Assessor Resource

DEFMIL084
Operate an inland tug boat

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit describes the skills required to operate an inland tug boat, specifically a purpose built motorised vessel up to ten metres in length capable of manoeuvring pontoons and rafts, with a maximum of five crew. It covers the operation of the tug while towing/pushing unloaded pontoons of up to thirty ton. The watercraft will normally be driven in an environment of protected or inland waterways, while conducting a range of tasks including transporting 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.

To operate an inland tug boat, relevant state/territory and Commonwealth licensing requirements must be met.

This unit was developed for combat engineer personnel required to operate an inland tug boat in a deployed operational environment, but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

The individual will usually operate the boat independently or under indirect supervision and may command a crew of up to five persons. The individual must demonstrate sound judgement in the use of authority, and where possible, work within the existing lines of authority. They use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs while performing routine tasks in a broad range of unpredictable contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

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



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.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Prepare for tug boat operations

1.1 Interpret operating instructions to determine the task, the cargo, the destination and route, and compile navigation data.

1.2 Check cargo weight is within the safe operating limit of the craft and complete manifests to ensure passengers and cargo are safe to move.

1.3 Check equipment for serviceability and replace or reject and report unserviceable items.

1.4 Conduct shore preparation and prepare watercraft for launch and watercraft operations.

1.5 Select and wear personal protective equipment.

2. Drive tug boat

2.1 Brief passengers and crew on safety issues prior to embarking.

2.2 Launch tug in accordance with local conditions.

2.3 Load and trim tug to ensure safety of crew and craft.

2.4 Drive tug consistent with hazards and environmental conditions.

2.5 Provide directions to passengers in order to maintain safety and efficient boat operation.

2.6 Conduct contingency and emergency drills to minimise threat to personnel and equipment.

3. Manoeuvre pontoon using tug boat

3.1 Direct crew to assist with securing and manoeuvring of pontoon.

3.2 Capture, secure and control uncontrolled pontoons.

3.3 Manoeuvre and assemble pontoons.

3.4 Comply with supervisor’s directions/commands to control the movement and momentum of the pontoon.

4. Recover and restore tug boat

4.1 Disembark personnel and unload equipment.

4.2 Recover tug from a ramp or expedient landing site.

4.3 Check tug and associated equipment for serviceability, clean and service, report defects and complete documentation.

4.4 Complete debriefings.

4.5 Complete post activity reports and documentation.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

applying launch and recovery procedures

applying pre start, start and stop procedures

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

capturing and controlling free launched pontoons without damage to equipment

monitoring hazards and applying safety principles to operations

reading and interpreting navigation charts

using clear interpersonal communication as operator of the vessel

using communications equipment

using knots and lashings to secure watercraft

providing directions to personnel within the boat concerning specific safety matters such as seating, movement and actions on incidents such as ‘man overboard’ and ‘capsize’

managing the contingency and emergency drills:

abandon ship drills

action on capsize

diagnosing and rectifying minor engine faults

fire drills

man overboard drills

propeller replacement

towing vessels

use of improvised rudder

use of oars/improvised oars

manoeuvring a pontoon, with a minimum weight of five ton, by:

towing

pushing

effectively directing crew

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

anchorage methods and systems

applicable statutory waterways rules for watercraft operation

boat orders

boat specific safety requirements and fire suppressant system

complete equipment schedule list and locations

controls and indicators

effects of water moving over objects and obstacles

emergency procedures

environmental hazards of refuelling over water

forces acting on boats

hasty buoyancy/floatation calculations

launch and recovery procedures

legal responsibilities

methods for towing/pushing pontoons

methods of connection/securing to pontoons

night operation constraints

operating boundaries

pre start, start, stop procedures

Competency should be demonstrated over a time frame that allows for the preparation, launch, recovery, driving and maintenance of watercraft under a range of water operating conditions carrying personnel and cargo.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.


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.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Prepare for tug boat operations

1.1 Interpret operating instructions to determine the task, the cargo, the destination and route, and compile navigation data.

1.2 Check cargo weight is within the safe operating limit of the craft and complete manifests to ensure passengers and cargo are safe to move.

1.3 Check equipment for serviceability and replace or reject and report unserviceable items.

1.4 Conduct shore preparation and prepare watercraft for launch and watercraft operations.

1.5 Select and wear personal protective equipment.

2. Drive tug boat

2.1 Brief passengers and crew on safety issues prior to embarking.

2.2 Launch tug in accordance with local conditions.

2.3 Load and trim tug to ensure safety of crew and craft.

2.4 Drive tug consistent with hazards and environmental conditions.

2.5 Provide directions to passengers in order to maintain safety and efficient boat operation.

2.6 Conduct contingency and emergency drills to minimise threat to personnel and equipment.

3. Manoeuvre pontoon using tug boat

3.1 Direct crew to assist with securing and manoeuvring of pontoon.

3.2 Capture, secure and control uncontrolled pontoons.

3.3 Manoeuvre and assemble pontoons.

3.4 Comply with supervisor’s directions/commands to control the movement and momentum of the pontoon.

4. Recover and restore tug boat

4.1 Disembark personnel and unload equipment.

4.2 Recover tug from a ramp or expedient landing site.

4.3 Check tug and associated equipment for serviceability, clean and service, report defects and complete documentation.

4.4 Complete debriefings.

4.5 Complete post activity reports and documentation.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

applying launch and recovery procedures

applying pre start, start and stop procedures

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

capturing and controlling free launched pontoons without damage to equipment

monitoring hazards and applying safety principles to operations

reading and interpreting navigation charts

using clear interpersonal communication as operator of the vessel

using communications equipment

using knots and lashings to secure watercraft

providing directions to personnel within the boat concerning specific safety matters such as seating, movement and actions on incidents such as ‘man overboard’ and ‘capsize’

managing the contingency and emergency drills:

abandon ship drills

action on capsize

diagnosing and rectifying minor engine faults

fire drills

man overboard drills

propeller replacement

towing vessels

use of improvised rudder

use of oars/improvised oars

manoeuvring a pontoon, with a minimum weight of five ton, by:

towing

pushing

effectively directing crew

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

anchorage methods and systems

applicable statutory waterways rules for watercraft operation

boat orders

boat specific safety requirements and fire suppressant system

complete equipment schedule list and locations

controls and indicators

effects of water moving over objects and obstacles

emergency procedures

environmental hazards of refuelling over water

forces acting on boats

hasty buoyancy/floatation calculations

launch and recovery procedures

legal responsibilities

methods for towing/pushing pontoons

methods of connection/securing to pontoons

night operation constraints

operating boundaries

pre start, start, stop procedures

Competency should be demonstrated over a time frame that allows for the preparation, launch, recovery, driving and maintenance of watercraft under a range of water operating conditions carrying personnel and cargo.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

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
Interpret operating instructions to determine the task, the cargo, the destination and route, and compile navigation data. 
Check cargo weight is within the safe operating limit of the craft and complete manifests to ensure passengers and cargo are safe to move. 
Check equipment for serviceability and replace or reject and report unserviceable items. 
Conduct shore preparation and prepare watercraft for launch and watercraft operations. 
Select and wear personal protective equipment. 
Brief passengers and crew on safety issues prior to embarking. 
Launch tug in accordance with local conditions. 
Load and trim tug to ensure safety of crew and craft. 
Drive tug consistent with hazards and environmental conditions. 
Provide directions to passengers in order to maintain safety and efficient boat operation. 
Conduct contingency and emergency drills to minimise threat to personnel and equipment. 
Direct crew to assist with securing and manoeuvring of pontoon. 
Capture, secure and control uncontrolled pontoons. 
Manoeuvre and assemble pontoons. 
Comply with supervisor’s directions/commands to control the movement and momentum of the pontoon. 
Disembark personnel and unload equipment. 
Recover tug from a ramp or expedient landing site. 
Check tug and associated equipment for serviceability, clean and service, report defects and complete documentation. 
Complete debriefings. 
Complete post activity reports and documentation. 
Interpret operating instructions to determine the task, the cargo, the destination and route, and compile navigation data. 
Check cargo weight is within the safe operating limit of the craft and complete manifests to ensure passengers and cargo are safe to move. 
Check equipment for serviceability and replace or reject and report unserviceable items. 
Conduct shore preparation and prepare watercraft for launch and watercraft operations. 
Select and wear personal protective equipment. 
Brief passengers and crew on safety issues prior to embarking. 
Launch tug in accordance with local conditions. 
Load and trim tug to ensure safety of crew and craft. 
Drive tug consistent with hazards and environmental conditions. 
Provide directions to passengers in order to maintain safety and efficient boat operation. 
Conduct contingency and emergency drills to minimise threat to personnel and equipment. 
Direct crew to assist with securing and manoeuvring of pontoon. 
Capture, secure and control uncontrolled pontoons. 
Manoeuvre and assemble pontoons. 
Comply with supervisor’s directions/commands to control the movement and momentum of the pontoon. 
Disembark personnel and unload equipment. 
Recover tug from a ramp or expedient landing site. 
Check tug and associated equipment for serviceability, clean and service, report defects and complete documentation. 
Complete debriefings. 
Complete post activity reports and documentation. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

DEFMIL084 - Operate an inland tug boat
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

DEFMIL084 - Operate an inland tug boat

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: