AURRGA001
Launch and recover vessels using a trailer


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes required to use a trailer to launch and recover a motor-driven vessel in an estuary or seaway. It involves preparing for the task, conducting a vessel pre-launch safety inspection, launching the vessel into the water, and recovering the vessel from the water.

It applies to those working in the marine service and repair industry. The vessels are those up to 10 metres in length with a maximum beam of 2.5 metres.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit in some jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant regulatory authority.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance Criteria

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold and italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Prepare to launch vessel

1.1 Job requirements are determined from workplace instructions

1.2 Tools and equipment are selected and checked for serviceability

1.3 Weather, tides and launch site are checked for safe launch conditions

1.4 Hazards associated with the work are identified and risks are managed

2. Conduct pre-launch safety inspection

2.1 Vessel safety equipment is audited

2.2 Vessel systems and components are checked for seaworthiness, and compliance with manufacturer specifications and applicable state and territory regulations

2.3 Trailer is checked for compliance with manufacturer specifications and applicable state and territory regulations

2.4 Systems and components that fail the vessel and trailer check are recorded, and supervisor and owner are notified

3. Launch vessel

3.1 Vehicle is manoeuvred to position trailer in suitable depth of water on launch site according to manufacturer and workplace procedures and safety requirements

3.2 Vessel is tethered to trailer using suitable rope and knots

3.3 Winch mechanism is operated, safety chain removed, and vessel allowed to slide from trailer according to manufacturer and workplace procedures, safety requirements, and state and territory marine safety laws

3.4 Vessel is moved from launch site to safe area in water according to state and territory marine safety laws

3.5 Vehicle and trailer are parked in a suitable area

4. Recover vessel

4.1 Vehicle is manoeuvred to position trailer in suitable depth of water on launch site according to state and territory marine safety laws

4.2 Detachable trailer fixtures are removed and trailer retrieval guide poles fitted as required

4.3 Vessel is manoeuvred into recovery area and aligned with trailer guides and rollers

4.4 Vessel is tethered to trailer using suitable rope and knots

4.5 Winch mechanism is operated and vessel is pulled on to trailer without causing damage to vessel or trailer

4.6 Vessel is secured to trailer according to manufacturer specifications and applicable state and territory regulations

Evidence of Performance

Before competency can be determined, individuals must demonstrate they can perform the following according to the standards defined in this unit’s elements, performance criteria, range of conditions and foundation skills:

launch and recover two different vessels of up to 10 metres in length with a maximum beam of 2.5 metres, from different trailers.


Evidence of Knowledge

Individuals must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to launching and recovering vessels using a trailer, including procedures for:

selecting and using personal protective equipment (PPE), including personal flotation devices

working safely with rope, chain and steel cables

tare weight, gross vehicle mass and aggregate trailer mass regulations relating to trailer weights on single, dual and tri-axle trailers

pre-launch inspection procedures, including inspection procedures for:

vessel safety equipment, including:

life jackets

anchors

bailer or fire bucket and lanyard

bilge pump

compass

distress flares

emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)

fire extinguisher

map

marine radio

paddles and oars

safety and capacity labels

sound signals

drinking water

waterproof torch

hulls and fittings

trailers, including trailer winch mechanisms

state or territory legislation, regulations, marine safety laws, standards and codes of practice relating to marine launch sites

vessel launching and recovery procedures, including:

methods of determining water depth required for vessel flotation

type, application and operation of trailer winches

rope knots applicable to launching and recovering vessels

methods of securing vessels to trailers.


Assessment Conditions

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessment must include direct observation of tasks.

Where assessment of competency includes third-party evidence, individuals must provide evidence that links them to the vessels that they have launched and recovered using a trailer, e.g. repair orders.

Assessors must verify performance evidence through questioning on skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.

The following resources must be made available:

launch site at an estuary or seaway

two different vessels as specified in the performance evidence on different trailers

state and territory marine safety laws

tools, equipment and materials appropriate for inspecting, launching and recovering vessels.


Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Skills

Description

Learning skills to:

locate appropriate sources of information efficiently.

Reading skills to:

interpret safe operating procedures for vessel launch and recovery equipment from workplace and manufacturer literature

interpret weather and tide information.

Writing skills to:

legibly and accurately fill out workplace documentation when reporting safety inspection findings.

Oral communication skills to:

clarify instructions

report safety inspection findings.

Numeracy skills to:

calculate tare weight, gross vehicle mass and aggregate trailer mass, and compare with manufacturer specifications.

Planning and organising skills to:

plan own work requirements and prioritise actions to achieve required outcomes and ensure tasks are completed within workplace timeframes.

Problem solving skills to:

assess different launch and recovery situations and determine safest method of work.


Range Statement

This section specifies 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. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.

Safety requirements must include:

work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, including procedures for:

selecting and using personal protective equipment (PPE), including personal flotation devices

working safely with rope, chain and steel cables.


Sectors


Competency Field

Marine