Assembling/installing wooden structural components to produce yachts and boats

URN: SEMME3231
Business Sectors (Suites): Marine Engineering Suite 3
Developed by: Enginuity
Approved on: 31 Mar 2019

Overview

This standard identifies the competences you need to assemble wooden structural components/timbers to produce yachts or boats, in accordance with approved procedures.  You will be required to select the appropriate tools and equipment to use, based on the operations to be performed and the components or structural sub-assemblies to be installed.  The size, shape and complexity of the parts to be assembled will vary and it is anticipated that some parts will be trial-assembled prior to the final assembly taking place.   The components being assembled will include such items as hull frames, keel/backbone, stem, bulk heads, hull and deck planks, transom, cabin/coach roof, rudder, tiller and wheel, mast, windows/ports, hatch covers and other similar structural components.

You will be required to select the appropriate or specified fixing methods and devices, based on the size and weight of the components and structures being assembled and the materials to which the structures are being fastened.  You will also be expected to create or follow all necessary datum's that are required to locate the components correctly during the installation activities.  The installation activities will include making all necessary checks and adjustments to ensure that the components/structures are correctly positioned, aligned and secured. 

Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the installation activities undertaken and to report any problems with the assembly activities, components or equipment that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people.  You will be expected to ensure that all tools, equipment and materials used in the assembly activities are correctly accounted for on completion of the activities and to complete all necessary job/task documentation accurately and legibly.  You will be expected to work with a minimum of supervision, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out. * *     

Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work and will provide an informed approach to applying appropriate boat building techniques and procedures to wooden yachts or boats.  You will understand the items being assembled and will know about the relevant fastening and securing devices, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities, correcting faults and ensuring that the final assembly is to the required specification. 

You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the assembly operations, especially when working in confined spaces and when using adhesives and sealing materials.  You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace, both ashore and afloat


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, directives and other relevant guidelines

  2. follow the relevant instructions, assembly drawings and any other specifications

  3. ensure that the specified components are available and that they are in a usable condition
  4. use the appropriate methods and techniques to assemble the components in their correct positions
  5. secure the components using the specified connectors and securing devices
  6. check the completed assembly to ensure that all operations have been completed and the finished assembly meets the required specification
  7. deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved
  8. complete relevant documentation in line with organisational procedures

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the specific safety practices and procedures that you need to observe when building wooden yachts or boats (including any specific legislation, regulations/codes of practice for the activities, equipment or materials)
  2. the health and safety requirements of the work area where you are carrying out the boat building activities and the responsibility they place on you
  3. how to recognise and deal with emergencies and the procedures to be followed (such as methods of safely evacuating and closing down of compartments in the case of fire or other major incident, first aid, fire fighting and resuscitation of personnel)
  4. the hazards associated with building yachts or boats and with the tools and equipment used and how they can be minimised
  5. the protective equipment that you need to use for both personal protection (PPE) and protection of the structural units and craft

  6. how to obtain the necessary job instructions, boat building drawings and specifications required for the work being carried out

  7. how to carry out currency/issue checks of the specifications you are working with
  8. the terminology used for the structural components and sub-assemblies; how to recognise the sub-assemblies and components and how to interpret the labelling
  9. the tools and equipment used in the assembly/installation activities and how to check that they are in a safe and usable condition
  10. the need to check that all plugs, sockets and cables on extension leads are in a safe, tested and undamaged condition
  11. methods of erecting the yacht or boat backbone and aligning the keel and stem into the hull to ensure a straight line
  12. methods of supporting and bracing the backbone and other assemblies as the build progresses
  13. the types of joints and connections between frames, planks and keel or stem
  14. the methods and equipment to be used for lifting, handling, supporting and manoeuvring the structural components/sub-assemblies into their correct positions during the building activities
  15. methods and types of fastenings used to fix frames and other structural components, hull and deck planking, floors and cargo hold linings into the vessel (including wood screws, nails, nuts and bolts and adhesives)
  16. the importance of using the correct number and spacing of fasteners for the particular installation
  17. the tools and equipment that can be used to set up and level the structural components and assemblies (such as spirit levels, plumb-bobs, water gauges and laser levelling devices)
  18. the techniques used to position, align, adjust and secure the components to the required surfaces without causing damage to the vessel structure or surrounding areas
  19. the importance of positional accuracy of all components
  20. procedures for obtaining the correct type of tools, equipment, components and fasteners for the activities
  21. the use of sealants and adhesives and the precautions to be taken when using them
  22. how to conduct any necessary checks to ensure the integrity, functionality, accuracy and quality of the build
  23. how to recognise build defects (such as misalignment, inappropriate gaps in planking, ineffective fasteners, damage or contamination)
  24. the problems that can occur with the boat building operations and how these can be overcome
  25. the standards to be attained and the company/customer quality control procedures
  26. the recording documentation to be completed for the boat building activities undertaken and where appropriate, the importance of marking and identifying specific pieces of work in relation to the documentation
  27. the extent of your own responsibility and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve

Scope/range


Scope Performance

  1. Carry out all of the following during the yacht or boat building activities:

    1. obtain and use appropriate, boat building drawings, job instructions, sketches or specifications
    2. adhere to procedures or systems in place for risk assessment, COSHH, personal protective equipment and other relevant safety regulations
    3. check that all tools and equipment used during the installation are in a safe and usable condition
    4. ensure that the work area is free from hazards and that there is sufficient room to complete the build
    5. return all tools and equipment to the correct location on completion of the activities
    6. leave the work area in a safe condition and to the prescribed category of cleanliness

* *

  1. Assemble/install twelve of the following yacht or boat wooden structural components:

    1. hull frames
    2. keel/backbone
    3. stem
    4. moulds
    5. horn timber
    6. hull planks/strakes
    7. deck beams
    8. deck planks
    9. transom
    10. bulkhead
    11. bulwarks
    12. floors
    13. stringers
    14. carlins
    15. cabin
    16. coach roof
    17. windows/ports
    18. rudder
    19. tiller
    20. wheel
    21. mast
    22. hatch/hatch covers
    23. engine/machinery bearers

* *

  1. Use a range of tools and equipment during the boat building activities, to include six of the following:

    1. hand tools
    2. portable power tools
    3. measuring equipment
    4. levelling and alignment equipment
    5. bracing equipment
    6. clamps/cramps
    7. lifting and handling equipment
    8. temporary fixing/supporting equipment
    9. jacks or wedges
    10. other specific equipment

* *

  1. Carry out six of the following wooden yacht or boat building activities:

    1. constructing and erecting backbone and moulds for planking
    2. assembling, fitting and fastening side frames
    3. assembling and fitting keel and stem
    4. assembling hull and deck structures
    5. timbering out
    6. setting out shift of butts for fitting of planking
    7. assembling and fitting planking with allowances for caulking seams
    8. assembling and fitting floors and cargo hold linings

* *

  1. Apply boat building assembly/installation methods and techniques, to include all of the following:

    1. determining sub-assembly datums
    2. ensuring that correct and undamaged components are used
    3. ensuring that the correct 'hand' of component is used at the appropriate position (left or right handed)
    4. ensuring the correct orientation, position and alignment of components
    5. ensuring assemblies are correctly horned and braced
    6. using cramps and clamps to hold the components during the assembly activities
    7. drilling holes
    8. securing components using correct/appropriate fastenings (such as screws, nails, threaded fasteners, pins/dowels)
    9. caulking all seams
    10. planning down and sanding/fairing all seams and butts
    11. applying appropriate compounds to seal all seams

* *

  1. Use two of the following methods to check and assist with the level and alignment of the units:

    1. spirit level
    2. laser light
    3. water line
    4. plumb line

* *

  1. Carry out checks on the build to include all of the following:

    1. dimensional accuracy is within specification/job requirements
    2. installed structures are correctly aligned, level and secure
    3. shape of the frame/hull is to the templates
    4. all plank fastenings line up with frames or beams
    5. the specified type and quantity of fastenings are used and they are correctly spaced out
    6. scarphs and joins are fitted with no gap in the interface
    7. seams and butts are evenly caulked, watertight with no internal splitting
    8. the overall cosmetic appearance is to specification

* *

  1. Build wooden yachts or boats in compliance with one of the following:

    1. BS or ISO standards and procedures
    2. customer (contractual) standards and requirements
    3. company standards and procedures
    4. recognised compliance agency/body's standards (such as Lloyds, Boat Safety Scheme, BMEA Code)
    5. other accepted international standards

* *

  1. Complete the relevant documentation in line with organisational procedures, to include one from the following and pass to the appropriate people:

    1. craft build/installation records
    2. quality/acceptance documentation
    3. craft/vessel log
    4. job cards
    5. work authorisation documents
    6. other specific recording method

Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours

Behaviours:

You will be able to apply the appropriate behaviours required in the workplace to meet the job profile and overall company objectives, such as:

  • strong work ethic

  • positive attitude

  • team player
  • dependability
  • responsibility
  • honesty
  • integrity
  • motivation
  • commitment

Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

29 Apr 2021

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Semta

Original URN

SEMME3231

Relevant Occupations

Marine Engineering Trades

SOC Code

5235

Keywords

Marine; engineering; yacht; boats; assembling; installing; wooden; structural; components