DEFBM005C
Maintain weapons and associated equipment

This unit covers the competency required to plan and conduct operational maintenance and to store weapons and associated equipment.

Application

This competency typically applies to a Naval Defence environment and was developed for boatswains mates but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

This competency normally applies to an individual who is required to plan and conduct operational maintenance and to store weapons and associated equipment in a manner that maximises individual safety and the safety of others in such a way that the operational effectiveness of the unit is not impaired.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan for weapons and associated equipment maintenance

1.1 Maintenance task requirements are received and confirmed with supervisor.

1.2 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation in accordance with standard procedures.

1.3 Appropriate personal protective equipment is selected and worn in accordance with WHS requirements.

1.4 Maintenance manual and plan maintenance schedule are identified and obtained.

1.5 Maintenance procedures are interpreted and followed.

2. Assess weapons and associated equipment serviceability

2.1 Weapons and associated equipment are checked safe in accordance with applicable operational procedures.

2.2 Weapons and associated equipment are disassembled in accordance with applicable maintenance procedures.

2.3 Serviceability of weapons and associated equipment is assessed in accordance with applicable maintenance manual and directives.

2.4 Defects are identified in accordance with applicable maintenance manual and directives.

2.5 Weapons and associated equipment assessed unserviceable beyond operational repair facilities are prepared for return in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual and directives.

2.6 Applicable test equipment and tools are selected and checked for serviceability.

2.7 Weapons and associated equipment are secured in accordance with applicable legal and organisational requirements.

3. Record maintenance

3.1 Defect reports are raised and forwarded to the appropriate authority in accordance with organisational requirements

3.2 Maintenance is recorded using relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

follow instructions and report information verbally and in writing

interpret maintenance system, publications and documentation

promptly and appropriately respond to emergencies

use correct test and maintenance equipment

use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques

use active listening skills in communication with colleagues and personnel

use appropriate cleaning and preservation chemicals

Required Knowledge

appropriate actions to prevent injury to self and others

legal and Defence weapon stowage requirements

maintenance system, publications and documentation

WHS procedures specific to weapons

range of equipment used in weapons and associated equipment maintenance

team work

weapon terminology

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

maximise individual safety and the safety of others in such a way that the operational effectiveness of the unit is not impaired

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of simulated or actual workplace situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

suitable maintenance facility

weapons and equipment identified in the Range Statement

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions


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.

Maintenance tasks may include:

checking for wear and damage

checking weapon arcs

cleaning

function tests

periodic maintenance

Maintenance procedures may include:

defence instructions

manufacturers’ instructions

Weapons and associated equipment may include:

automatics

explosive power tools

hand restraints

line throwing devices

night fighting equipment

pistols

semi-automatics

shot guns

tactical batons

Serviceability may include:

checking for wear and damage

checking tolerances

checking weapon arcs

function tests

Defects may include:

barrel wear

corrosion

cracks

excessive carbon deposits

excessive wear

out of alignment

physical damage

warping


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.