Application
This unit describes the skills 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.
This unit applies to combat engineer personnel who are required to operate an inland modular raft or ferry in a deployed operational environment.
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 would lead a team under direct and/or indirect supervision. They use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs. They would perform 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 raft or ferry operation | 1.1 Determine task, cargo, destination and route from operating instructions. 1.2 Compile navigation data. 1.3 Check cargo weight is within the safe operating limit of the craft and complete manifests to ensure passengers and cargo are safe to move. 1.4 Conduct launch site survey, risk and environmental assessment. 1.5 Determine suitable raft or ferry design. 1.6 Develop assembly and disassembly plan in accordance with design, resources, surveys, risks and environmental considerations. 1.7 Select equipment and check for serviceability, replace or reject, and report unserviceable items. 1.8 Check operator and crew conform to relevant state/territory and federal licensing requirements. 1.9 Refer problems that cannot be resolved locally to higher authority for resolution. 1.10 Brief crew. 1.11 Liaise with outside agencies as required. 1.12 Conduct shore preparation and prepare the pontoons and tugs for launch. |
2. Assemble and manoeuvre the raft or ferry | 2.1 Direct and supervise crew. 2.2 Launch tugs and pontoons. 2.3 Assemble raft or ferry in accordance with assembly plan. 2.4 Brief passengers on safety issues prior to embarking. 2.5 Load raft or ferry in accordance with manifest and check security, alignment and load stability. 2.6 Navigate and manoeuvre raft or ferry consistent with hazards and environmental conditions. 2.7 Conduct contingency and emergency drills to minimise threat to personnel and equipment. 2.8 Disembark personnel and unload equipment. 2.9 Recognise and respond to unexpected situations that require a quick and decisive response in accordance with operational requirements. |
3. Recover and restore raft or ferry | 3.1 Disassemble raft or ferry in accordance with disassembly plan. 3.2 Recover pontoons and tugs. 3.3 Check equipment for serviceability, clean and service it, and report any defects. 3.4 Complete documentation. 3.5 Complete debriefing requirements. |
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.
commanding and controlling crew, passengers and loads
commanding and navigating the raft or ferry by day and night
monitoring hazards and applying safety principles to operations
reading and interpreting navigation charts
operating the LRV to launch and recover tugs and pontoons
supervising raft and ferry construction
using clear interpersonal communication as operator of the vessel
using knots and lashings
operating a raft or ferry on various waterways
managing contingency and emergency actions
manoeuvring a raft or ferry, with a minimum weight of twenty tonnes
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.
applicable statutory waterways rules for watercraft operation
boat specific safety requirements and fire suppressant system
gap reconnaissance
hasty buoyancy/floatation calculations
launch and recovery procedure for the launch and recovery vehicle
loading procedures and centre of gravity
effects of water moving over objects and obstacles
effects of wind on floating objects
manifest data
raft and ferry design and construction sequence
Assessment Conditions
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, either in the workplace or in a simulated work environment. Specifically, access is required to the following resources:
tugs and pontoons
associated equipment and accessories, including cargo crew
suitable waterways with access to flowing/tidal water
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