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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Forecast area weather
   • Synoptic chart is interpreted
   • Information received by weather fax is interpreted
   • Weather reports are obtained and interpreted
   • Observations of weather and cloud formations are made and interpreted
   • Statistical data and observations are used to predict likely weather conditions for a determined period
2. Use information to predict oceanographic conditions
   • Information on ocean current systems is interpreted
   • Nautical publications on tides and currents are used to calculate tidal conditions
   • Wave height and swell forecast is made using available information
   • Potentially dangerous oceanographic conditions are identified and appropriate action is taken to maintain safety of navigation and to minimise risk to safety of vessel
3. Maintain records of weather and oceanographic information and forecasts
   • Statistical data and observations are recorded and filed according to organisational procedures
   • 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
   • Meteorological and nautical publications are updated and stored according to organisational procedures

Required Skills

Required Skills

Calculate tidal conditions

Observe interpret and forecast weather and oceanographic conditions

Read interpret and apply weather and oceanographic information

Select and use shipboard instruments to assist in forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions

Use appropriate nautical publications on tides and currents

Use tide tables to calculate height of tide

Required Knowledge

Air masses and fronts

Basic principles for making meteorological and oceanographic measurements

Characteristics of various weather systems including tropical revolving storms and avoidance of storm centres and the dangerous quadrants

Cloud classifications

Cyclones storms and gales

Effects on navigation and vessel handling of wind currents and bottom topography

Heat exchange process

Ocean currents

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

Pressure systems and cold fronts

Procedures for filing and maintaining weather and oceanographic information

Procedures to be followed during gale conditions and tropical revolving storms

Sea state

Sources of weather and oceanographic information and methods for their interpretation

Synoptic chart analysis

Tide prediction

Tropical revolving storms

Typical problems in forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions

Use of tide tables

Vertical division of the atmosphere

Weather data provided by shipboard instruments

Work health and safety WHSoccupational health and safety OHS requirements and work practices

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria the required skills and knowledge the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements Performance Criteria Required Skills Required Knowledge and include supporting reasons for intended action with statistical data and observations of actual conditions ensuring currency of relevant reference material
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts Resources for assessment include access to industryapproved marine operations site where forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions to plan a safe passage may be conducted tools equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities range of relevant exercises case studies andor other simulated practical and knowledge assessments appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace In both real and simulated environments access is required to relevant and appropriate materials and equipment applicable documentation including workplace procedures regulations codes of practice and operation manuals
Method of assessment	Practical assessment must occur in an appropriately simulated workplace environment andor appropriate range of situations in the workplace A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate to this unit direct observation of the candidate forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions to plan a safe passage direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHSOHS requirements and work practices
Guidance information for assessment	Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language and literacy requirements of the work being performed and the capacity of the candidate

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Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.
Weather conditions must include:	Air masses and fronts Cloud classifications Cyclones, storms and gales Heat exchange process Ocean currents Pressure systems and cold fronts Sea state Synoptic chart analysis Tide prediction Tropical revolving storms Use of tide tables Vertical division of the atmosphere Weather data provided by shipboard instruments
Dangerous oceanographic conditions may include:	Excessively high sea state and swells Ice formations Tornados, tropical revolving storms, hurricanes and gales
Appropriate action may include:	Avoiding storm centres and dangerous quadrants by adjusting course and speed Ensuring all crew and passengers are informed Ensuring all vessel equipment is properly secured Securing cargo and stores Taking action to avoid extreme adverse weather conditions

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