Fieldwork Portfolio – Briefing Notes;

Overview
The fieldwork portfolio is the final element of coursework for this module, and is intended to be carried out after the major teaching elements of NMS101 have been completed in February. However initial research and/or planning into each task can be started at any time.
The field work portfolio will comprise of 3 tasks from the choices listed below. Each of the tasks you select will need to be researched and planned before being carried out on Take the Helm (or alternative venue as appropriate).
Alternative tasks are provided for those persons proceeding to sea at the end of February (see appendix to these coursework guidelines).
Tasks are either group or individual tasks, as indicated below. Where a task is indicated as a group task, then the group size and membership can be as chosen by your selves (maximum group size is eight, unless otherwise specified). Groups do not need to be the same for different tasks (however if group sizes are inappropriate for a particular task, this may be taken into account when marks are allocated).
Regardless of whether a task is carried out as group, or individual task, the portfolio must be submitted as an individual piece of work. For example, where work has been carried out, and compiled as a group effort, that element of the work should be included in each individuals portfolio, but the reflective element should be the individuals own reflections on the task.
A briefing will be conducted by a tutor to provide further guidance on the portfolio requirements.

Detailed guidance

Navigation task 2 (group): Carry out a compass deviation swing.
A compass swing is undertaken in order to determine values for deviation on a vessel for all points of the compass. A compass deviation card for TTH will need to be produced to complete this task. Your group will need to determine how to carry out this process, and then plan and carry out the compass swing in Plymouth Sound.

Navigation task 4 (group): Conduct a basic hydrographic line survey in Plymouth Sound.
Your group is to conduct a basic hydrographic line survey in Plymouth Sound using the echo sounder on board ‘Take the Helm’. Consider how this process should be carried out, then plan and conduct the survey.
For this task you will need to determine actual tide heights(from local tide gauge readings) at the time the survey  is carried out, and produce a line of soundings that have been reduced from actual spot soundings (depths read from the echo sounder, at a known position) to LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide). These values can then be plotted, a basic survey chart produced and a comparison made with the local chart.

Navigation task 5: Quality of the position fix using GPS
This will be taken through with you on the day, due to incompatibility of equipment on TTH it is no longer an option.

Further guidance
Each individual student will need to submit their own portfolio, which will demonstrate the level to which you have undertaken a task. The portfolio will need to evidence how the task has been conducted through all stages of the process. It should therefore provide details of all the research and planning undertaken in order to achieve the task. This may take the form of written work, or detailed diagrams or photographs to provide explanation. Photocopied diagrams or text direct from a source will not be acceptable. The work should be fully referenced throughout.
The portfolio should also evidence reflective practice. Critically analyse the results of each task carried out, using the ‘What, so what, now what’ methodology prescribed in the reflective guidance document on moodle.

Marks will be awarded for
Marks will be awarded equally for each task carried out, with additional marks for overall presentation and quality of the portfolio submitted.
Marking Criteria:
•    Demonstration of competence and good practice in planning and undertaking the task.
•    Relevance and accuracy of information provided in the portfolio.
•    Evidence of critical analysis of the process undertaken in the task.
•    Overall content and presentation of portfolio including correct acknowledgement of sources used – correctly cited and referenced