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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for tug boat operations
   • 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.
2. Drive tug boat
   • 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.
3. Manoeuvre pontoon using tug boat
   • 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.
4. Recover and restore tug boat
   • 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.
5. Prepare for tug boat operations
   • 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.
6. Drive tug boat
   • 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.
7. Manoeuvre pontoon using tug boat
   • 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.
8. Recover and restore tug boat
   • 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.

Performance Evidence

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

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Knowledge Evidence

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

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