, and learners develop all their skill and experience in the workplace and attend polytechnics or universities for the theoretical content only. In general the contents of the South African boat building qualification compare well with the New Zealand boat building qualifications with similar emphasis on the workplace experience.

    United States of America:
    The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) have a well-developed professional certification process which covers the majority of the core boatbuilding skills. This South African boat building qualification focuses on the same core knowledge and skills, and the successful learner should be well prepared for ABYC certification on completion of the trade.

    Turkey:
    The boating industry in Turkey is well developed with courses in boat building including practical components being learned at large yards. These programmes and courses consist of all the skills and knowledge required by a boat builder.

    Australia:
    Australia has a well-established boat-building industry supported by well-defined units of study to be offered by training providers. Once the South African apprentice passes their trade test they will be adequately equipped to compete with their Australian counterparts.

    Conclusion:
    The full South African trade qualification includes more than would be required in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK, but very similar to the recently developed ABYC qualifications in the USA. In the other countries, while the full scope of skills and knowledge are available as qualifications, students tend to specialise in more specific areas and so achieve a boat building qualification with a particular area of focus. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification will enable articulation with other qualifications within the field of boat building and repairing such as: Boat Builder Supervisor, Boat Builder Trainer and Ship Builder. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.