Assessor Resource

DEFEO815A
Operate small watercraft

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit applies to the individual who is required to operate small watercraft to conduct a range of tasks including:

transporting personnel and/or equipment across water

assisting mounting and maintaining wet crossing activities

patrolling range boundaries

recovering proof ordnance

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. The individual will usually operate the boat with minimum supervision.

The watercraft will normally be operated:

in protected or calm waters

day or night

in training, on exercise and on operations

This unit covers the competency required to operate small watercraft.

It includes the requirement to prepare the watercraft for operations, to conduct buoyancy calculations, to carry out appropriate tasks, and to clean and maintain the watercraft.

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.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to safely operate selected small watercraft 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 a timeframe that allows for the preparation, operation and maintenance of small watercraft under a range of water operating conditions carrying personnel and cargo.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed under a variety of water operating conditions. Evidence should be gathered by observing the individual preparing, operating and maintaining small watercraft on a variety of tasks that address all the requirements of the critical aspects of evidence.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

watercraft, equipment and accessories

safety equipment appropriate to the task

appropriate cargo to be loaded, transported and unloaded

training areas with access to a suitable body of water

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions


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.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

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

constantly monitor hazards and apply safety principles to operations

encourage other team members

follow instructions/directives and report information

participate in team

read and interpret operating instructions

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

use clear interpersonal communication as operator of the vessel

use knots and lashings to secure watercraft

Required Knowledge

applicable statutory waterways rules for watercraft operation

buoyancy/floatation calculations

composition of teams, and roles and responsibilities of team members

effects of water moving over objects and obstacles

local water hazards and environmental conditions

team work

techniques for supporting others

verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

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:

Hovercraft

Improvised watercraft such as rafts, pontoons, inflatable, rigid body or improvised watercraft constructed of timber, drums, canvas, inflatable tubes or any combination

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

Motorised and non-motorised bridge and ferry construction craft

Motorised and non-motorised rigid and non-rigid inflatable craft

Watercraft powered by outboard motors of up to 40 hp

Watercraft operations may include:

Evacuation of personnel, stores and equipment

Float for people operating near, in or over water

Providing range safety

Providing safety

Resupply operations

Searches, rescues

Support to bridge, ferry and raft operations

Support to divers

Support to proof firings

Transport of personnel

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

WHS regulations for water safety

Procedures manuals, job guides, watermanship pamphlets and other publications

Statutory waterways rules

Written and verbal orders and instructions

Buoyancy/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

Pre-start checks of engine

Operating the watercraft may include:

Compliance with waterways rules and regulations

Engine start-up procedures

Holding a marine license from a relevant authority

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

Tidal flats

Time pressure

Undertows

Underwater hazards

Wildlife

Environment includes:

By day or night and under illumination

In all weather conditions

In waters including:

enclosed waters

lakes and dams

non-tidal rivers

open waters

protected harbours

protected waters

tidal flats

tidal rivers

Under a range of water conditions

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, cargo, destination and route, and navigation data is compiled in accordance with standard procedures 
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 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 
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 maintained 
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

DEFEO815A - Operate 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

DEFEO815A - Operate 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: