Application
This unit describes the skills required to operate an inland tug boat, specifically a purpose built motorised vessel up to ten metres in length capable of manoeuvring pontoons and rafts, with a maximum of five crew. It 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.
To operate an inland tug boat, relevant state/territory and Commonwealth licensing requirements must be met.
This unit 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 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.
The individual will usually operate the boat independently or under indirect supervision and may command a crew of up to five persons. The individual must demonstrate sound judgement in the use of authority, and where possible, work within the existing lines of authority. They use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs while performing routine tasks in a broad range of unpredictable contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Prepare for tug boat operations | 1.1 Interpret operating instructions to determine the task, the cargo, the destination and route, and compile navigation data. 1.2 Check cargo weight is within the safe operating limit of the craft and complete manifests to ensure passengers and cargo are safe to move. 1.3 Check equipment for serviceability and replace or reject and report unserviceable items. 1.4 Conduct shore preparation and prepare watercraft for launch and watercraft operations. 1.5 Select and wear personal protective equipment. |
2. Drive tug boat | 2.1 Brief passengers and crew on safety issues prior to embarking. 2.2 Launch tug in accordance with local conditions. 2.3 Load and trim tug to ensure safety of crew and craft. 2.4 Drive tug consistent with hazards and environmental conditions. 2.5 Provide directions to passengers in order to maintain safety and efficient boat operation. 2.6 Conduct contingency and emergency drills to minimise threat to personnel and equipment. |
3. Manoeuvre pontoon using tug boat | 3.1 Direct crew to assist with securing and manoeuvring of pontoon. 3.2 Capture, secure and control uncontrolled pontoons. 3.3 Manoeuvre and assemble pontoons. 3.4 Comply with supervisor’s directions/commands to control the movement and momentum of the pontoon. |
4. Recover and restore tug boat | 4.1 Disembark personnel and unload equipment. 4.2 Recover tug from a ramp or expedient landing site. 4.3 Check tug and associated equipment for serviceability, clean and service, report defects and complete documentation. 4.4 Complete debriefings. 4.5 Complete post activity reports and documentation. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
applying launch and recovery procedures
applying pre start, start and stop procedures
calculating and record number and weight of passengers, stores and equipment
capturing and controlling free launched pontoons without damage to equipment
monitoring hazards and applying safety principles to operations
reading and interpreting navigation charts
using clear interpersonal communication as operator of the vessel
using communications equipment
using knots and lashings to secure watercraft
providing directions to personnel within the boat concerning specific safety matters such as seating, movement and actions on incidents such as ‘man overboard’ and ‘capsize’
managing the contingency and emergency drills:
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
manoeuvring a pontoon, with a minimum weight of five ton, by:
towing
pushing
effectively directing crew
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
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
forces acting on boats
hasty buoyancy/floatation calculations
launch and recovery procedures
legal responsibilities
methods for towing/pushing pontoons
methods of connection/securing to pontoons
night operation constraints
operating boundaries
pre start, start, stop procedures
Assessment Conditions
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.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Military Skills