The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to deal with boating emergencies and incidents including the use of safety equipment, raising alarm and assisting others in distress.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling associated with a marine environment, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

correctly using safety equipment

delegating skills

communicating

using leadership skills

applying first aid

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

range of safety equipment

common emergency actions

types of boating emergency incidents and situations

boating legislation, regulations and rules

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Briefing

Briefing information may include:

vessel operation

personnel assessment such as swimming skills, boating knowledge, medication and dietary requirements

location and use of safety equipment

emergency procedures

abandoning procedures

Emergency

Emergencies may include:

fire (smoke or heat)

grounding

person overboard

person retrieval from water

capsize

swamping

sinking

engine/motor breakdown or malfunction

fouled propeller

anchoring

flooding

lost

injuries/illness

hypothermia

lack of fuel

contaminated fuel

Distress signals

Distress signals may include:

pyrotechnic distress flares

flags

radio

hand signals

dye markers

International Code Signal of Distress

sound signal including voice

EPIRB

V-sheet

reflective mirror

light signals

mobile phone

Preparation for abandoning

Preparation for abandoning includes:

brief on-board personnel

take drinking water

don of life jackets

identify location of vessel

communicate to rescuers actions taken or to be taken

assess and ensure readiness of life rafts/life rings

activate EPIRB

identify and collect emergency equipment, provisions and clothing

deploy anchor or sea anchor