The NVQs in Marine Operations are designed to enable work-based tasks to be carried out by trainee officers, both Deck and Engine, in the Merchant Navy and the fishing industry. The qualifications are at levels 2, 3 and 4, and the standards were developed by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) and approved by the UK regulatory body the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Successful candidates can proceed into service as junior officers and pursue careers that may lead to them becoming Shipmasters or Chief Engineers.