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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Review cargo plan
  2. Prepare for loading
  3. Supervise loading/ unloading of cargo
  4. Monitor care of cargo during voyage

Range Statement

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.

Cargo plan must include:

cargo weight

correct description and stowage of hazardous and dangerous goods

description of cargo to be loaded

load/discharge port

segregation of non compatible cargo

stowage of refrigerated containers

Incompatible cargo stowage includes one or more of the following:

cargo liable to taint

dangerous and hazardous goods

Hazardous materials/dangerous goods includes one or more of the following:

any cargo described in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code as hazardous or dangerous

Cargo includes one or more of the following:

bulk cargo

containerised cargo

deck cargo

heavy lift cargo

liquid cargo

refrigerated cargo

any other material, equipment or machinery that may be safely handled and stowed on vessel

Cargo handling documentation includes one or more of the following:

cargo gear register

cargo receipts

Cargo Securing Manual

logbook entries

Note of Protest

Notice of Readiness to load or discharge

operation orders and instructions

safety data sheets (SDS)/material safety data sheets (MSDS)

safety management system relating to cargo carriage

ship/shore safety checklists

Actions required to maintain the wellbeing of cargo include one or more of the following:

maintaining adequate ventilation

monitoring cargo spaces

temperature control of refrigerated or cooled cargo

Defects or damage to cargo include one or more of the following:

damage caused by cargo movement

deterioration of perishable cargo

water ingress


Performance Evidence

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

carrying out cargo operations according to cargo plan or other documents and established safety rule/regulations, equipment operating instructions and shipboard stowage limitations

establishing and maintaining effective communications during loading and unloading

handling dangerous, hazardous and harmful cargo to comply with international regulations, recognised standards and codes of safe practice

identifying and solving problems associated with loading, unloading, stowage and care of cargo

initiating timely action in response to defects or damage

monitoring and anticipating problems and risks associated with loading, unloading, stowage and care of cargo

monitoring use of equipment in loading, unloading, stowage and care of cargo

reading, interpreting and applying instructions, regulations, procedures and information associated with loading, unloading, stowage and care of cargo.


Knowledge Evidence

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

ballast management issues and procedures

cargo handling documentation requirements

cargo lifting equipment and safe working loads

container position numbering

effect of cargo, including heavy lifts, on the seaworthiness and stability of the vessel

effects of different types of cargo operations on vessel trim and stability

effects on cargo handling of sea conditions, wind and weather

effects on stability during loading and discharging operations including heeling moments from gear and loads

methods of caring for various types of cargo

methods of handling various types of cargo

operational characteristics of different types of shipboard and terminal-based cargo handling equipment and facilities

principles of cargo care

procedures for carrying out calculations involving weights, capacities, stowage factors

relevant sections of applicable maritime regulations

relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and cargo handling legislation, codes of practice, policies and procedures

safe handling, stowage and securing of cargo including dangerous, hazardous and harmful cargo, and their effect on the safety of life and the vessel

standard stowage position numbering systems used on container vessels

typical cargo handling problems and hazards, and appropriate preventative and remedial actions and solutions

typical types and sizes of shipping containers

usual methods of container packing, loading and discharging, stowage, dunnaging

various types of cargo likely to be carried; their peculiar characteristics, liability to damage, decay or deterioration; their measurements, hazards and problems; appropriate preventative and remedial action and solutions

ways of restricting vessel stress levels within permitted levels within permitted limits during loading/discharging cargo.