Level 3 Diploma in Offshore Operations

1. Offshore Industry and Installation Systems : Introduces offshore industry sectors, installation types, operational structures, workplace terminology, team functions and the relationship between offshore installations and shore-based support services.

2. Offshore Safety and Risk Control : Develops understanding of offshore hazards, risk assessments, personal safety responsibilities, safety procedures, permit-controlled activities, hazard reporting and the prevention of workplace incidents.

3. Operational Planning and Work Coordination : Covers shift handovers, work scheduling, operational instructions, permit-to-work coordination, toolbox talks, communication protocols and the coordination of routine offshore activities.

4. Offshore Process and Equipment Operations : Introduces offshore production and utility systems, operating procedures, equipment monitoring, control-room communication, abnormal operating conditions and the importance of following approved operating limits.

5. Marine Logistics and Personnel Transfer : Explores offshore supply arrangements, material handling, personnel movement, vessel support, helicopter logistics awareness, load coordination and safe transfer procedures within offshore environments.

6. Maintenance and Asset Integrity : Develops knowledge of preventive maintenance, defect reporting, equipment reliability, isolation awareness, work orders, maintenance coordination and the role of asset integrity in safe operations.

7. Emergency Preparedness and Response : Covers emergency arrangements, alarm procedures, muster responsibilities, evacuation principles, incident communication, emergency equipment awareness and the importance of participating in required drills and exercises.

8. Environmental Protection and Operational Improvement : Examines pollution prevention, waste management, spill reporting, environmental monitoring, operational records, incident learning and continuous improvement in offshore workplaces.

• Builds a structured understanding of offshore operational environments.

• Develops awareness of offshore hazards and workplace risk controls.

• Strengthens knowledge of operational planning and work coordination.

• Introduces offshore process systems and equipment-monitoring principles.

• Improves understanding of marine logistics and personnel-transfer activities.

• Develops awareness of maintenance coordination and asset integrity.

• Strengthens knowledge of emergency arrangements and incident communication.

• Supports further training and career development in offshore energy and marine support sectors.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Learners preparing for entry-level or developing roles in offshore operations.

• Offshore support and installation personnel who need broader operational knowledge.

• Oil and gas and offshore energy workers seeking vocational development.

• Marine logistics and supply-support personnel.

• Junior operations and maintenance coordinators.

• HSE personnel supporting offshore operational teams.

• Technical and administrative support staff working with offshore installation activities.

Assessment Format: Written examination supported by applied scenarios, knowledge checks and relevant coursework or practical evidence where required by the delivery model.

Total Questions: 60 Questions

Passing Score: 60%

Duration: 90 Minutes

Certification: Learners who satisfy the assessment and qualification requirements receive the HiQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Offshore Operations.

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners may progress to:

• HiQual UK Level 4 qualifications in offshore operations, oil and gas operations, operational management, engineering or health and safety.

• Further vocational training in offshore production, maintenance coordination, marine operations or asset integrity.

• Relevant industry-specific safety and emergency training, subject to provider requirements.

• Higher-level study in energy operations, engineering management, marine operations or occupational health and safety.

• Career development toward roles such as offshore operations assistant, junior operations coordinator, maintenance support coordinator, marine logistics assistant or operations administrator, subject to employer requirements and additional role-specific competence.