Assessor Resource

DEFCA320
Prepare, operate and maintain small watercraft

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This competency was developed for combat arms personnel required to operate small watercraft in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Typically, operators work independently under indirect supervision, use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.

All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policies and procedures.

This unit covers the competency required to operate small watercraft, including:

Motorised and nonmotorised boats up to five metres in length capable of accommodating a maximum ten personnel and the operator and crewman

Motorised and nonmotorised rigid and nonrigid inflatable craft

Powered by outboard motors of up to 40 hp

Motorised and nonmotorised bridge and ferry construction craft

The watercraft will normally be operated in an environment of protected or calm inland waterways, conducting a range of tasks including the transport of personnel and/or equipment. While the technical aspects of this competency are concerned with ‘operating a boat’, the specialisation of the skill, and safety issues associated with waterborne operations confer additional responsibilities upon the operator. For all watercraft operations the individual may need to provide directions to personnel within the boat concerning specific safety matters such as seating, movement and actions on incidents such as man overboard and capsize. The individual must demonstrate sound judgement in the use of authority, and where possible, work within the existing lines of authority.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. In a Defence context, this means that there is no civilian need to hold this unit in order to meet licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to safely operate selected small watercraft and improvised flotation craft on various waterways under a range of environmental conditions. The operator must demonstrate competency at carrying both equipment and personnel, and demonstrate the ability to manage the full range of contingency and emergency actions.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of simulated or actual workplace situations that allow for the preparation, operation and maintenance of small watercraft and the construction of improvised flotation craft under a range of water operating conditions while carrying personnel and cargo.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

The following resources should be made available:

watercraft, equipment and accessories

materials for constructing improvised flotation craft

equipment appropriate to the task

suitable training areas with access to flowing water

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required Skills

use knots and lashings to secure watercraft

use clear interpersonal communication as operator of the vessel

constantly monitor hazards and apply safety principles to operations

follow instructions/directives and report information

participate in team

encourage other team members

use a variety of verbal and nonverbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

read and interpret operating instructions

calculate and record number and weight of passengers, stores and equipment

Required Knowledge

applicable statutory waterways rules for watercraft operation

local water hazards and environmental conditions

effects of water moving over objects and obstacles

team work

techniques for supporting others

composition of teams, and roles and responsibilities of team members

verbal and nonverbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

hasty buoyancy/floatation calculations

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Small watercraft may include:

motorised and nonmotorised boats up to five metres in length capable of accommodating a maximum ten personnel and the operator and crewman

motorised and nonmotorised rigid and nonrigid inflatable craft

powered by outboard motors of up to 40 hp

motorised and nonmotorised bridge and ferry construction craft

Environment include:

under a range of water conditions

in enclosed waters including tidal rivers, protected harbours, nontidal rivers, lakes and dams

in all weather conditions

by day or night and under illumination

Operating instructions may include:

access and egress routes

details of enemy threat and own force operations

details of ramps or launching points

details of resupply or evacuation requirements

number and nature of personnel, including casualties to be transported

potential hazards

tidal information

types of general cargo and weights

weather forecast

Standard procedures may include:

manufacturer’s handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

procedures manuals, job guides, watermanship pamphlets and other publications

statutory waterways rules

WHS regulations for water safety

written and verbal orders and instructions

Hasty bouyancy/floatation calculations may include:

freeboard when loaded within load limits

number and weight of passengers within load limits

weight of stores and equipment within load units

Equipment to be used may include:

appropriate rescue and recovery equipment

items of stores and equipment

personal protective equipment such as life jackets

safety equipment that may be required under state/territory legislation or standard procedures

vehicles and equipment used to transport boats

Shore preparation may include:

assembly for launch

equipment checks

loading of stores and equipment

positioning vessel on ramp or launching site

prestart checks of engine

Watercraft operations may include:

a float for people operating near, in or over water

transport of personnel

support to bridge, ferry and raft operations

evacuation of personnel, stores and equipment

searches, rescues

resupply operations

support to divers

providing safety

Improvised flotation craft may include

inflatable, rigid body or improvised watercraft constructed of timber, drums, canvas, inflatable tubes or any combination

Operating the watercraft may include:

compliance with waterways rules and regulations

engine startup procedures

moving at a safe speed consistent with the conditions

navigating to destination

Hazards and environmental conditions may include:

adverse weather

eddies

fast flowing streams and near still waters

floating and submerged debris and snags

fog or drizzle

heat and cold

reduced visibility due to after dark operations

time pressure

undertows

underwater hazards

wildlife

Contingency and emergency drills may include:

abandon ship drills

action on capsize

diagnosing and rectifying minor engine faults

fire drills

man overboard drills

propeller replacement

towing disabled vessels

use of improvised rudder

use of oars/improvised oars

use of sail

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Operating instructions are interpreted to determine the task, the cargo, the destination and route, and navigation data is compiled in accordance with standard procedures. 
Hasty buoyancy/floatation calculations are completed to ensure passengers and cargo are safe to move. 
Equipment is selected, checked for serviceability and unserviceable items are replaced or rejected, and reported to the supervisor in accordance with standard procedures. 
Shore preparation is conducted in accordance with standard procedures and the watercraft is prepared and readied for launch. 
Appropriate personal protective equipment is selected and worn by all personnel. 
Passengers and crew are given a safety brief by the operator prior to embarking on watercraft operations. 
Improvised flotation craft are constructed/assembled, when required, in accordance with technical specifications and supervisor’s instructions. 
Improvised flotation craft are inspected for safety prior to use and shore preparation is completed. 
Watercraft is launched safely in accordance with standard procedures and local conditions. 
Watercraft is loaded and trimmed to ensure safety of crew and load. 
Watercraft is operated consistent with hazards and environmental conditions, and in accordance with standard procedures. 
Directions are provided, as necessary, to passengers in order to maintain safety and efficient boat operation. 
Contingency and emergency drills are carried out, as necessary, to minimise threat to personnel and equipment. 
Personnel and/or loads are disembarked and/or unloaded safely in accordance with standard procedures. 
Watercraft is recovered from a ramp or improvised landing site. 
Watercraft and associated equipment are checked for serviceability, cleaned and serviced, defects are reported and documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures. 
Debriefing requirements are completed, as required, in accordance with standard procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

DEFCA320 - Prepare, operate and maintain small watercraft
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

DEFCA320 - Prepare, operate and maintain small watercraft

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: