VIKTA Maintainer Competency Matrix
Career Development Pathway — Apprentice → Journeyman → Master Maintainer
Progress Track
Three-tier progression aligned to maritime tradition and Special Forces standards. Color-coded tiers and certification badges reinforce identity and pride in mastery.
Tier I
Learn to see the craft. Execute protocols faithfully. Build procedural confidence and safety discipline.
Scope & Outcomes
- Modules: 1, 2 (basic), 4 (battery basics), 6 (protocols)
- Milestones: Safety certs, supervised hull inspection, battery sim
- Mindset: Guardian of readiness basics
Tier II
Learn to anticipate the craft. Diagnose systems, interpret telemetry, manage configuration.
Scope & Outcomes
- Modules: 2 (advanced NDT), 3, 4 (diagnostics), 5, 7
- Milestones: Functional test, data-backed report, CBM tool cert
- Mindset: Proactive problem solver
Tier III
Own the craft. Lead teams, run sea trials, drive design-feedback loops and safety culture.
Scope & Outcomes
- Modules: 3 (integration), 5 (strategy), 6 (leadership), 8
- Milestones: Lead sea trial cycle, RCA & CAPA report, board review
- Mindset: Custodian of operational excellence
Competency Matrix (Skills × Tiers × Assessment)
Map of core competencies across tiers with corresponding assessment instruments. Use this for certification and workforce development planning.
| Skill Area | Apprentice CAM | Journeyman CJM | Master CMM | Assessment Tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hull & Structural Integrity | Visual inspections, checklists, basic composite care. | Advanced NDT (ultrasound, thermography), micro-fracture ID, structural repairs. | Lead inspection programs, advise on composite improvements, mission-readiness sign-off. | Observation checklists; NDT practical; sea-trial inspection sign-off. |
| Propulsion & Energy Management | Battery safety & charging; power checks. | Propulsion fault diagnosis; electrical distribution troubleshooting; redundancy drills. | Lead propulsion recovery during trials; energy management strategy oversight. | Battery handling certification; diagnostic simulation; sea-trial evaluation. |
| Fly-By-Wire Control Systems | Follow calibration procedures; basic software awareness. | Actuator maintenance; sensor calibration; firmware version control. | System-level integration leadership; mentor diagnostics; advise design teams. | Simulation scenarios; versioning logs; integration board review. |
| Data-Driven Maintenance (CBM & Predictive) | Record telemetry; input condition reports. | Interpret CBM dashboards; run predictive algorithms; trend analysis. | Lead predictive strategy; validate models with engineers; set intervals. | Analytics case study; CBM simulation; strategic report submission. |
| Risk Management & Safety | Apply LOTO; PPE; incident reporting. | Lead toolbox talks; conduct RCA; enforce compliance. | Shape safety culture; chair incident reviews; align with regs. | Safety drills; RCA evaluation; leadership safety interview. |
| Documentation & Configuration Management | Use manuals; follow configuration procedures. | Draft reports; update CM systems; cross-team collaboration. | Lead CM processes; approve changes; represent in design reviews. | Documentation audit; CM simulation; peer review. |
| Trials, Testing & Continuous Improvement | Support post-maintenance functional testing. | Conduct & document sea-trial maintenance tasks. | Lead sea-trial cycles; mentor team; drive design feedback. | Sea-trial logs; scenario evals; feedback integration review. |
| Leadership & Mentorship | Demonstrate reliability & discipline. | Mentor apprentices; contribute to peer learning. | Lead teams; certify others; advise engineers & command. | Peer feedback; mentorship logs; leadership board. |
Tier Transition Requirements
Apprentice → Journeyman
- Pass safety certifications (battery, hull, control systems)
- Complete supervised maintenance logbook
- Demonstrate CBM data entry and reporting accuracy
Journeyman → Master
- Lead one full maintenance cycle (inspection → sea trial)
- Submit RCA & CAPA report with data-backed findings
- Mentor two apprentices with documented outcomes
- Pass leadership board review (scenario-based judgment)
Assessment & Evidence of Competence
Evidence is the difference between intention and readiness. Use these instruments to verify competence at each tier.
Simulation Drills
For Apprentices: Procedural confidence, battery handling, hull inspection practice.
Hands-On Practical
For Journeymen: Diagnostics, telemetry interpretation, configuration changes.
Sea-Trial Leadership
For Masters: Team command, system integration, readiness sign-off.
Documentation Audits
All Levels: Discipline in compliance, quality of reporting.
"At sea, the craft is alive. Readiness is a culture, not a checkbox." — Ed Reif
Your Learning Progress
Current Level: Apprentice Maintainer
Progress: 35% Complete | Next Milestone: Safety Certification
Complete: Basic Safety Protocols Complete
In Progress: Battery Handling Certification In Progress
Pending: Hull Inspection Methods Pending
Perfect Safety Record - 30 days
Completed 5 Learning Modules
Mentored 2 New Apprentices