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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare for watercraft operations
  2. Construct improvised watercraft
  3. Operate small watercraft
  4. Recover and restore vessel

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Required Skills

use knots and lashings to secure watercraft

use clear interpersonal communication as operator of the vessel

constantly monitor hazards and apply safety principles to operations

follow instructionsdirectives and report information

participate in team

encourage other team members

use a variety of verbal and nonverbal communication techniques including language style active listening

read and interpret operating instructions

calculate and record number and weight of passengers stores and equipment

Required Knowledge

applicable statutory waterways rules for watercraft operation

local water hazards and environmental conditions

effects of water moving over objects and obstacles

team work

techniques for supporting others

composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members

verbal and nonverbal communication techniques including language style active listening

hasty buoyancyfloatation calculations

Evidence Required

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to safely operate selected small watercraft and improvised flotation craft on various waterways under a range of environmental conditions The operator must demonstrate competency at carrying both equipment and personnel and demonstrate the ability to manage the full range of contingency and emergency actions

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over a time frame that allows for the preparation operation and maintenance of small watercraft and the construction of improvised flotation craft under a range of water operating conditions carrying personnel and cargo

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed under a variety of water operating conditions Evidence should be gathered by observing the individual preparing operating and maintaining small watercraft and improvised flotation craft on a variety of tasks that address all the requirements of the critical aspects of evidence

Specific resources for assessment

The following resources should be made available

watercraft equipment and accessories

materials for constructing improvised flotation craft

equipment appropriate to the task

suitable training areas with access to flowing water

Guidance information for assessment

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA Public Safety Training Package

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.


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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Small watercraft may include

Motorised and non-motorised boats up to five metres in length capable of accommodating a maximum ten personnel and the operator and crewman

Motorised and non-motorised rigid and non-rigid inflatable craft

Powered by outboard motors of up to 40 hp

Motorised and non-motorised bridge and ferry construction craft

Environment include

Under a range of water conditions

In enclosed waters including tidal rivers, protected harbours, non-tidal rivers, lakes and dams

In all weather conditions

By day or night and under illumination

Watercraft operations may include

A float for people operating near, in or over water

Transport of personnel

Support to bridge, ferry and raft operations

Evacuation of personnel, stores and equipment

Searches, rescues

Resupply operations

Support to divers

Providing safety

Operating instructions may include

Number and nature of personnel, including casualties to be transported

Types of general cargo and weights

Details of resupply or evacuation requirements

Access and egress routes

Details of ramps or launching points

Weather forecast

Tidal information

Potential hazards

Details of enemy threat and own force operations

Standard procedures may include

OH&S regulations for water safety

Written and verbal orders and instructions

Procedures manuals, job guides, watermanship pamphlets and other publications

Manufacturer's handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

Statutory waterways rules

Hasty buoyancy/floatation calculations may include

Number and weight of passengers within load limits

Weight of stores and equipment within load units

Freeboard when loaded within load limits

Equipment to be used may include

Vehicles and equipment used to transport boats

Safety equipment that may be required under state/territory legislation or standard procedures

Items of stores and equipment

Appropriate rescue and recovery equipment

Personal protective equipment such as life jackets

Shore preparation may include

Positioning vessel on ramp or launching site

Equipment checks

Assembly for launch

Loading of stores and equipment

Pre-start checks of engine

Improvised flotation craft may include

Inflatable, rigid body or improvised watercraft constructed of timber, drums, canvas, inflatable tubes or any combination

Operating the watercraft may include

Engine start-up procedures

Compliance with waterways rules and regulations

Moving at a safe speed consistent with the conditions

Navigating to destination

Hazards and environmental conditions may include

Adverse weather

Wildlife

Fast flowing streams and near still waters

Undertows

Eddies

Floating and submerged debris and snags

Underwater hazards

Reduced visibility due to after dark operations

Fog or drizzle

Heat and cold

Time pressure

Contingency and emergency drills may include

Action on capsize

Man overboard drills

Towing disabled vessels

Diagnosing and rectifying minor engine faults

Propeller replacement

Fire drills

Abandon ship drills

Use of oars/improvised oars

Use of improvised rudder

Use of sail