IMO simulator model courses as well as model courses 6.09 and 3.12
offer much useful assistance in developing basic instructional techniques. However if
instructors and assessors follow the guidance provided in the new STCW Codes, they will be
following in the footsteps of many experienced IMLA and IMSF simulator instructors who
contributed through the STCW Sub-Committee to the development of such standards.
5. COMPETENCY BASED ASSESSMENT
At the core of the revised Convention lies the concept of competence.
It is as well to recall the definition in Chapter I of Code A, which states inter alia:
...the level of proficiency to be achieved for the proper performance
of functions on board ship in accordance with internationally agreed criteria ... (as
specified in the STCW Code) ... incorporating prescribed standards or levels of knowledge,
understanding and demonstrated skill.
Thus a competence-based qualification is a statement of competence that
incorporates assessment of skill, knowledge and understanding, and an ability to apply
skills, knowledge and understanding to the proper performance of tasks, duties and
responsibilities aboard ship. It is a process of comparing evidence of competence against
a standard. The difficulty facing all institutions is in interpreting the standards in the
competency Tables in Code A. Much will depend upon the resources available to measure
performance. Column 3 of the tables reflects a recognition that different methods will be
used to satisfy the criteria as figure 2 overleaf..
Effective measurement of a trainee's ability to perform tasks safely
and effectively (the criteria for competence) will depend on whether assessment criteria
were of an acceptable standard and if performance outcomes met the designed assessment
objectives. In the final analysis, the assessor must consider whether the chosen measures
of performance are reliable and relevant to the training tasks, and the results are
iterative in nature.
