ICTQual Level 3 Award in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP)-DEFRA

The ICTQual AB Level 3 Award in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP)-DEFRA is a specialist qualification designed for individuals who work in or around water as part of their professional duties, particularly in environments covered by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) guidelines. This award equips learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills to manage water safety effectively in rivers, canals, reservoirs, flood zones, and other inland water settings.

Learners will gain a deep understanding of water safety principles, hazard identification, and risk management strategies tailored to DEFRA-related operational environments. The programme also covers emergency planning, incident response, and safe working practices to minimise risks to both personnel and the public.

Delivered by ICTQual AB, a respected awarding body dedicated to excellence in aquatic safety training, this Level 3 award is ideal for emergency services personnel, environmental agency staff, flood response teams, and other professionals working in water-related roles. Upon completion, learners will be confident in implementing safety protocols, coordinating emergency responses, and ensuring compliance with DEFRA water safety standards.

Course Overview

Level 3 Award in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP)-DEFRA

To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 3 Award in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP)-DEFRA, learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 16 years old to enrol on this programme.
  • Educational Background: A minimum of a Level 2 qualification or equivalent in a related area such as health and safety, environmental management, emergency response, or aquatic safety is recommended.
  • English Language Proficiency: A good standard of English, both written and spoken, is required to understand safety protocols, complete assessments, and communicate effectively during training and emergencies.
  • Professional Experience: Practical experience in water safety, flood response, or working in DEFRA-related environments is beneficial but not mandatory.
  • Physical Fitness: As the course includes practical elements, learners should be physically able to perform rescue and safety procedures in and around water.
  • Swimming Ability: Learners should be comfortable working in or near water and possess basic swimming competence to participate in practical training activities.

This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 3 Award in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP)-DEFRA, consists of 4 mandatory units.

  1. Principles of Water Safety Management in DEFRA Environments
  2. Risk Assessment and Hazard Control in Inland and Flood Water Settings
  3. Emergency Planning and Incident Response for DEFRA-Related Operations
  4. Communication, Leadership, and Compliance with DEFRA Water Safety Standards

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

1. Principles of Water Safety Management in DEFRA Environments

  • Understand the scope and objectives of water safety management within DEFRA operational contexts.
  • Identify common inland and flood water environments covered by DEFRA guidelines.
  • Recognise the legal and organisational responsibilities for water safety in DEFRA-related roles.

2. Risk Assessment and Hazard Control in Inland and Flood Water Settings

  • Identify hazards unique to inland waterways, flood zones, and DEFRA-managed areas.
  • Conduct structured risk assessments to evaluate and prioritise water-related risks.
  • Implement effective hazard control measures to reduce the likelihood of incidents.

3. Emergency Planning and Incident Response for DEFRA-Related Operations

  • Develop and implement emergency action plans specific to DEFRA environments.
  • Demonstrate appropriate response procedures for water-related emergencies, including flood events.
  • Coordinate with relevant agencies and emergency services during incident management.

4. Communication, Leadership, and Compliance with DEFRA Water Safety Standards

  • Apply clear and effective communication methods in operational and emergency situations.
  • Lead teams confidently to ensure safe and efficient operations in water safety management.
  • Ensure compliance with DEFRA safety protocols and contribute to post-incident reviews.

Completing the ICTQual AB Level 3 Award in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) – DEFRA opens a variety of advanced training and career development opportunities in the field of water safety, emergency response, and environmental protection. Graduates of this qualification can progress to:

  • Level 4 Diploma in Water Safety and Risk Management – for advanced skills in strategic safety planning and leadership.
  • Level 3 or Level 4 Search and Rescue (SAR) Qualifications – specialising in inland, flood, or coastal water rescue.
  • Flood Response and DEFRA Module Training – to expand expertise in DEFRA-specific operational requirements.
  • Advanced First Aid and Pre-Hospital Care Qualifications – including Oxygen Therapy and Trauma Management.
  • Specialist Emergency Services Training – such as Fire & Rescue Water Safety Units or RNLI Flood Rescue Teams.
  • Supervisory or Management Roles – within emergency planning, environmental safety, and public safety agencies.

This qualification also supports career development in local authorities, environmental agencies, rescue services, and outdoor activity centres where DEFRA water safety standards are essential.

FAQs

This qualification is ideal for emergency service personnel, environmental agency staff, local authority teams, and outdoor activity professionals who work in or near DEFRA-classified water environments, such as rivers, lakes, and flood-prone areas.

Graduates of the ICTQual AB Level 3 NWSMP Award can pursue careers as water safety officers, lifeguard supervisors, emergency response coordinators, or aquatic facility managers. The qualification also supports roles in government safety programmes, environmental agencies, recreational water centres, and community safety initiatives, enabling professionals to lead and implement water safety strategies effectively.

ICTQual AB Level 3 Award in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP)-DEFRA is 3 days training program. As this Training program have mandatory assessment which will be conducted through Approved Training Centers.

ICTQual AB allows to offer Level 3 Award in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP)-DEFRA in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual AB Level 3 Award in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP)-DEFRA consists of 4 mandatory assessments . These assessments are designed to evaluate participants’ comprehension of course material and their capacity to apply concepts in practical situations.