Port apprenticeships update: revised versions live for new starts in December

PSS is pleased to provide an update on the revised versions of two key port sector apprenticeships – the Port Marine Operations Officer (PMOO) Level 4 and the Port Operative Level 2. The new versions will be available for new apprentice starts from 18 December.

These updates have been developed with Skills England, and shaped through coordinated input from Trailblazer Groups, brought together by PSS. PSS thanks all contributors for their time and expertise, which has helped ensure both apprenticeships remain relevant, practical, and aligned with operational needs across the port sector.

The revisions strengthen clarity, consistency, and quality across delivery and assessment, while reflecting the realities of modern port operations. Both standards place greater emphasis on safety, environmental responsibility, regulatory compliance, digital systems, and professional practice.

Port Marine Operations Officer (Level 4)

The PMOO apprenticeship has been fully reviewed to reflect the scale and complexity of modern port marine operations across the UK.

Key updates include a stronger focus on port control, vessel traffic management, marine infrastructure monitoring, environmental protection, and digital navigation systems. The standard also reinforces expectations around coordination, judgement, and accountability in safety-critical environments.

The assessment approach has been redesigned around clear assessment outcomes and performance descriptors, providing a more consistent and structured framework for judging competence across employers and training providers.

Port Operative (Level 2)

The Port Operative apprenticeship has also been updated following review of the standard.

The revised assessment replaces the previous end-point assessment structure with a clearer, more streamlined model based on defined assessment outcomes and performance descriptors. This improves consistency and makes expectations easier to apply across different operational environments.

It places greater emphasis on practical performance, communication, decision-making, and compliance with safety and environmental requirements, ensuring the assessment reflects day-to-day port operations.

What this means for ports

These changes will support more consistent delivery across the sector and ensure apprenticeship pathways remain aligned with evolving operational needs.

The revised apprenticeships can be viewed via the links below. Both will be live for new apprentice starts from 18 December, allowing time for training providers and assessment organisations to prepare.

View the revised apprenticeships below.