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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

Obtain weather information
Apply weather data to safe navigation
- Weather condition hazards relevant to a proposed voyage are identified using relevant forecasts based on interpretation of meteorological observations, reports and measurements
- Voyage is modified as required to take into account weather and water condition hazards according to established navigational practice and operational instructions
Maintain records of weather and oceanographic information
- Meteorological measurements, observations, reports and forecasts are recorded and stored according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
- Actions taken to maintain safety of navigation and to minimise risk to safety of vessel as a result of weather and oceanographic forecasts, are documented according to organisational procedures

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.
Sources include one or more of the following:	charts instruments observations reports satellite images

Documentation include one or more of the following:	meteorological publications navigational charts of inland waterways notices and instructions of relevant maritime authorities operational orders organisational procedures relevant sections of state and territory marine regulations, National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) and Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code vessel log vessel manufacturer instructions and recommended procedures weather reports, charts and satellite images

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:

completing required records and documentation

identifying and evaluating weather forecasting problems and determining appropriate solutions

navigating under a range of conditions (day and night, clear visibility and restricted visibility)

reading, interpreting and applying weather information

recognising problems that may occur when interpreting and applying weather information to navigation and taking appropriate action

selecting and using relevant instruments and equipment according to instructions

using relevant communication skills when navigating a small vessel as Master

using weather forecasts to ensure safe navigation.

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:

basic principles and procedures interpreting meteorological information

effects on navigation and vessel handling of wind, currents and bottom topography

maritime communication techniques

meteorological and oceanographic parameters:

atmospheric pressure

pressure gradient and isobar patterns

air temperature

relative humidity

visibility (in conditions of fog, mist, rain and snow)

problems in forecasting weather information to navigate a vessel and appropriate action and solutions

procedures for applying forecast of likely weather and water conditions to the development of a typical voyage

procedures to be followed during gale conditions and cyclones, including the means of securing a vessel in a cyclone mooring

principles of weather forecasting using information obtained from observations, reports and instruments, including:

vertical division of the atmosphere

air masses and fronts

cloud classifications

heat exchange process

synoptic chart analysis

pressure systems, cold and warm fronts

cyclones, storms and gales

tropical meteorology

sources of weather data

relevant sections of state and territory regulations, National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) and Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code dealing with responsibilities of a Master Inland Waters

sources of weather reports and methods for their interpretation.