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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. Establish working systems and procedures
  2. Assign resources and allocate duties
  3. Manage personnel

Range Statement

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

Applicable procedures and codes must include:

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

ISM Code

relevant international, commonwealth, state and territory work health and safety/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) legislation

relevant sections of AMSA Marine Orders

relevant sections of the IMO STCW including the Manila Amendments

Documentation/records include one or more of the following:

AMSA Marine Orders

company procedures

ICS Bridge Procedures Guide

IMO STCW including the Manila Amendments

International Safety Management (ISM) Code safety management system plans, procedures, checklists and instructions

navigational charts

operational orders

vessel log

Factors to be taken into account when establishing watchkeeping arrangements include one or more of the following:

attention necessary when navigating in or near traffic separation schemes or other routeing measures

bridge or engine room must never be left unattended

operational status of bridge/engine room instrumentation, controls and alarms

professional competency and experience of vessel officers and crew and their familiarity with the vessel’s equipment, procedures and manoeuvring capability

provision of unmanned machinery space (UMS) controls, alarms and indicators

proximity of navigational hazards

size of the vessel and the field of vision available from the conning position

traffic density and other activities occurring in the area in which the vessel is navigating

unusual demands on the watch arising from operational conditions

use and operational condition of navigational aids

weather and sea conditions, visibility and whether there is daylight or darkness

whether the vessel is fitted with an automatic steering system

whether there are radio duties to be performed

Fatigue management strategies include one or more of the following:

appropriate dietary habits

arranging to take a break when symptoms of fatigue are identified

avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol prior to watchkeeping duties

maintaining personal fitness and health

recognition of symptoms of fatigue

Watchkeeping principles (as described in AMSA Marine Orders) must include:

all necessary precautions must be taken to avoid polluting the marine environment

assistance must be available to be summoned to the bridge or engine room if required by a change in the vessel’s situation

duties of look-out and/or helmsman must be kept separate

look-out must give full attention to keeping a proper look-out and must not be given other duties which could interfere with the task

proper look-out must be maintained at all times


Performance Evidence

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:

applying principles of resource management

applying relevant work health and safety/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) requirements and work practices

assessing competency and experience of vessel officers and crew, and their suitability for specific roles

assisting team members to develop and maintain the required level of competency

communicating effectively with others on issues, arrangements and requirements

demonstrating effective leadership and management skills

developing and implementing operating procedures

establishing and maintaining appropriate internal and external communication systems

establishing and managing operations on an operational commercial vessel in an appropriate range of contexts

identifying and evaluating problems and determining appropriate courses of action

investigating and arbitrating shipboard conflicts

monitoring arrangements and taking appropriate action where there is an identified breach of established arrangements, regulations or procedures

planning and coordinating timelines, tasks, prioritisation and workload

reading, interpreting and applying instructions, procedures and information relevant to procedures and responsibilities

recognising and interpreting signs of fatigue among crew and initiating appropriate action.


Knowledge Evidence

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:

cultural differences and how to deal with them

effective decision-making techniques

fatigue management principles and techniques

functions and responsibilities of shipboard personnel management and training

importance of situation awareness to decision making

related international maritime conventions, recommendations, and national legislation

resource management principles including:

allocation, assignment and prioritisation of resources

effective communication onboard and ashore

assertiveness and leadership, including motivation

obtaining and maintaining situational awareness

consideration of team experience, including decisions that reflect team experiences

ways of assessing the current competency of vessel officers and crew, and their familiarity with the vessel’s equipment, procedures, and manoeuvring capability

WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.