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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Operate GMDSS subsystems and equipment to send and receive messages
  2. Maintain radio equipment
  3. Provide radio services during emergencies
  4. Maintain records

Required Skills

Required Skills

Apply WHSOHS procedures when operating GMDSS subsystems and equipment

Communicate effectively with others when using GMDSS subsystems and equipment

Conduct operational checks on GMDSS subsystems and equipment

Keep records of radio communications

Operate GMDSS subsystems and equipment according to manufacturer instructions

Read and interpret instructions for the use of GMDSS subsystems and equipment

Recognise typical faults with GMDSS subsystems and equipment and take appropriate action

Use the phonetic alphabet

Required Knowledge

Basic principles and features of marine radio communications including correct use of frequencies frequency bands and modes of emission frequencies for routine call and reply distress urgency and safety communication definition of coverage and sea areas for digital selective calling DSC radio calling replying and relaying procedures purpose of silence periods when operating radio equipment limitations on the performance of different types of marine radio equipment purpose for and procedures for the monitoring of calling and working frequencies methods of communicating vessel position

Different types of marine radio equipment their features applications operating characteristics and operating procedures

Hazards associated with radio transmission and the repair and maintenance of radio equipment and related hazard control measures

International and national radio regulations applicable to mobile marine communication

Maintenance strategies and requirements for GMDSS equipment as defined in SOLAS and Radio Regulations

Means to prevent the transmission of false distress alerts

Operational checks including checking radio performance testing fuses measuring capacity of batteries and the specific gravity of the electrolyte measuring on and off load voltage

Principles of radio propagation including basic propagation mechanisms at LF MF HF and VHF maximum user frequency MUF optimum working frequency OWF frequency bands classes of emission duplex simplex paired frequencies and ITU channels

Procedures for

keeping records of radio communication

transmitting and decoding the phonetic alphabet excluding the figure code

using various GMDSS systems and services including Inmarsat services B C M and E Enhanced Group Calling system EGC DSC facilities and usage EGC receiver MSI services NAVTEXT system SafetyNET system

Prohibitions on connecting nonGMDSS equipment

Radio communication problems and appropriate actions and solutions

Radio equipment faults defects and related fault finding techniques

Requirements of ship reporting systems

Types applications and features of basic antenna systems used in marine radio communications

Use of radio medical services

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

ensuring currency of relevant legislative and regulatory knowledge

attention to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping

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 transmitting and receiving information by GMDSS subsystems and equipment can 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 transmitting and receiving information by GMDSS subsystems and equipment

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


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.

GMDSS communication equipment must include:

Antennas

Batteries

Digital selective calling (DSC) equipment

ECG receiver

Electrical and radio cable connections

Electrical fuses

Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)

Medium frequency/high frequency (MF/HF)equipment

Navtext receiver

Search and rescue transmitter (SART)

Very high frequency (VHF) equipment

Regulations must include:

IMO STCW 95 Code concerning radio communication

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Marine Orders

SOLAS Convention

ITU Regulations

Routine maintenance checks may include:

Battery level checks

Equipment testing

Emergencies may include:

Abandon ship

Assisting vessels in distress

Fire on board ship

Partial or full breakdown of radio installations

Rescuing persons from the water

Records may include:

Radio communication log

Records of radio communication