This unit describes the skills required to operate small watercraft. It includes the requirement to prepare the watercraft for operations, to conduct buoyancy calculations, to carry out appropriate tasks, and to clean and maintain the watercraft. 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 watercraft will normally be operated:

in protected or calm waters

day or night

in training, on exercise and on operations

This unit applies to those required to operate small watercraft to conduct a range of tasks including:

transporting personnel and/or equipment across water

assisting mounting and maintaining wet crossing activities

patrolling range boundaries

recovering proof ordnance

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit will usually work independently under indirect supervision, demonstrating sound judgement in the use of authority and making independent decisions. They would perform routine tasks in a range of contexts that are sometimes unfamiliar and unpredictable.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for watercraft operations

1.1

Determine the task, cargo, destination and route and compile navigation data

1.2

Calculate buoyancy/floatation to ensure passengers and cargo are safe to move

1.3

Select equipment and check for serviceability, replace or reject unserviceable items and report to the supervisor

1.4

Conduct shore preparation and ready watercraft for launch

1.5

Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment

1.6

Give safety brief to passengers and crew prior to embarking

2

Operate small watercraft

2.1

Launch watercraft safely allowing for local conditions

2.2

Load and trim watercraft to ensure safety of crew and load

2.3

Operate watercraft consistent with hazards and environmental conditions

2.4

Provide directions to passengers to maintain safety and efficient boat operation

2.5

Carry out contingency and emergency drills, to minimise threat to personnel and equipment

2.6

Disembark personnel and unload cargo safely

3

Recover and maintain vessel

3.1

Recover watercraft from ramp or improvised landing site

3.2

Check for serviceability, clean and maintain watercraft and associated equipment

3.3

Report defects and complete documentation

3.4

Complete debriefing requirements

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and includes:

calculating and recording number and weight of passengers, stores and equipment

monitoring hazards and applying safety principles to operations

navigating using maps and GPS

using clear interpersonal communication as operator of the vessel

using knots and lashings to secure watercraft

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and includes:

operational knowledge:

applicable statutory waterways rules for watercraft operation

buoyancy/floatation calculations

composition of teams, and roles and responsibilities of team members

effects of water moving over objects and obstacles

local water hazards and environmental conditions

techniques for supporting others

verbal and non-verbal communication techniques

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

acceptable means of simulation assessment

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

relevant materials, tools, equipment and PPE currently used in industry.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable.

Explosive Ordnance