DEFCA311B
Operate an inland tug boat

This unit covers the competency required to operate an inland tug boat, specifically a purpose built motorised vessel up to ten metres in length capable of manoeuvring pontoons and raft, with a maximum of five crew. This Unit of Competency covers the operation of the tug while towing/pushing unloaded pontoons of up to thirty ton.The watercraft will normally be driven in an environment of protected or inland waterways, while conducting a range of tasks including transporting personnel and/or equipment. While the technical aspects of this competency are concerned with ‘operating a boat’, the specialisation of the skill, and safety issues associated with waterborne operations confer additional responsibilities upon the operator.For all watercraft operations the individual may need to provide directions to personnel within the boat concerning specific safety matters such as seating, movement and actions on incidents such as ‘man overboard’ and ‘capsize’. The individual must demonstrate sound judgement in the use of authority, and where possible, work within the existing lines of authority. To operate an inland tug boat, relevant state/territory and commonwealth licensing requirements must be met. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. In a Defence context, this means that there is no civilian need to hold this unit in order to meet licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.

Application

This competency was developed for combat engineer personnel required to operate an inland tug boat in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

The individual will usually operate the boat independently or under indirect supervision and may command a crew of up to five persons, use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.

All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policies and procedures.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for tug boat operations

1.1 Operating instructions are interpreted to determine the task, the cargo, the destination and route, and navigation data is compiled in accordance with standard procedures.

1.2 Cargo weight is within the safe operating limit of the craft and manifests are completed to ensure passengers and cargo are safe to move in accordance with standard procedures.

1.3 Equipment is selected, checked for serviceability and unserviceable items are replaced or rejected, and reported to supervisor in accordance with standard procedures.

1.4 Shore preparation is conducted in accordance with standard procedures and watercraft is prepared and readied for launch and watercraft operations.

1.5 Appropriate personal protective equipment is selected and worn by all personnel in accordance with standard procedures.

2. Drive tug boat

2.1 Passengers and crew are briefed on safety issues prior to embarking in accordance with standard procedures.

2.2 Tug is launched safely in accordance with standard procedures and local conditions.

2.3 Tug is loaded and trimmed to ensure safety of crew and craft in accordance with standard procedures.

2.4 Tug is driven consistent with hazards and environmental conditions, and in accordance with standard procedures.

2.5 Directions are provided, as necessary, to passengers in order to maintain safety and efficient boat operation in accordance with standard procedures.

2.6 Contingency and emergency drills are carried out, as necessary, to minimise threat to personnel and equipment in accordance with standard procedures.

3. Manoeuvre pontoon using tug boat

3.1 Crew are directed to assist with securing and manoeuvring of pontoon.

3.2 Uncontrolled pontoons are captured, secured and controlled safely in accordance with standard procedures.

3.3 Pontoons are manoeuvred and assembled in accordance with standard procedures.

3.4 Supervisor's directions/commands are complied with to control the movement and momentum of the pontoon in accordance with standard procedures.

4. Recover and restore tug boat

4.1 Personnel and/or equipment are disembarked and/or unloaded safely in accordance with standard procedures.

4.2 Tug is recovered safely in accordance with standard procedures from a ramp or expedient landing site.

4.3 Tug and associated equipment are checked for serviceability, cleaned and serviced, defects are reported and documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures.

4.4 Debriefings are completed in accordance with standard procedures.

4.5 Post activity reports and documentation are completed in accordance with standard procedures.

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

apply launch and recovery procedures

apply pre-start, start and stop procedures

calculate and record number and weight of passengers, stores and equipment

capture and control free-launched pontoons without damage to equipment

constantly monitor hazards and apply safety principles to operations

encourage other team members

follow instructions/directives and report information

read and interpret navigation charts

read and interpret operating instructions

use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

use clear interpersonal communication as operator of the vessel

use communications equipment

use knots and lashings to secure watercraft

work in a team

Required Knowledge

anchorage methods and systems

applicable statutory waterways rules for watercraft operation

boat orders

boat specific safety requirements and fire suppressant system

complete equipment schedule list and locations

controls and indicators

effects of water moving over objects and obstacles

emergency procedures

environmental hazards of refuelling over water

first aid

forces acting on boats

hasty buoyancy/floatation calculations

launch and recovery procedures

legal responsibilities

local water hazards and environmental conditions

methods for towing/pushing pontoons

methods of connection/securing to pontoons

night operation constraints

operating boundaries

pre-start, start, stop procedures

relevant legislation and procedures in relation to environmental requirements

relevant WHS regulations/requirements, equipment, material and personal safety requirements

team work including techniques for supporting others, composition of teams, and roles and responsibilities of team members

verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to safely drive a tug boat on various waterways under a range of environmental conditions without damaging the equipment. The operator must demonstrate the ability to manage the full range of contingency and emergency drills as listed in the Range Statement.

Assessment must also confirm the ability to manoeuvre a pontoon, with a minimum weight of five ton, by:

towing

pushing

effectively directing crew.

Operation of the tug must be completed in a safe manner by day and night over a range of environmental conditions which must include:

wind gusts of about 10 knots

small swell

varying currents.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over a time frame that allows for the preparation, launch, recovery, driving and maintenance of watercraft 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 in the workplace or in a simulated work environment under conditions that safely replicate a range of conditions that could be expected in the workplace.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to crew (up to five people); tug boat and its equipment and accessories, including cargo; suitable inland waterways with access to flowing/tidal water; pontoons; and fuel.


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.

Tug boat would normally be:

a purpose built motorised vessel up to ten metres in length capable of manoeuvring pontoons and raft, with a maximum of five crew

Protected or inland waterways environment may include:

by day or night and under illumination

in all weather conditions

under a range of water conditions including sea states, in enclosed waters including tidal rivers, protected harbours, non-tidal rivers, lakes and dams

Operating instructions may include:

access and egress routes

details of ramps or launching points

details of resupply or evacuation requirements

number and nature of personnel

potential hazards

sea states

tidal information

types of general cargo and weights

weather forecast

Standard procedures may include:

Australian Standards

job guides, pamphlets and other publications

manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

work health and safety (WHS) regulations

organisational policies and procedures

relevant local government by-laws

relevant state/territory or federal legislation or regulations

written and verbal orders and job instructions

Equipment may include:

appropriate rescue and recovery equipment

buoys, fenders, etc.

communications equipment

personal protective equipment such as life jackets, gloves, helmet

ropes, hawser, cables, tensioners

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

vehicles and equipment used to transport tug

Shore preparation may include:

crew briefings

engine start-up procedures

launch procedures

loading of stores and equipment

non-technical inspection and reporting

positioning vessel on ramp or launching site

pre-start checks of engine

Watercraft operations may include:

compliance with waterways rules and regulations

driving the watercraft

engine startup procedures

moving at a safe speed consistent with the conditions

navigating to destination

over water refuelling

Hazards and environmental conditions may include:

adverse weather

eddies

fast flowing streams and near still waters

floating and submerged debris and snags

fog or drizzle

heat and cold

reduced visibility due to after dark operations

sea states

spillage

time constraints

undertows

underwater hazards

wildlife

Contingency and emergency drills must include:

abandon ship drills

action on capsize

diagnosing and rectifying minor engine faults

fire drills

man overboard drills

propeller replacement

towing vessels

use of improvised rudder

use of oars/improvised oars

Pontoon may include:

bridge modules

raft

un-powered (disabled) vessel


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.