MT06 - AMSA Policy - Recognition of Prior Learning
Purpose
The following procedure provides detail of standards acceptable to AMSA for an AMSA approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to grant recognition of prior learning RPL) as part of an AMSA approved course.
Scope
This procedure outlines the process to offer RPL to students of AMSA approved courses.
Definitions
For clarification of terms and abbreviations used within this procedure refer to Definitions
Associated documents
- National Principles and Operational Guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as contained in AQF Implementation Handbook, 4th Edition, 2007.
- Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations 2011
- International Maritime Organization (IMO) Model Courses
- The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW)
- Marine Orders Part 6 - Marine Qualifications Radio (MO6)
- Marine Orders Part 3 - Seagoing Qualifications (MO3)
- Maritime Training Package TDM07 (MTP) published by the Transport & Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC)
In the case of the Australian Maritime College (AMC) reference should be made to the accredited curriculum documents.
Policy
AMSA's policy is for an applicant for a certificates of competency issued under MO3 to have completed a training course at an AMSA approved RTO based on the TLISC MTP.
The Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations 2011, requires all RTO’s, including AMSA approved RTO’s, to offer RPL to students. The standards for the offering of RPL that are contained in the AQF National Principles and Operational Guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are acceptable to AMSA.
AMSA's policy is to require approved RTO’s, to align their RPL procedures with the AQF National Principles and Operational Guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), including:
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Parity of esteem for qualifications gained through (or partly through) RPL.
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RPL policies and procedures that ensure the quality, integrity and standing of Australian qualifications.
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Participation in exactly the same or modified versions of the assessment the student would be required to complete as part of the full course.
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The model of RPL that is implemented must be aligned with the outcomes, goals and objectives of the qualification.
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RPL assessment processes should be of a comparable standard to those used to deliver and assess the qualification.
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Explicitly subject to the quality assurance processes used to ensure the standard and integrity of assessment processes within sectors or institutions, and be validated and monitored in the same way other assessment processes are validated and monitored.
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RPL policies, procedures and processes should be explicitly included in quality assurance procedures within organisations to ensure that qualifications achieved in part or in full through PRL are of the same quality and have the same standing as qualifications achieved as a consequence of formal education and training.
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It is not normally possible to gain an entire higher education qualification using RPL.
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As with all assessment, RPL assessment should be undertaken by academic or teaching staff with expertise in the subject, content or skills area, as well as knowledge of, and expertise in, RPL policies and procedures.
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RPL assessment processes should be comparable to other assessment processes used to assess whether the learning or competency outcomes in a subject, module, unit, course or qualification have been met.
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RPL policies, procedures, processes and assessment outcomes should be explicitly included in sectoral or institutional quality assurance mechanisms.
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In some sectors, this may include advice about ‘gap or bridging’ training or education that may be necessary to meet the full requirements of the qualification.
All RTO’s must explicitly include the details of their RPL in their application when applying for approval from AMSA. This area will be specifically audited by AMSA.
AMSA’s policy, to ensure full compliance with international STCW requirements, is for RPL to only be granted after assessment to the same standard and same quality assurance as required after full normal course completion.
Procedures
Direct Credit Transfer (Between AMSA approved RTO's)
Direct credit transfer is accepted by AMSA between AMSA approved RTO’s which have the same competencies on their scopes as RTO’s.
Competency Transfer (From non-AMSA approved RTO's)
Competency transfer from a non-AMSA approved RTO requires the applicant to have previously completed an equivalent or superior course and has passed a challenge test that is equivalent to the RTO’s final assessment (see note below for details).
Challenge Test Requirements Relating to AMSA Certificate of Competency RPL
- The applicant must have completed the previous education/training within:
- 10 years of applying for the RPL, if the applicant has 12 months sea within the previous 5 years, or
- 5 years of applying for the RPL, if the applicant has less than 12 months sea service within the previous 5 years;
- The challenge test is to be based upon MTP competencies and must cover all required competencies;
- The challenge test must be of an equivalent standard to that of a final assessment;
- The challenge test is to be carried out under AMSA approved RTO examination criteria;
- The applicant is allowed only ONE attempt at the examination – (following the examination if the applicant does not meet the standard they must complete that competency/subject at an AMSA approved RTO);
- Once granted, the RPL on completion of the full college course will have the same validity period as allowed for in MO 3, provision 7.3;
- As mentioned in the procedure above, the AMSA approved RTO is to keep records (including assessment papers) for review during the next AMSA audit;
- If a person does not meet the requirements for the issue of the certificate of competency within the 5 or 10-year period, as set down in MO 3, provision 7.3, a challenge test in relevant subjects is not an alternative in order to update the approved college course.
- For engineer students this means completing the engineering knowledge subjects (usually referred to ‘Part B’ subjects) again.
- For nautical students this means completing the approved college course again, appropriate to the certificate of competency sought, with possible allowances made for some subjects which on application will be determined by the Manager, Ship Operations & Qualifications, on a case by case basis, dependant on the applicant’s involvement in the maritime industry during the intervening period.
- To assist a person on a case by case basis the RPL arrangement is intended only for a singular occurrence where a person has completed part or all of a non AMSA approved course. It is not intended as a mechanism for AMSA approved RTO’s or individuals to circumvent AMSA’s obligations to approve, audit and continually monitor all training involved in the issue of STCW primary certificates; and in this regard it will not be allowed on a permanent recurring basis for student groups undertaking part or all of their studies at a non AMSA approved organisation (within Australia or overseas) to gain AMSA certificates.
- RPL is an administrative procedure and is not intended as an option for a candidate to proceed directly to assessment without completion of the normal pre-requisite training course. As such, and subject to the AQF appeal mechanism, assessment under RPL is a one-off administrative process and does not allow for the re-sitting of assessments at either that RTO or at any other RTO. If an assessment under RPL is unsuccessful, then the person must complete the normal training before undertaking the normal assessment.
Please note: AMSA will not conduct any RPL assessments itself except under the most exceptional circumstances where there is no option for that RPL assessment to be conducted by a RTO.
RPL Arrangements in Respect to STCW Short Courses
Candidates who hold STCW, short course certificates issued by an overseas college, and those in Australia who hold USL Code elements of shipboard safety certificates, will be required excepting those listed below, to complete the FULL applicable AMSA approved STCW short course. The RPL process of challenge testing these candidates is not a practicable option, as the short courses are by nature practical hands-on courses. For a candidate to demonstrate competence they would have to complete the appropriate course in its entirety.
Special cases
Elementary First Aid (STCW Code Section A-VI/1, Table A-VI/1-3) - AMSA will allow RPL (no challenge test) of either a current Australian issued Senior First Aid certificate (such as issued by the Red Cross or St John’s Ambulance) or completion of a higher-grade medical aid course (such as Workplace Level 2 First Aid) conducted within Australia.
With regard to the completed higher-grade medical course, the RAN Advanced Nuclear, Biological & Chemical Defence (NBCD) course and the RAN Advanced Combat Survivability (ACS) course the validity period as allowed for in MO3, provision 7.3 will apply.
With regard to Senior First Aid certificate, the validity period as indicated on the certificate will apply.
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Code Section A-VI/1, Table A-VI/1-2) - AMSA will allow RPL (no challenge test) if the applicant has completed either the RAN Advanced Nuclear, Biological & Chemical Defence (NBCD) course (including 2 days practical fire fighting at HMAS Creswell) or the RAN Advanced Combat Survivability (ACS) course (including the fire fighting component).
Clarification Notes“Recognition Resource” Department of Education Training and Youth Affairs and ANTA, 2001:
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