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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Interpret weather and oceanographic information
   • Ocean and weather conditions are observed and interpreted
   • Measurements of current local, meteorological and oceanographic parameters are made and recorded using appropriate shipboard instruments
   • Weather charts and satellite images are acquired and interpreted
   • Weather reports are obtained and interpreted
2. Use information to predict local weather and oceanographic conditions
   • Forecasts of local weather and oceanographic conditions are correctly made using available information
   • Wave height and swell forecast is made using available information
   • Effects of local topographical features on wind flow and weather conditions are estimated using available information
   • Potentially dangerous conditions are identified and appropriate action is taken to secure vessel
3. Maintain records of weather and oceanographic information and forecasts
   • Weather and oceanographic information and forecasts are recorded and filed according to organisational procedures
   • Action on vessel operations initiated as a result of weather and oceanographic forecasts is documented according to organisational procedures
   • Meteorological charts, publications and related documentation are updated and stored 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.
Ocean and weather conditions must include:	air masses and fronts cloud classifications cyclones, storms and gales ocean currents pressure systems and cold fronts sea state tide prediction
Shipboard instruments include one or more of the following:	barograph barometers equipment for receiving weather maps and forecasts wet and dry bulb thermometers
Appropriate action includes one or more of the following:	avoiding storm centres and dangerous quadrants by adjusting course and speed ensuring all vessel equipment is properly secured taking action to avoid extreme adverse weather conditions

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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:

ensuring currency of relevant reference material

observing, interpreting and forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions

reading, interpreting and applying weather and oceanographic information

recognising problems that may occur when interpreting weather and oceanographic information

selecting and using shipboard instruments to assist in forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions

supporting reasons for intended action with statistical data and observations of actual conditions

using tide tables to calculate height of tide.

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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 for making meteorological and oceanographic measurements

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

heat exchange process

principles and procedures of weather forecasting using information obtained from observations, charts, satellite images, reports and instruments

procedures for filing and maintaining weather and oceanographic information

procedures to be followed during gale conditions and tropical revolving storms

sources of weather and oceanographic information, and methods for their interpretation

topographical effects on wind flow

typical problems in forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions

vertical division of the atmosphere

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

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