Assessor Resource

MARC019
Transmit and receive information by marine VHF radio within Australian Territorial Waters

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to transmit and receive information by marine very high frequency (VHF) radio on a vessel according to regulations and includes operating an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB).

This unit applies to all boaters using marine VHF radio equipment to transmit and receive information to and from shore and vessel-based operators within Australian Territorial Waters – defined as all waters within 12 nautical miles from the coastal baseline.

This unit is consistent with the requirements of the Radiocommunications (Maritime Ship Station – 27 MHz and VHF) Class Licence 2001.

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 describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Operate VHF radio equipment to transmit and receive messages

1.1

VHF radio equipment is selected for operation within limits of specifications

1.2

VHF radio equipment is operated to transmit and receive various types of signal according to manufacturer instructions, established radio operation procedures and regulatory requirements

1.3

Regulations and procedures applicable to vessel stations equipped with radio and digital selective calling (DSC) facilities are applied during radio communication

1.4

Work health and safety/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) procedures and hazard control strategies are applied when operating radio equipment

2

Access search and rescue VHF radio facilities

2.1

Information that may be required is identified and documented

2.2

Request is made to the appropriate organisation for the provision of the information in the required format and on the correct channel

2.3

Information is provided and received in the required format and on the correct channel

3

Operate an EPIRB in a distress situation

3.1

Routine checks are carried out on EPIRBs to confirm their operational capability according to manufacturer instructions and specifications

3.2

EPIRB is operated according to manufacturer instructions and regulatory requirements

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

accurately and consistently using VHF equipment to send and receive messages and signals under normal and emergency situations according to international and national VHF radio regulations/standards

applying the principles of marine radio and DSC to accurately transmit and receive messages, including distress calls

cancelling an inadvertent Distress Alert or call

carrying out radio communications in compliance with the relevant sections of the maritime provisions of the Radio Regulations adopted by the World Radiocommunication Conference (as amended), including Chapters VII and IX

communicating effectively with other stations by using standard voice procedure, the phonetic alphabet, push to talk (PTT) switch and common radio terminology

deploying an EPIRB

sending and receiving Distress Alerts, and Urgency and Safety announcements by DSC

sending, acknowledging and relaying Distress, Urgency and Safety communications by voice using recognised format

setting up VHF equipment for use including selecting the channel, adjusting transmitter power level, adjusting squelch and using dual watch facility

using correct procedures for transmitting and receiving signals using VHF equipment

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

basic principles of and procedures for marine VHF radio communications

basic understanding of the Australian maritime search and rescue system, including satellite distress beacons

EPIRB frequencies:

406 MHz

121.5/MHz (homing)

marine VHF repeater stations

methods of communicating vessel position

procedures for transmitting and decoding the phonetic alphabet

purpose of monitoring the VHF Channel 70 used for DSC, including an awareness of the procedures used in making a DSC Distress Alert, Urgency and Safety Announcement

sections of relevant regulations related to marine VHF radio communications

VHF radio calling, replying and relaying procedures.

Assessors must satisfy National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (NVR)/Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) assessor requirements.

Assessment must satisfy the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (NVR)/Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) standards.

Assessment must occur in operational situations where it is appropriate to do so or where this is not available, assessment must occur via an online radio simulator or simulated VHF radio communications activities and exercises covering a range of normal and emergency communication situations that are typically experienced on a vessel.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

VHF transceiver equipment – either fixed or handheld, or approved PC based simulator, which includes a DSC facility

documentation such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operational manuals including:

Marine Radio Operators VHF Handbook

Radiocommunications Act 1992 including

Radiocommunications (Maritime Ship Station – 27 MHz and VHF) Class Licence 2001

Relevant State legislation – for carriage requirements

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations.


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 describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Operate VHF radio equipment to transmit and receive messages

1.1

VHF radio equipment is selected for operation within limits of specifications

1.2

VHF radio equipment is operated to transmit and receive various types of signal according to manufacturer instructions, established radio operation procedures and regulatory requirements

1.3

Regulations and procedures applicable to vessel stations equipped with radio and digital selective calling (DSC) facilities are applied during radio communication

1.4

Work health and safety/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) procedures and hazard control strategies are applied when operating radio equipment

2

Access search and rescue VHF radio facilities

2.1

Information that may be required is identified and documented

2.2

Request is made to the appropriate organisation for the provision of the information in the required format and on the correct channel

2.3

Information is provided and received in the required format and on the correct channel

3

Operate an EPIRB in a distress situation

3.1

Routine checks are carried out on EPIRBs to confirm their operational capability according to manufacturer instructions and specifications

3.2

EPIRB is operated according to manufacturer instructions and regulatory requirements

Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Radio communications involves the application of principles of marine radio and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) to accurately transmit and receive messages, including distress calls. Use of correct procedures for transmitting and receiving signals using VHF equipment is required.

Radio communication includes one or more of the following:

Distress, Urgency and Safety communications

normal vessel to vessel service (ship to ship)

normal vessel to shore service (ship to shore)

Organisations with which radio communication may be conducted include one or more of the following:

coast stations

fishing organisations and co-operatives

limited coast stations

private shore stations, including boating clubs

state/territory police forces

Available radio services include one or more of the following:

Automated Weather Stations

DSC

public communications

scheduled broadcasts (skeds)

search and rescue

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

accurately and consistently using VHF equipment to send and receive messages and signals under normal and emergency situations according to international and national VHF radio regulations/standards

applying the principles of marine radio and DSC to accurately transmit and receive messages, including distress calls

cancelling an inadvertent Distress Alert or call

carrying out radio communications in compliance with the relevant sections of the maritime provisions of the Radio Regulations adopted by the World Radiocommunication Conference (as amended), including Chapters VII and IX

communicating effectively with other stations by using standard voice procedure, the phonetic alphabet, push to talk (PTT) switch and common radio terminology

deploying an EPIRB

sending and receiving Distress Alerts, and Urgency and Safety announcements by DSC

sending, acknowledging and relaying Distress, Urgency and Safety communications by voice using recognised format

setting up VHF equipment for use including selecting the channel, adjusting transmitter power level, adjusting squelch and using dual watch facility

using correct procedures for transmitting and receiving signals using VHF equipment

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

basic principles of and procedures for marine VHF radio communications

basic understanding of the Australian maritime search and rescue system, including satellite distress beacons

EPIRB frequencies:

406 MHz

121.5/MHz (homing)

marine VHF repeater stations

methods of communicating vessel position

procedures for transmitting and decoding the phonetic alphabet

purpose of monitoring the VHF Channel 70 used for DSC, including an awareness of the procedures used in making a DSC Distress Alert, Urgency and Safety Announcement

sections of relevant regulations related to marine VHF radio communications

VHF radio calling, replying and relaying procedures.

Assessors must satisfy National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (NVR)/Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) assessor requirements.

Assessment must satisfy the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (NVR)/Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) standards.

Assessment must occur in operational situations where it is appropriate to do so or where this is not available, assessment must occur via an online radio simulator or simulated VHF radio communications activities and exercises covering a range of normal and emergency communication situations that are typically experienced on a vessel.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

VHF transceiver equipment – either fixed or handheld, or approved PC based simulator, which includes a DSC facility

documentation such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operational manuals including:

Marine Radio Operators VHF Handbook

Radiocommunications Act 1992 including

Radiocommunications (Maritime Ship Station – 27 MHz and VHF) Class Licence 2001

Relevant State legislation – for carriage requirements

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations.

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
VHF radio equipment is selected for operation within limits of specifications 
VHF radio equipment is operated to transmit and receive various types of signal according to manufacturer instructions, established radio operation procedures and regulatory requirements 
Regulations and procedures applicable to vessel stations equipped with radio and digital selective calling (DSC) facilities are applied during radio communication 
Work health and safety/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) procedures and hazard control strategies are applied when operating radio equipment 
Information that may be required is identified and documented 
Request is made to the appropriate organisation for the provision of the information in the required format and on the correct channel 
Information is provided and received in the required format and on the correct channel 
Routine checks are carried out on EPIRBs to confirm their operational capability according to manufacturer instructions and specifications 
EPIRB is operated according to manufacturer instructions and regulatory requirements 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MARC019 - Transmit and receive information by marine VHF radio within Australian Territorial Waters
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

MARC019 - Transmit and receive information by marine VHF radio within Australian Territorial Waters

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: