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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Interpret information from a weather map.
  2. Collect, record and interpret weather conditions in a specific marine region.
  3. Interpret weather and environmental information for aquatic activities at a specific marine location.

Required Skills

Required skills

planning and organising skills to

collect weather and environmental information at regular intervals

record and interpret weather and environmental information

justify suitability and safety of an activity area

problemsolving skills to

determine the impact of meteorological data on planned activities

predict and anticipate weather for a specific marine environment

compare the differences between various weather attributes

literacy and numeracy skills to

interpret and analyse weather and environment information

record weather data patterns

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of weather interpretation activities

map types and symbols to predict weather for a specific marine area

differences between general and marine forecasts to anticipate additional hazards and risks

methods of predicting and forecasting weather to determine its impact on recreational marine activities

influence of cloud types local air masses seasons topography and landforms on the weather and the implications of these on marine activities

methods of recording weather data to identify patterns and apply this information to plan safe marine activities

life threatening marine weather hazards and their possible impact on recreational marine activities

factors affecting global regional and local climatic conditions and the impact of these on marine activities

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

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

Evidence of the following is essential

makes weather predictions for a marine area using weather maps and forecasts and identifies the difference between general and marine forecasts

assesses the short and long term implications of meteorological data on a specific marine activity

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure interpretation of weather signs in a variety of weather conditions in marine locations on multiple occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

meteorological data to read and interpret

a marine activity environment in which to conduct weather interpretation activities

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the impact of meteorological data on planned activities

observation of interpreting weather for a specific marine environment using information gained from weather maps predictions and forecasts

portfolio of weather predictions covering five day periods

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing performance

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

Activityspecific units relevant to participation in aquatic outdoor recreation activities such as sea kayaking surfing personal water craft riding and SCUBA diving


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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Map types may include:

prognosis maps

analysis maps.

Symbols may include:

cyclones

anti-cyclones

depressions

highs

troughs

ridges

frontal bands

isobars.

Conditions may include:

cloud cover

wind direction, speed and strength

barometric pressure

precipitation type and intensity

wave direction and size

sunshine trends and duration

temperature range and intensity

humidity trends.

Information may include:

cloud cover

wind direction and speed

barometric pressure

precipitation type and intensity

wave size and form.

Cloud types may include:

cirrus

stratus

cumulus

nimbus.

Data may include:

cloud cover

wind direction and speed

barometric pressure

precipitation type and intensity

wave size and form.

Patterns may include:

wind direction and speed

precipitation form and distribution

sunshine trends and duration

temperature range and intensity

humidity trends

anticyclones

depressions.

Landforms may include:

mountain ranges

large bodies of water

valleys

coastlines

islands.

Limitations may include:

duration of the activity

intensity of activity

exposure to prevailing conditions

proximity to land and or sheltered water

ability of individual and or group

type of craft and or activity.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

risk management

minimal impact environmental codes

code of ethics.

Weather hazards in a marine environment may include:

floods

cyclones

tidal waves

electrical storms

offshore winds, tides, currents.

Marine activities may include:

sea kayaking

surfing

surf kayaking

wind surfing

sailing

SCUBA diving

snorkelling

personal water craft riding

coastal land travel.