FNC student handbook

FLEETWOOD NAUTICAL CAMPUS

School of Maritime Operations

Student Handbook A guide to study in the School of Maritime Operations Fleetwood Nautical Campus Broadwater Fleetwood Lancashire FY7 8JZ Tel: (01253) 779123 Fax: (01253) 773014 Email: maritime@blackpool.ac.uk

The College reserves the right to suspend or modify the information contained within this document without prior consent or notice

Revised Edition September 2013

College Mission Statement

Leadership in learning; excellence at work

Blackpool and The Fylde College

Fleetwood Nautical Campus

A welcome from the Head of the School of Maritime Operations A very warm welcome to the School of Maritime Operations at Blackpool and The Fylde College. The School, based on the Fleetwood Campus, provides education and training to those intending to follow, or already embarked upon, a career in the Maritime field.

Please read this in combination with the Blackpool and The Fylde College Learner Handbook - it gives comprehensive information on:          

the Student Charter our commitments to you information you can expect to be given College support services College facilities what is expected of you by the College information about the College appeals against Assessment Decisions Bullying and Harassment policies misconduct procedures

During your time with us we will expect you to apply yourself to your work and to use your initiative during your studies. However, in turn we offer you an excellent package of learner support. An experienced Team of academic staff known as the “Course Team” manages each course of study within the School. These people are responsible for all aspects of running your course. They will introduce themselves to you during your first week here and I urge you to make effective use of them. As well as academic support they can also provide advice on personal issues. If you are having problems meeting the demands of your course, for whatever reason, then please make sure that a member of your Course Team knows about it. We can often do a lot to help you, but only if we know you have a problem.

All Courses more than a week long have timetabled ‘tutorial’ periods where you can raise any issues of concern, whether they are academic or to do with course organisation. Please check your timetable regularly in case there have been any changes – they are posted on the notice boards on ‘B’ Deck.

Whatever you are studying with us, whether it is an EDH Course or Master’s Orals, always remember that the School is there for you and your benefit. Take every advantage of our facilities. Good education and training is something that nobody can ever take away from you. No matter what happens later in your life, a high level of attainment here will always stand you in good stead.

Enjoy your time with us and work hard. I wish you a successful time at College and into the future.

Tony Dumbell

Blackpool and The Fylde College

Fleetwood Nautical Campus

CONTENTS THE SCHOOL OF MARITIME OPERATIONS ............................................................5 Introduction ..................................................................................................................5 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ...................................................................................6 Fire Drill .......................................................................................................................6 First Aid .......................................................................................................................6 Management of the School ..........................................................................................6 LEARNING RESOURCES...........................................................................................8 The Fleetwood Loop (Learning Resource Centre).......................................................8 Information Technology ...............................................................................................8 E-mail ..........................................................................................................................8 Internet ........................................................................................................................9 College Rules ..............................................................................................................9 Occupational Health and Safety ..................................................................................9 Stress and Recreation .................................................................................................9 Bar ............................................................................................................................. 10 Medical ...................................................................................................................... 10 Student Services ....................................................................................................... 11 Immigration ................................................................................................................ 11 College Chaplaincy.................................................................................................... 11 Fee Payment ............................................................................................................. 11 Concerned? ............................................................................................................... 12 Accommodation ......................................................................................................... 12 Complaints Procedure ............................................................................................... 13 Racism....................................................................................................................... 14 Cars and Driving ........................................................................................................ 15

Blackpool and The Fylde College

Fleetwood Nautical Campus

THE PROGRAMME PLAN ........................................................................................ 16 The School Year ........................................................................................................ 16 Notices of Eligibility .................................................................................................... 16 Enrolment and registration......................................................................................... 17 Advanced Standing ................................................................................................... 17 COURSE MANAGEMENT......................................................................................... 18 The Course Team ...................................................................................................... 18 Your Course Tutor ..................................................................................................... 18 Your Class Tutor........................................................................................................ 18 Your Subject Tutor..................................................................................................... 18 MEETINGS ................................................................................................................ 18 Course Teams ........................................................................................................... 18 Student Forum ........................................................................................................... 19 Course Reviews ........................................................................................................ 19 Developing a Portfolio/Training Record Book ............................................................ 20 ASSESSMENT - GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS ..................................................... 21 AWARDS FOR STUDENTS IN MARITIME OPERATIONS....................................... 22 ACADEMIC IMPROPRIETY ...................................................................................... 23 Fleetwood Nautical Campus Examination Regulations and Procedures ................... 25 Understanding the Units ............................................................................................ 27 Tutorials ..................................................................................................................... 27 Tutorials – Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................... 28 Attendance and Reports ............................................................................................ 29 Attendance ................................................................................................................ 29 Useful Telephone Numbers: ...................................................................................... 30 Addresses of MCA Marine Offices ............................................................................. 31

Blackpool and The Fylde College

Fleetwood Nautical Campus

THE SCHOOL OF MARITIME OPERATIONS Introduction The School of Maritime Operations is one of twelve Schools in Blackpool and The Fylde College. The College operates on four main campuses: Ansdell (South Fylde); Central Blackpool; Bispham (which is the Main Campus of the College) and here at the Fleetwood Nautical Campus specialising in maritime studies.

School address:

Fleetwood Nautical Campus Blackpool and The Fylde College Broadwater Fleetwood Lancashire FY7 8JZ Telephone: (01253) 779123 Fax: (01253) 773014 E-mail: maritime@blackpool.ac.uk

Maritime Operations consists of about 35 full and part-time academic and support staff, and offers a diverse range from short courses in seamanship to courses leading to Master Mariner and Degrees.

The normal School working week is Monday to Friday 0900 – 1700. Lunch is normally one hour taken between 1200 and 1300. Timetables may be changed because of unforeseen circumstances. Alterations will be posted on the timetables board on ‘B' Deck, so please ensure you check your timetable regularly.

Some evening, weekend and lunchtime lectures may be held. Some lectures may be held offsite. It is your responsibility to ensure you arrive before your lectures are due to start and to return to College in time for your next lecture.

This handbook is intended to provide some general information about the School and how we conduct and organise our Courses. Read the handbooks carefully; they contain a lot of useful information to guide you through your studies at the School of Maritime Operations.

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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Fire Drill

Fire drills are carried out each term.

When you hear a loud continuous or intermittent siren, evacuate the building as quickly as possible.

CLEAR THE BUILDING AND ASSEMBLE IN YOUR ASSEMBLY AREA (see notices posted around the building).

First Aid

The First Aid Boxes are located in:  Admin Office, Training Pool, Platform, Marine Lake, Fire Ground, Refectory (kitchen), Maritime Technician’s Office, Security Office, and LRC The First Aiders are:       

Colin Higgins Bob Wringe Gavin Burke Ian Ellarby Dave Jordan Colin Hover All security personnel

If there is an emergency of any kind, call:  A member of staff  Site Security Officer (mobile phone number 07740 039992)  Main switchboard at Bispham, dial 0 If there is an immediate threat to life do not hesitate to dial (9)999

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Maritime Operations Structure: September 2013

Issue Number 1

Revision Number 32

Form Title General List of Resources

Neil Atkinson - Head of Campus

WEF 30.08.2013 Form Number RM-01-F01

Key ** Working towards V1 Award Tony Dumbell - Head of Maritime Operations NaRAS O/Radar Plotting

Duncan Taylor Senior Tutor S&G

Mike Stringfellow Senior Tutor T&L

Nadeem Anwar - Curriculum Manager & IV Chief Mates & Masters/Sim & Short Courses

Unit Support

Ian MacCormac - Curriculum Manager Cadets, OOW, Blended Learning & Engineering

Anindya Banerjee Quality Manager

Brady Hogg – CM/IV Marine Engineering

Susan Gregory Maritime Secretary Michael Shakespeare CL/IV Radio/Signals/NaRAS GMDSS/Tanker/ECDIS

Arthur White - PT Signals/GMDSS/Radio

Martin Jones – CL Simulator

Brian Beckley PT Simulator/NaRAS Consultant

David Eccles 0.6 L2 Simulator

Anindya Banerjee – CL/IV Chief Mate & Masters Bus/Law/Mgmt

Michael Ashcroft – 0.6 L2 P Planning/Stab/Struct

Jonathan Ward – CL/IV HNC Cadets

Jo Booth Admin Assistant

Alex Fishpool Enrichment

BWK/Orals

Phil Deegan (0.4) - L2 Marine Engineering

Mike Stringfellow ST/IV Maths/Cel Nav/Ship Cons

Tim Ashton Marine Engineering

Philip Ashton L2 0.6 Chart/Tides/Stability

Richard Charnley L2 Marine Engineering

Katherine Higgins bLearning Assistant

Ralph Wood – 0.6 L2 & A1 Stability/Orals

Sayed Parvez L2/A/V1

Anthony Smith Maritime Technician

MARITAS Assessment Team

John Leyland – L2 Mgmt/Law

Duncan Taylor ST Met/Gyro/GMDSS

Amanat Ali L2 & A1 Met/Maths&Sci/Cel Nav

Chris Gibbs – L1 Sigs/Met/BWK

Blackpool and The Fylde College

Vacant Post CM Marine Engineering

Tom Jowett L2/IV Chart/Cargo/Tides

Claire Titterington Enrichment

Cargo/BMgmt/Met/Nav Maths

Timothy Dumbell Apprentice Technician

Temp CL FD Deck

Katrina Burton bLearning Co-ordinator

Nav/Stab/NaRAS/PPlanning

Nowshad Jobair L2/IV

Nowshad Jobair

Syd Garratt 0.4 bLearning Marker

David MacNamee – PT ROR

Craig Leppert – L1 ENS/PD/GMDSS

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Georgina Carlo-Paat – L2 Shipboard Mgmt/Sim

LEARNING RESOURCES

The Fleetwood Loop (Learning Resource Centre) This is located on ‘A’ Deck and provides learning resources for academic staff and learners. Please respect the borrowing system, which will be explained to you during your Loop Induction. Here you will find books, journals and foreign language newspapers, quiet study areas and computing facilities linked to the College network.

During term time the LRC is open from 8.30 am until 8.00 pm Monday to Thursday, 08.30 am to 5.00 pm on Friday and 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Saturday. At other times, students may have access to classroom IT facilities (including email and the Internet) until 9.00 pm seven days a week. Holiday opening is limited and depends on whether the college remains open for short courses, which occasionally run through the holidays. Please check The Loop notice board for more information on holiday opening times.

When The Loop is open use the self-service machines to return your book – do not leave them on the desk. Some books which are in high demand may be borrowed for short terms only. These books will be clearly identified.

YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR BOOKS NOT RETURNED ON TIME. Before you are given your Completion Certificate at the end of the Course you must have a chit signed by the Librarian to say you have no books outstanding.

Information Technology In addition to the facilities in The Loop, there is a suite of networked computers on the first floor (Room B19), for both class and individual use. Following enrolment, you will be allocated a computer username and password (which you may change) which will give you access to all the facilities offered by the College. You will receive instruction on how to make the most of the College network right at the beginning of your course. The School of Maritime Operations also has a number of specialist computer suites providing a range of software packages for teaching purposes plus Wireless Internet connection throughout the whole campus and the Halls of Residence.

Other rules for the use of the College computer network will be explained to you when you begin your IT studies.

It is forbidden to allow any person to use your password and only enrolled students of Blackpool and The Fylde College are permitted to use the computers.

E-mail You should get into the habit of checking your e-mail account on a regular basis.

However, it is not for idle chat to while away a boring afternoon. Abuse of the system slows it down for everybody, and we are all losers in the end.

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Internet All computer activity is monitored by LITS (Learning & IT Services) and material is automatically scanned. The downloading of illegal or pornographic material is considered an abuse of College facilities and will result in computer facilities being withdrawn. The College will not hesitate to inform the police where illegal material has been detected.

College Rules As trainees and officers in the Merchant Navy you are expected to conform to a high standard of behaviour. We expect punctual attendance at all lectures.

The Campus operates a No Smoking Policy. There are however designated smoking areas, clearly marked, around the campus.

All mobile phones must be switched off in the classrooms and The Loop.

Food, drink and chewing gum are not allowed in the corridors, classrooms or The Loop. Please dispose of these responsibly.

Occupational Health and Safety Students must comply with instructions given by staff, particularly in respect of health and safety matters.

Appropriate personal safety equipment must be worn when engaged on practical activities. This includes:  

eye protection when working with wire ropes in the Seamanship Room industrial footwear, hard hats and lifejackets when working at the Marine Lake or on the Training Platform

Access to the Marine Lake, the Training Platform, any part of the Simulator and the ENS Suite (Room C6) is only permitted under staff supervision.

If you notice a safety hazard, please bring it to the attention of a staff member as soon as possible.

Stress and Recreation It is important that you remember to take care of yourself physically, as well as psychologically, during the course. This means maintaining a proper diet throughout and taking exercise at least three times a week. Weeks of chips and burgers will do nothing for your waistline and will have a detrimental effect on your capacity to study!

Working over-long hours into the night is usually COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE especially at the start of the course. As a guide you should plan a course of work for the week ahead. Plan the subjects you intend to study bearing in mind which assessments you have coming up. Work for no longer than 1-2 hours without a break to stretch your legs and get a breath of fresh air.

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Stop work at a reasonable time each night and then spend some time relaxing before getting an early night. It is far better to arrive in class the next day refreshed than to arrive tired out having stayed up till the early hours.

Drugs and alcohol will do nothing for you. Treat alcohol with respect and caution.

Watch your consumption.

Sponsoring companies may arrange drug/alcohol tests on learners without notice.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF PURCHASES FROM THE LICENSED BAR, ALCOHOL IS NOT ALLOWED ON CAMPUS OR IN THE HALLS OF RESIDENCE. THE USE OF DRUGS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Cut down on your caffeine (coffee) and tannin (tea) consumption as these may increase your stress levels.

If you smoke be considerate towards those in the group who may find this offensive.

This may not be the best time to consider giving up – but think about it. Remember there is always an excuse not to stop.

Exercise is important. You will study much better if you look after your body as well.

Your course is intensive and there may not be much opportunity for you to take advantage of any physical exercise. However there are sports centres in the local area offering a wide range of activities. The pool on Campus is open to you, free of charge, on set evenings and weekends along with other activities such as Gym training, Badminton, Archery and Football, to name a few. Updates on activities are posted on your individual class notice boards or on the enrichment notice board on ‘B’ Deck. Just 200 metres from the School is the Fleetwood Cricket and Squash Club. They offer a reduced Student Rate for the Squash Club. Fleetwood Rugby Club is also very close to the Campus. The Campus Enrichment Co-ordinators, Claire Titterington and Alex Fishpool, will also consider other enrichment activities if requested e.g. Ski and Snowboarding sessions. Check the notice board for more information.

Bar A licensed bar is situated on the ground floor of the campus. This is for enrolled learners and staff of Blackpool and The Fylde College, and their guests, and the following Rules apply: 1.

2.

3.

4.

No alcohol will be served to under 18s.

No alcohol may be consumed on these premises by under 18s.

Only beverages purchased at the bar may be consumed on the premises.

Proof of age must be carried on the person.

The opening hours of the bar are: Monday – Thursday 1900 - 2300 Friday - Sunday Closed Medical - 10 Blackpool and The Fylde College

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You must register with a doctor. (If you are already registered with a doctor in your home town you must complete a Temporary Residence application.) If you live in the Halls of Residence ask for details at the Security office. If you live outside the School you may wish to register with a doctor nearer to your accommodation. The Campus Manager will advise you further on this.

Student Services If you experience problems during your course of whatever nature – work, company, domestic, personal – then Student Services may be able to help you. You can contact them via your Course Tutor or phone them directly. The internal telephone extension number is 4350. Student Services also have representatives on-site during the week (see reception for details). All contact is treated with utmost confidentiality. Your address and phone number will never be released to a third party without your consent. Student Services can also be contacted by email on studentservices@blackpool.ac.uk Immigration It is your responsibility to apply for and obtain the correct visa to complete your studies in the UK, however the School will help wherever possible. If you require a visa extension or changes to your visa while studying at the college, please see the International Administration Co-ordinator, who can be located in the admin office behind reception.

On 31st March 2009 new immigration rules were introduced in the UK. For further information please refer to the UK Border Agency website www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

College Chaplaincy The College Chaplain is available through Student Services (extension 4350) to anyone who wishes to see him/her. The service, is of course, open to people of all faiths and denominations. The Chaplain will also be pleased to advise you on centres of religious worship throughout the Fylde Coast. There is a designated Prayer Room on campus available to learners of all faiths and denominations.

Fee Payment Any outstanding fees must be paid in full within 3 weeks of enrolment at College.

Please note the College no longer accepts payments of tuition fees from anyone other than the learner themself or their funding organisation. All fees paid from EU and Non-EU learners must be forwarded direct by the learner. Please note the college no longer accepts Cash or Travellers Cheques.

Learners who do not successfully complete their course of studies within the designated time allowed will have to re-enrol. There will be an additional charge for this, which will be commensurate with the amount of work to do.

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Concerned?

If you are concerned about your personal finances you should bring it to the attention of the Administration Office at the earliest opportunity. If you wish to talk to someone confidentially, contact Student Services on Extension 4350 or email studentservices@blackpool.ac.uk and ask for an appointment with a Counsellor.

Your Class Tutor will help you set this up if you wish.

Accommodation The Commercial Services Manager and Campus Co-ordinator are responsible for the Halls of Residence, among other things. Learners living in the Halls will deal directly with the Campus Co-ordinator on financial matters.

Learners on company sponsorship usually have their fees paid for by their companies. If this is the case you do not need to take any action. If you are in doubt please speak to the Campus Co-ordinator or your course tutor.

Resident learners will be issued with a separate set of Rules to be followed in the Halls.

If you are living off-campus the College has produced an informative booklet which should help you negotiate with your landlord. We also maintain a list of approved properties. Please see the Campus Co-ordinator, or ask to see the College Accommodation Officer who visits the college on a weekly basis (Telephone 01253 504350). For details of days and times of the weekly visits please contact reception.

Cadets – Offsite Accommodation Fleetwood Nautical Campus has a long and successful tradition in cadet training with all students completing the course achieving their desired goal – a Certificate of Competency.

This success has been largely due to the all-round package offered at the campus in terms of education, accommodation, support and leisure opportunities. The campus offers on-site computer access; specific learning resource centres with knowledgeable staff, evening support sessions, extra-curricular evening activities and organised weekend events.

This compilation is conducive to a shipboard atmosphere and social interaction, facilitating the transfer of knowledge even during relaxation periods, and we would encourage all students to realise the benefits of this provision. In order to meet legal and contractual obligations, the guidelines for students wishing to live off campus are as follows: All induction students, regardless of age, will be required to live on campus or in other approved Halls of Residence accommodation during the induction phase.

Students under the age of 18 – apart from those students normally resident locally and living with parent(s) or legal guardian(s), unless on the Induction course - these students will be required to live on campus.

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We would suggest that living in the Halls of Residence is still desirable for all remaining students, subject to room availability. Please contact the college on (01253) 504711 for details on availability in the Halls. For assistance in finding local approved accommodation, please contact the College Accommodation Officer on (01253) 504350 or 07789 264453.

Please note that even if you stay off-campus you may be required to participate in activities and duties on campus such as flag duty.

It is the responsibility of all students to advise the Commercial Services Manager, Jane Wilson or Campus Co-ordinator, Rumi Hussain, if they wish to book a room in the Halls of Residence.

They can be contacted in writing, by email on jane.wilson@blackpool.ac.uk or rumi.hussain@blackpool.ac.uk or by telephone on (01253) 504711.

Any student booked into the Halls of Residence and wishing to change accommodation status will be subject to a period of notice of four weeks, and payment thereof.

Complaints Procedure Please refer to the relevant section in the Learner Handbook.

HELP US TO HELP YOU TELL US what you think about the College SUGGEST ways we could do things better COMPLAIN if you feel you have been unfairly treated

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Racism If you have been the victim of racist abuse, harassment or attack, the police and the College want to know about it so that they can combat this anti-social, illegal and totally unacceptable behaviour.

What to do if you are a victim If the situation is life-threatening, do not hesitate to call the police or ambulance on (9)999 to summon immediate assistance.

If the situation is not life-threatening, call the police station using the routine number (876611) and report the incident.

Remember – the police will take action if they have good evidence; make a note of the persons’ appearances, clothes, car makes and number plates, together with times, dates, locations and anything else you think is relevant.

Report the incident to the Administration Office here, and fill in the log book.

What are we doing?

Together with Student Services we are liaising regularly with the police to tackle this issue.

We may be able to issue personal alarms to students who feel vulnerable, and also special ultra-violet marker pens for personal equipment.

Raising our profile to emphasise the real benefits our students bring to the local community.

There is an incident log book maintained on Campus in the Administration Office.

You are encouraged to make entries in that whenever you have experienced racial abuse or harassment. Over time, we may be able to detect patterns of incidents which may help us to give you advice.

We will arrange a briefing meeting every term between police officers and the new intake of students. Advice will be given on how to lessen the possibility of being the victim of a crime.

What are the police doing?     

Improving and enhancing their racial awareness training for their officers.

Liaising with local schools and speaking to school children.

Liaising with community wardens who assist with patrols.

Coming into College at the start of every course (and at other times if necessary) to speak to students and offer advice.

Arresting and charging individuals where there is sufficient evidence.

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Cars and Driving Special note to those students intending to buy or drive a car while at the School.

1.

Auction sales are cheap but you may be buying a heap of rust and there is very little come-back. Take somebody with you who can check the car over.

2.

UK traffic laws are strictly enforced. You will get no sympathy if you try and claim you didn’t know the law. You must have a recognised driving licence.

3.

Your car must be insured, taxed and inspected annually to ensure its roadworthiness. If you are stopped you will always be asked for evidence of these things. Failure to produce them at a police station within 5 days is an offence.

4.

Your tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 2 mm. The speed limit in towns is 30 mph and on motorways 70 mph. Some other roads have limits in between these.

5.

Get a copy of the Highway Code. Copies are available from the LRC.

If you have other questions please leave a message in the Administration Office, or see your Class or Course Tutor personally.

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THE PROGRAMME PLAN The School Year Courses enrol on a continuous basis throughout the year in accordance with the Programme Plan. In brief: Deck Cadet Training: there are two enrolments (September and January/February) every year for each Training Phase. These include L3 Diploma/HNC and Foundation Degree courses.

Engineer Cadet Training: there are currently 2 enrolments (September and January) every year for each Training phase.

OOW: there are three enrolments (September, January and after Easter) every year.

Each course runs for approximately 10 months.

Chief Mates: there are three enrolments (September, January and after Easter) every year. Each Course runs for a full academic year.

Masters’ Orals: there are six enrolments spread across the year. Each course runs for 4 weeks Short Courses: there are numerous enrolments on a daily/weekly basis. Dates are available from the Administration Office where you can seek further advice and make bookings.

Notices of Eligibility It is your responsibility to see that all relevant material is submitted to the MCA in ample time prior to your proposed date for your oral examination. All evidence must be current. Please be advised that the MCA may NOT accept naval service as seatime towards Merchant Navy Certificates of Competency. If some of your service was in warships you are urged to contact the MCA as soon as possible to confirm your eligibility.

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Enrolment and registration At the beginning of every course AND each academic year you must enrol as a learner of the College by completing an enrolment form. This tells us who is paying your fees, for example, and allows you to obtain a college ID card, which will give you access to The Loop, college computing facilities and student union, and allow you to apply for a student loan if you qualify.

Advanced Standing Some students have already gained academic qualifications before they commence their studies at the College, above the minimum required for entry to their course.

Others have work or other experience, which has allowed them to achieve skills, which would normally be acquired as part of their chosen course. This is particularly true of part-time students in full-time employment or mature students with industrial experience. These activities are known respectively as certified and uncertified learning, and may entitle you to exemption from some of the units on your course.

Exemption gained from certified learning is known as the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), and to gain credit for it you will need to produce the relevant certificates of achievement. Credit for uncertified learning is known as the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) and a more detailed account of your experience, possibly certified by an employer, will be needed for us to assess your entitlement to exemptions. Both types of credit are known collectively as advanced standing.

We are anxious that you gain maximum credit for this prior learning if it is relevant to your present course, as this then allows you to concentrate on other aspects of your study. If you think you may be entitled to advanced standing, you should first discuss it with your Course Tutor. You then make a formal application through the Administration Office. This should be done at the beginning of your Course so that your advanced standing claim may be considered by the School Accreditation Committee and a decision made. A charge is made for the granting of advanced standing.

For some standard qualifications, such as HND in appropriate subjects, advanced standing is automatic, and written into the course specific regulations.

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COURSE MANAGEMENT The Course Team For each Course, or group of Courses, there is a group of academic staff who form the Course Team. Course Teams are at the heart of the School management structure. The Course Team is responsible for developing, monitoring and operating its particular course(s). The Course Team is your primary point of contact, and you should get to know the members of your Team, and seek their advice if necessary on academic issues relating to your course of study.

Your Course Tutor The Course Tutor has overall responsibility for the administration of their course(s), and may be consulted on general course matters, which are beyond the remit of your Class Tutor.

Your Class Tutor One member of your Course Team will be allocated as your Class Tutor. Your Class Tutor is available to advise on both academic and personal matters, and should be your first port of call if problems arise. He/she will help you with your module choices if you require it, notify you of your examination results, and feed back any general problems to the Course Team. Your Class Tutor will also be an academic tutor. If you have a particularly difficult or stressful personal problem, you may prefer to talk to one of the College Student Counsellors.

Your Subject Tutor The Subject Tutor is the person responsible for a subject, who will in most cases, but not always, be the person teaching it. In some cases lecturing duties may be shared by two lecturers, or for some classes there may be a teaching Team of several staff who will give the lectures, conduct tutorials, and possibly run practical classes. There will naturally always be close co-operation between the various parties involved in delivering a Unit. If you have problems with a particular Unit, you should approach one of the staff responsible for delivering it in the first instance. There are also subject ‘clinics’ running throughout the week where you can drop-in with any problem associated with that subject. See the timetable board for details. If the problem persists you might then seek advice from the Subject Tutor (if a different person), the Course Tutor or your Class Tutor.

MEETINGS Course Teams An essential feature concerned with the efficient operation and academic quality of each course is the Course Team. The Team meets weekly or fortnightly.

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The learners elect student representatives and it is important that your voice be heard. This is your opportunity to raise issues associated with the course for discussion and, hopefully, action. However, bear in mind that talking to the subject lecturer or Class Tutor, can solve many problems more quickly, and this should be done in the first instance.

Where the College is collaborating on programmes with other Colleges or Institutions, close contact, both formal and informal, will be maintained with those bodies.

Student Forum Student Forum meetings are held on a twice-termly basis and are a chance for you to discuss issues with college staff. Each class will elect a Class Representative who will be required to attend the termly meetings.

Please note If you have enrolled for one of our short courses it is unlikely that you will get to attend a Student Forum meeting. However you will still be asked to complete a Course Review (see below) and your views will be taken forward to the appropriate committee. Of course, if there is anything of immediate concern while you are here, please do not hesitate to bring it to the attention of your Course Tutor.

Course Reviews As well as the Student Forum meetings there is another opportunity for you to say what you think about your life at College: Toward the end of each course, a Review is carried out, asking specific questions about your Course. The results are fed back to Course Tutors and the school management Team.

The Reviews are, if you wish, anonymous. Their results may not affect you directly, particularly if you do not intend to return to College, but will hopefully improve the quality of the education received by future generations of students.

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Developing a Portfolio/Training Record Book If you are following the NVQ 4, Foundation Degree or HNC (cadetship) course you will be required to complete a Portfolio of Evidence or Training Record Book.

These documents are a personal collection of evidence of an individual performance of work. This helps to prove that your evidence meets the requirements against which you will be assessed.

Your Portfolio/Training Record Book should be carefully supplemented with up to date evidence as it is collected.

It is important to remember that the Portfolio of Evidence/Training Record Book is attempting to prove your competence to an assessor who has knowledge of the particular activity.

A small amount of high quality evidence is more valuable than vast amounts that do not show how you have performed.

The assessor will be looking for evidence that is:   

Valid : Current : Sufficient :

it relates to the competence claimed you are still able to perform the competence claimed you can consistently meet all requirements set by the NVQ for its qualifications

By developing a Portfolio or Training Record Book as suggested above, you should be able to ensure that the evidence gathered is of high quality, accessible and well organised and will assist in promoting a smooth and efficient assessment process If you are following a Foundation Degree course you will also be required to develop a portfolio of Work Based Learning, further information is contained in the Foundation Degree Course Handbook.

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ASSESSMENT - GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS The following regulations are the college norms. If your particular course deviates from them in any way the details will be given in the course handbook specific information. 

Academic subjects are taught in Units and your performance will be graded.



Students who fail an assessment or a test will be automatically granted a re-sit. If the attempt at the re-sit is unsuccessful then the matter is referred to the Course Team who will decide what action should be taken. This may include a requirement that additional work is undertaken by the student before another resit is allowed. The attendance of the student will be taken into account during this process. There is a cost involved for additional re-sits or work.



The procedure for appealing against an assessment decision is explained in the B&FC Learner Handbook.

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AWARDS FOR STUDENTS IN MARITIME OPERATIONS There is a range of awards given out to students each year.

1. College Student of the Year. One student in each of the following categories will be nominated annually:  Young Student of the Year (under 19 years old)  HE Student of the Year (over 19 years old)  Adult Student of the Year (over 19 years old)  Overseas Student of the Year Nominations will be made by College academic staff.

2. The Bevis Minter Award – given quadrennially by NUMAST for the student showing most promise over their course.

3. MCA Trainee Officer of the Year

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ACADEMIC IMPROPRIETY Academic Impropriety is deemed to cover cheating, attempts to cheat, plagiarism, collusion and any other attempts to gain an unfair advantage in assessments including written examinations. It is important to understand these definitions, as it is all too easy, when working with a colleague, or copying material from a textbook, to commit an offence without realising it.

The following definitions have been agreed: Cheating Includes: 

communicating with or copying from any other learner during an invigilated examination.



communicating during an invigilated examination with any person other than a properly authorised invigilator or another authorised member of staff.



introducing any written or printed material into the room where the invigilated examination is taking place unless expressly permitted by the Unit Tutor or regulations of the course of study.



introducing any electronically stored information into the room where the invigilated examination is taking place unless expressly permitted by the Unit Tutor or regulations of the course of study.



gaining access to unauthorised material during or before an assessment.



in any other way the provision or assistance in the provision of false evidence of knowledge or understanding in assessments.

Plagiarism Includes: The representation of the work, written or otherwise, of any other person, including another learner, or any institution, as the candidate’s own. Examples of plagiarism may be as follows: 

the verbatim copying of another’s work without acknowledgement.



the close paraphrasing of another’s work by simply changing a few words or altering the order of presentation, without acknowledgement.



unacknowledged quotation of phrases from another’s work.



the deliberate and detailed presentation of another’s concept as one’s own.

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Collusion Includes: The conscious collaboration, without official approval, between two or more learners in the preparation and production of work which is ultimately submitted by each in an identical or substantially similar form and/or is represented by each to be the product of his or her individual efforts. Collusion also occurs where there is unauthorised cooperation between learner and another person in the preparation and production of work, which is presented as the learner’s own.

BEWARE INADVERTANT PLAGIARISM OR COLLUSION. If you copy material from a text book or paper or, so easily done these days, cut and paste material from the Internet into your own assignment, that is plagiarism. By all means use acknowledged quotations, but use your own words for the main body of your work If you work with a colleague on an assignment and produce two pieces of work which are almost identical, that is collusion. By all means help each other, but make sure that what you submit is in your own words.

Consequences of Academic Impropriety The B&FC Learner Handbook includes full details of the procedures to be followed if learners are suspected of academic impropriety or other misdemeanour.

If, in the opinion of an invigilator or assessor, your actions constitute academic impropriety:       

You will fail the assessment or course work in question The assessment or course work will be considered an attempt You may be required to undertake remedial work You will be required to `re-sit’ or resubmit the work in question You will incur a re-sit cost as decided by the course committee You will be subjected to the disciplinary process depending on the seriousness of the offence The regulations allow candidates one re-sit per assessment. A further re-sit may be allowed at the discretion of course team. The course team (which will usually include the Course Curriculum Leader, the learner’s class tutor and the Subject Tutor) in deciding whether or not a second re-sit is applicable, will consider all aspects, including a student’s conduct and performance. Costs will be incurred for additional re-sits.

Responsibilities of the student during the assessment All learners must be aware of the Fleetwood Nautical Campus Assessment Regulations and Procedures, a copy of which follows. It is the responsibility of the learner to ensure that he/she is equipped with the appropriate permitted materials or equipment. Also, the learner is responsible for providing his/her own copies of particular texts, which are allowed into the examination but are not provided by the School. No additional time will be allowed for a late candidate, and he/she will be required to finish the examination at the same time as all other candidates. The invigilator will note the time of arrival and the reasons for lateness on the candidate’s - 24 Blackpool and The Fylde College

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script. An examination candidate who wishes to ask a question or requires extra paper must not leave his/her seat. He/she must attract the attention of the invigilator by raising his/her hand. Candidates must not distract other candidates in any way. If an invigilator believes that a candidate is causing a disturbance to other candidates in the room, he/she has the authority to request that candidate leaves the examination.

Normally one warning will be issued and a record of the warning made. If this is not heeded, the candidate will be instructed to leave. A candidate will not normally be permitted to leave and return during an examination. Any candidate who wishes to leave before the end of the examination must first attract the attention of the invigilator by raising his/her hand.

Cheating during an assessment In all cheating instances the invigilator or a member of staff will record the incident on proforma SMP1 and forward that to the curriculum leader of the module, together with all the evidence. The procedure as outlined in the B&FC Learner Handbook will then be followed.

Note – Reference: MGN 9 (M) Section 5.3.2.

Misconduct may be reported to the Chief Examiner at the MCA. The circumstances of reported cases will be considered individually and such consideration may result in the candidate’s script being declared null and void and the candidate being barred from sitting the examination again, either for a given specified period, or until further sea service has been completed by the candidate.

Fleetwood Nautical Campus Examination Regulations and Procedures 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

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Learners will not normally be permitted to enter the examination room except at the designated time before the examination commences.

No learner may leave the examination room during the first 60 minutes.

Strict silence must be observed at all times in the examination room.

Learners must not communicate with each other during the examination.

All personal belongings, briefcases, bags, books, notes etc. must be placed in a designated area identified by the invigilator. Learners requiring further equipment from a bag or briefcase after the commencement of the examination must ask an invigilator to obtain it for them.

Learners must switch off their mobile phones and place them with their belongings in the designated area. If a candidate is found in possession of their mobile phone during the examination, or their mobile phone emits a noise during the examination, they will be deemed to be contravening the examination regulations.

Learners are requested to ensure their watches do not chime hourly.

Learners are permitted to use silent, non-programmable calculators, unless expressly prohibited for a particular examination.

Learners taking open book examinations may only use books, notes, etc. specified by the examiner. Any unauthorised material discovered inside dictionaries will be confiscated and candidates will be deemed to be in breach of examination regulations.

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10.

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Learners are required to present their College ID card, or alternative photo ID, as proof of identity upon entry to the examination room and to assist if required with attendance records for the examination.

After question papers have been distributed, learners may not consult the question papers until instructed to do so.

All rough work must be written in the answer book provided. A line should be drawn through such rough work to indicate to the examiner that it is not part of the work to be marked.

Learners found copying, communicating with another learner, or using any unauthorised materials may be expelled from the room. A written report on the incident will be submitted by the invigilator to the appropriate authority.

Should any learner have to leave the examination room for personal reasons, they must be accompanied by an invigilator.

Any candidate who leaves the room unattended will not be allowed to return to the room.

Any candidate who wishes to leave the examination early must have their script collected by the invigilator before they leave their desk.

In the event of illness, should the candidate feel unable to continue with the examination, the learner should remain seated and raise their hand to attract the attention of an invigilator.

If the fire alarm sounds during the examination, learners must follow the instructions of the invigilator. Learners must leave the room in silence and must not take any papers or material from the room and must adhere to examination regulations. Learners must not communicate with each other or any other learners during this time. Learners must not re-enter the room before they are instructed to do so.

Learners must ensure by the end of the examination that the front cover of the answer book has been completed and that their details have been entered on each additional sheet.

When time is called at the end of the examination, learners must stop writing immediately and prepare their examination papers for collection.

Learners must remain seated and remain in silence until all scripts have been collected and counted and the invigilator gives the signal to leave the room.

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Understanding the Units You will be provided with specific information on each of the academic units and modules you are following either with this document or by your Subject Tutor when you first meet him/her. The information will include:     

The Unit Title Subject Tutor Indicative number of hours of lecture time and private study expected Syllabus Assessment details

Tutorials Every full time learner in the School of Maritime Operations has a ‘tutorial’ period timetabled in every week. These periods may be used by you to sort out a variety of study problems, administrative tasks, or to discuss matters of concern, including:  academic problems which your Tutor may be able to help with - please remember that tutors are not subject-specialists across the whole curriculum. However if your Class Tutor is personally unable to assist they will pass your enquiry onto a relevant member of staff  if you are following a Foundation Degree course you will receive instruction on the completion of Work Based Learning  administrative matters such as bank and landlord letters. Please pick up a form in The Loop or from reception and get your tutor to countersign it before you hand it in at the admin office for typing. For issues with regards visas, please contact the relevant Curriculum Manager or the International Administration Coordinator  photographs to be signed  attendance certificates to be collected  Notices of Eligibility, Discharge Book Application Forms and SQA Examination entry forms to be distributed and collected  personal and domestic matters: please note that Student Services are only a phone call away on extension 4350 if you do not wish to talk to your tutor  to discuss issues affecting your timetable or programme

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 guidance on opportunities and future career moves  anything else not mentioned above with which we may be able to help!

Tutorials – Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to go to tutorials?

Yes. They are a timetabled activity and a register will be called at the start of every session. Administrative matters detailed above will not be dealt with outside tutorial periods.

Who is my Class Tutor?

Every class has a named Tutor whose name is printed on the weekly timetables at the top of your class column What do I do in an emergency?

If you have an urgent problem which cannot wait until the next tutorial you should see your Class Tutor or any member of staff as soon as possible.

What next?

If you have a routine request, use the form available from the LRC and the Administration Office, complete it and take it to the Tutorial for countersignature by your Tutor.

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Attendance and Reports We expect you to attend time-tabled sessions. If you cannot attend College for any reason, please let your Class or Course Tutor know as soon as possible.

Under the terms of the MNTB, MCA and UK Border Agency, 80% attendance is required in each subject for each course, as a minimum.

A register is called at the beginning of each morning and afternoon session.

Learners who are being sponsored and who are absent will be reported to their sponsoring companies. If a sponsored learner needs to be absent for personal reasons, they should seek permission from their Class Tutor.

Cadets will have Reports at the end of each College Phase on their academic achievements, copies of which are sent to their sponsoring company.

Attendance Cadets and anyone else who is sponsored are reminded that as well as being enrolled learners at Blackpool and The Fylde College they are also at 'their place of work' and employers will view absence in the same way as if you didn't turn up at the office.

If you are sick or unable to attend class for any other reason you must let us know as soon as possible. If you are in the Halls of Residence, this means getting a message to the Duty Security Officer. If you live off-campus, ring the Administration Office on (01253) 779123 between 8.30 am and 5 pm. Some companies require you to fill in a form when you are sick. Please check with your Class Tutor.

If you have had to go home for personal reasons, you should let your company, as well as the college, know as soon as possible. If you have time only to tell us, we will pass on the information to your company.

You are able to 'self-certificate' for sick leave for up to seven days and your company may have a special form to complete for this. Check with your Class Tutor. Sick leave longer than seven days will require a doctor's note.

In any case, every week a member of the Maritime administration support team notifies the companies of all class absences.

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Useful Telephone Numbers:

Broadway Medical Surgery College Accommodation Officer College Health and Safety Officer College Main Switchboard College Security Officer Dr Kwun Fleetwood Administration Office Fleetwood Loop Fleetwood Hospital (Same Day Healthcare) Fleetwood Taxis IMO MCA Liverpool MCA Southampton National Express Buses National Rail Enquiries Nautical Institute Nautilus UK NHS Direct Police (Fleetwood) Seafarer Support SQA Student Loans Student Services Student Union Victoria Hospital, Blackpool

(01253) 657500 (01253) 504350 Ext 4244 (01253) 352352 (01253) 873373 (01253) 778448 (01253) 779123 Ext 4714 0300 1231144 (01253) 872000 (020) 773 57611 (0151) 931 6600 (023) 80 329329 0871 7818181 0845 7484950 (020) 7928 1351 (020) 8989 6677 0845 4647 (01253) 876611 0800 1214765 0845 279 1000 Ext 4350 Ext 4350 (01253) 504468 (01253) 300000

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Addresses of MCA Marine Offices ADDRESSES OF MCA MARINE OFFICES WHERE ORAL EXAMINATIONS ARE HELD 1.

Aberdeen Marine Office Blaikies Quay Aberdeen AB11 5EZ

Tel: 01224 597900 Fax: 01224 573725

2.

Belfast Marine Office Bregenz House Quay Street Bangor BT20 5ED

Tel. 028 9147 5310 Fax: 028 9147 5321

3.

Hull Marine Office Crosskill House Mill Lane, Beverley North Humberside HU17 9JB

Tel: 01482 866 606 Fax: 01482 869 989

4.

Glasgow Marine Office Navy Buildings Eldon Street, Greenock Inverclyde PA16 7QY

5.

Leith Marine Office Suite 3, Waterside House 46 The Shore Leith Edinburgh EH6 6QU

6.

Liverpool Marine Office Hall Road West Crosby Liverpool L23 8SY

7.

Orpington Marine Office Central Court 1B Knoll Rise, Orpington Kent BR6 0JA

Tel: 01689 890 400 Fax: 01689 890 446

8.

Newcastle Marine Office Compass House Tyne Dock South Shields NE34 9PY

Tel: 0191 496 9900 Fax: 0191 496 9901

9.

Plymouth Marine Office New Fish Market Baylys Wharf Fish Quay Plymouth, Devon PL4 0LH

Tel: 01752 266 211 Fax: 01752 225 826

10.

Southampton Marine Office Spring Place 105 Commercial Road Southampton SO15 1EG

Tel: 023 8032 9329 Fax: 023 8032 9351

Tel: 01475 553370 Fax: 01475 553357

Tel: 0131 554 5488 Fax: 0131 554 7689

Tel. 0151 931 6600 Fax: 0151 931 6615

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