Assessor Resource

DEFSEN002
Operate a sonar system

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills required to operate a sonar system. It includes the requirement to configure the system, build and maintain the continuous collection, and collate and analyse information to track existing contacts or identify new contacts. This activity could continue for a prolonged period, requiring the operator to hand over effectively to another operator.

This unit was developed for Sensor Operators working within Defence 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.

Those undertaking this unit would work as part of a team, under supervision, while performing routine tasks in a broad range of contexts and environments. They use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their output.

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. Configure sonar system

1.1 Confirm sonar system serviceability (daily system operability tests [DSOTs]) and report any faults to supervisor.

1.2 Optimise sonar display for operator use.

1.3 Optimise system in line with the environmental conditions.

1.4 Use environmental tools such as expendable bathythermograph or tactical environment support system.

2. Compile and maintain a sonar picture

2.1 Identify, track and discriminate between sonar contacts by collecting, collating and analysing information.

2.2 Collect acoustic information from other sensors/sources.

2.3 Report, display and disseminate sonar contact details to stakeholders.

2.4 Respond to threats.

2.5 Report problems beyond own capability to supervisor.

3. Finalise operations

3.1 Cease or transfer sonar system operation to new operator as directed by supervisor.

3.2 Secure and stow system.

3.3 Secure and stow documentation.

3.4 Report to supervisor on completion.

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.

calculating range predictions

interpreting environmental data

optimising sonar equipment

completing a minimum of ten hours of sonar systems operations, of which a minimum of three hours is contact time on a submerged contact (live or simulated)

working within one’s delegated authority

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.

basic oceanography theory

sonar organisation

sonar records

sonar systems

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

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. Configure sonar system

1.1 Confirm sonar system serviceability (daily system operability tests [DSOTs]) and report any faults to supervisor.

1.2 Optimise sonar display for operator use.

1.3 Optimise system in line with the environmental conditions.

1.4 Use environmental tools such as expendable bathythermograph or tactical environment support system.

2. Compile and maintain a sonar picture

2.1 Identify, track and discriminate between sonar contacts by collecting, collating and analysing information.

2.2 Collect acoustic information from other sensors/sources.

2.3 Report, display and disseminate sonar contact details to stakeholders.

2.4 Respond to threats.

2.5 Report problems beyond own capability to supervisor.

3. Finalise operations

3.1 Cease or transfer sonar system operation to new operator as directed by supervisor.

3.2 Secure and stow system.

3.3 Secure and stow documentation.

3.4 Report to supervisor on completion.

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.

calculating range predictions

interpreting environmental data

optimising sonar equipment

completing a minimum of ten hours of sonar systems operations, of which a minimum of three hours is contact time on a submerged contact (live or simulated)

working within one’s delegated authority

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.

basic oceanography theory

sonar organisation

sonar records

sonar systems

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

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
Confirm sonar system serviceability (daily system operability tests [DSOTs]) and report any faults to supervisor. 
Optimise sonar display for operator use. 
Optimise system in line with the environmental conditions. 
Use environmental tools such as expendable bathythermograph or tactical environment support system. 
Identify, track and discriminate between sonar contacts by collecting, collating and analysing information. 
Collect acoustic information from other sensors/sources. 
Report, display and disseminate sonar contact details to stakeholders. 
Respond to threats. 
Report problems beyond own capability to supervisor. 
Cease or transfer sonar system operation to new operator as directed by supervisor. 
Secure and stow system. 
Secure and stow documentation. 
Report to supervisor on completion. 
Confirm sonar system serviceability (daily system operability tests [DSOTs]) and report any faults to supervisor. 
Optimise sonar display for operator use. 
Optimise system in line with the environmental conditions. 
Use environmental tools such as expendable bathythermograph or tactical environment support system. 
Identify, track and discriminate between sonar contacts by collecting, collating and analysing information. 
Collect acoustic information from other sensors/sources. 
Report, display and disseminate sonar contact details to stakeholders. 
Respond to threats. 
Report problems beyond own capability to supervisor. 
Cease or transfer sonar system operation to new operator as directed by supervisor. 
Secure and stow system. 
Secure and stow documentation. 
Report to supervisor on completion. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

DEFSEN002 - Operate a sonar system
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

DEFSEN002 - Operate a sonar system

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: