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.