DEFCA326 - Operate an inland modular raft or ferry

DEFCA326
Operate an inland modular raft or ferry

This unit covers the competency required to operate an inland modular raft or ferry. The raft or ferry will consist of at least three connected, unpowered pontoons that are propelled by at least two tugs. This unit of competency covers the assembly, navigation, and manoeuvring, of the raft or ferry.The raft or ferry will normally be driven in an environment of protected or inland waterways, while conducting a range of tasks including the transport of personnel and/or equipment. The individual must demonstrate sound judgement in the use of authority. The individual will control the operation of the raft or ferry and crew. 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 modular raft or ferry in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Typically, the individual will lead a team with or without direct supervision, 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

1. Prepare for raft or ferry operation

1.1 Operating instructions are interpreted to determine the task, the cargo, the destination and route.

1.2 Navigation data is compiled in accordance with standard procedures.

1.3 Cargo weight is calculated to ensure 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.

1.4 Launch site survey, risk and environmental assessment are conducted.

1.5 Suitable raft or ferry design is determined based on the operation.

1.6 Assembly and disassembly plan is developed in accordance with design, resources, surveys, risks and environmental considerations.

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

1.8 Operator and crew are checked to ensure they conform with relevant state/territory and federal licensing requirements.

1.9 Problems that cannot be resolved locally are referred to higher authority for resolution.

1.10Crew is briefed in accordance with standard procedures.

1.11Liaison is undertaken with outside agencies as required.

1.12Shore preparation is conducted in accordance with standard procedures and the pontoons and tugs are prepared and readied for launch.

1.13Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation in accordance with standard procedures.

2. Assemble and manoeuvre the raft or ferry

2.1 Crew is directed and supervised in accordance with standard procedures.

2.2 Tugs and pontoons are safely launched in accordance with standard procedures.

2.3 Raft or ferry is assembled in accordance with assembly plan.

2.4 Passengers are briefed on safety issues prior to embarking in accordance with standard procedures.

2.5 Raft or ferry is loaded in accordance with manifest and checks are completed for security, alignment and load stability.

2.6 Raft or ferry is navigated and manoeuvred consistent with hazards and environmental conditions, and in accordance with standard procedures.

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

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

2.9 All unexpected situations that require a quick and decisive response are recognised and responded to in accordance with operational requirements and standard procedures.

3. Recover and restore raft or ferry

3.1 Raft or ferry is disassembled in accordance with disassembly plan.

3.2 Pontoons and tugs are recovered safely in accordance with standard procedures.

3.3 Equipment is checked for serviceability, cleaned and serviced, and any defects are reported.

3.4 Documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures.

3.5 Debriefing requirements 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

command and control the crew, passengers and loads

command and navigate the raft or ferry by day and night

constantly monitor hazards and apply safety principles to operations

read and interpret navigation charts

safely operate the LRV to launch and recover tugs and pontoons

supervise raft and ferry construction

use clear interpersonal communication as operator of the vessel

use knots and lashings to secure watercraft

Required Knowledge

applicable statutory waterways rules for watercraft operation

boat specific safety requirements and fire suppressant system

employment of divers

gap reconnaissance

hasty buoyancy/floatation calculations

launch and recovery procedure for the launch and recovery vehicle (LRV)

legal responsibilities

loading procedures and centre of gravity

effects of water moving over objects and obstacles

effects of wind on floating objects

manifest data

potential water hazards and environmental conditions

raft and ferry design and construction sequence

relevant legislation and procedures in relation to environmental requirements

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

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to safely operate a raft or ferry on various waterways and to manage the full range of contingency and emergency actions.

Assessment must also confirm the ability to manoeuvre a raft or ferry, with a minimum weight of twenty tonnes.

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

wind gusts of approximately 10 knots

small swell

varying currents.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over a time frame that allows for the preparation, launch, recovery, navigation and manoeuvring of a raft or ferry under a range of water operating conditions carrying personnel or cargo.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to tugs and pontoons; associated equipment and accessories, including cargo crew; and suitable waterways with access to flowing/tidal water.

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.
Standard procedures may include:	Australian Standards job guides, pamphlets and other publications manufacturers’ handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions WHS regulations organisational policies and procedures relevant local government bylaws relevant state/territory or federal legislation or regulations statutory waterways rules written and verbal orders and job instructions
Manifests may include:	deployment planning data sheet (DPDS) ship’s log written orders
Launch site survey may include:	alternate sites camouflage and concealment construction site crossing sites gap assessment (measurements, profiling, soil tests, California bearing ratio, angle of repose of banks, bank height and differences) improvements required (plant assistance) launch sites location and map reference reconnaissance routes in/out sketch and photos tidal variation underwater inspection for obstacles water current measurement water depth waiting and cushion areas
Raft or ferry design must be in accordance with operational procedures:	MLC 20 (30) – 1 x internal and 2 x ramp modules MLC 40 (50) – 2 x internal and 2 x ramp modules MLC 60 (70) – 3 x internal and 2 x ramp modules Note: Figures in brackets indicate exceptional loads
Hazards and environment conditions may include:	adverse weather eddies fast flowing streams and near still waters fire floating and submerged debris and snags fog or drizzle heat and cold other vessels reduced visibility due to after dark operations sea states spillage time pressure undertows underwater hazards wildlife
Contingency and emergency drills may include:	abandon raft or ferry drills action on capsize diagnosing and rectifying minor engine faults fire drills man overboard drills propeller replacement towing vessels use of improvised rudder
Documentation may include:	activity log assembly documentation commander’s notebook environmental compliance equipment documentation maintenance records manifest maps and charts post activity report ship’s log

Sectors

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.