Maritime Studies

Maritime Studies is taught to all year groups in Key stage 3 and is an option subject at Key stage 4. Please see below for an overview of what we cover each year.

Year 7:

Students study the following topics to introduce them to the maritime industry. They also have the opportunity to visit Welton Waters Adventure Centre to learn the basics of how to sail.

Introduction to Careers in the Maritime Sector:

  • Understand progression through career pathways on board vessels in the maritime sector.
  • Know some of the different vessels within the maritime sector.

Ropework and Knots used on Board Vessels:

  • Understand different types of rope construction.
  • Know different types of knots and their use.
  • Know the use of blocks and tackles.

Introduction to Vessel Engineering:

  • Know the types of main propulsion and steering systems on vessels.
  • Know the basic principles of the different main propulsion and steering systems.
  • Understand the importance of planned maintenance of main, ancillary, and auxiliary machinery and equipment.
  • Understand the importance of safe working practices in machinery spaces.

Year 8:

We now build on the knowledge that students have being taught during Year 7 to expand their understanding of the maritime industry. Students also have the opportunity to go to WWAC to expand their sailing knowledge.

First Aid:

  • Students are taught the basic first aid course.

Vessel Ropework, Anchoring and Mooring Operations:

  • Understand the importance of Ropework and the use of ropes and wires on board a vessel.
  • Know how to safely assist in anchoring operations.
  • Know how to safely assist in mooring operations.

Basic Vessel Engineering Systems:

  • Know how an internal combustion engine works.
  • Know how diesel engine ancillary systems work.
  • Know how the power generated is used to propel a vessel.
  • Know the purpose of vessel environmental, service and pumping systems.
  • Know how to maintain safe operation of a vessel’s engineering systems.

Year 9:

The final year of all students at the Academy studying maritime, so we bring together the knowledge that they have learnt over the past two years.

Introduction to Vessel Navigation:

  • Understand the use of charts for navigating a vessel.
  • Understand the use of a compass in navigating a vessel.
  • Know a range of electronic instruments and systems used for navigation.

Introduction to Vessel Stability and Construction:

  • Know why a vessel floats.
  • Understand the basic principles of subdivision of the hull.
  • Know common nautical terms.
  • Know the main structural features of a vessel.

Key Stage 4 Option subject

Students have the option to choose Marine Engineering as one of their options to take during Year 10 & 11. As part of the course students’ study towards the Open Awards Level 2 Award in Maritime Studies, with the aim to complete the award during Year 10. Students also have the chance to gain their RYA Level 2 in Sailing/Powerboat at WWAC. They study the following units:

Working in the Maritime Sector:

  • Know key career pathways within the maritime sector.
  • Know the different types of vessels in common use within the maritime sector.
  • Know the roles of key regulatory and accident investigation bodies in the maritime sector.
  • Understand the importance of employee and employer rights and responsibilities.
  • Know health and safety practices and legislation.

Practical Boat Handling Skills:

  • Be able to prepare a vessel for efficient and safe use of chosen boat handling activity.
  • Be able to perform manoeuvres associated with chosen boat handling activity. (Level 2)
  • Be able to review own performance in boat handling activity.

Navigation and Seamanship:

  • Understand relative directions on a boat, chart conventions and where to find information on chart symbols.
  • Understand the importance of personal and vessel safety.
  • Know about basic electronic navigation.
  • Understand the rules of the road and their role in avoiding collision situations.
  • Be able to plan a passage.