Marina and boatyard operative
Level 2 · IntermediateTransport and logistics 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A marina and boatyard operative provides practical support to the maintenance, berthing, and operation of vessels and facilities in a marina or boatyard environment. At level 2, apprentices develop boat handling, customer service, and basic craft maintenance skills. The role leads to marina supervisor, boatyard technician, or marina manager careers.
On the job
What you’ll learn
How to handle and moor vessels safely in a marina environment
Basic marine craft maintenance including antifouling, engine checks, and winterisation
Health and safety regulations specific to marina and waterside environments
Environmental legislation including waste oil disposal and pollution prevention
Customer service skills for working with boat owners and visitors
Tidal awareness and how it affects vessel access and berth management
Use of marina facilities including cranes, travel hoists, and fuel dispensing equipment
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Assist vessels arriving and departing, handling lines and fendering as required
Allocate and maintain berths and record vessel movements accurately
Carry out routine checks and basic maintenance on marina and boatyard equipment
Provide a fuelling service and manage fuel records and spillage prevention
Support the boat hoist and slipping operations under supervision
Maintain the tidiness and safety of pontoons, walkways, and boatyard areas
Assist boat owners with general queries and direct them to specialist services
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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