DEFSEA002
Assist in boarding operations


Application

This unit describes the skills required to board and secure a vessel and search personnel and property.

This unit would be typically implemented in a Naval Defence environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work. Tasks are carried out on a ship in a range of conditions that would typically apply to a lengthy operation, while minimising or eliminating environmental stresses and hazards, risk to personnel, vessel and the environment, and preserving individual safety.

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 act in a broad range of contexts that could be highly unpredictable, under indirect supervision, as part of a team, while performing routine tasks that can involve less-familiar steps.

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 to board vessel

1.1 Receive and acknowledge a pre-boarding briefing.

1.2 Identify and acknowledge vessel type and environmental factors to determine method of insertion.

1.3 Establish and acknowledge roles and responsibilities of team members.

1.4 Obtain and check dress and equipment for serviceability.

1.5 Acknowledge method of insertion.

1.6 Receive and acknowledge position of insertion point.

2. Board vessel

2.1 Conduct boarding operation using dress and equipment while taking appropriate action to protect personnel and equipment.

2.2 Maintain communication throughout the operation.

3. Secure vessel

3.1 Secure insertion point and access routes.

3.2 Clear vessel for personnel.

3.3 Gather and isolate crew.

3.4 Identify master, secure bridge and obtain applicable documents.

3.5 Assess situation and adjust or discontinue response with changing circumstances.

3.6 Identify situations requiring assistance and request support.

4. Search vessel and personnel

4.1 Establish need to undertake search of personnel and property.

4.2 Explain reason for search to vessel master and personnel involved.

4.3 Conduct search of both property and personnel. When searching personnel it must be conducted at appropriate locations and, where possible, by persons of the same gender, according to specific legislation.

4.4 Identify and record illegal cargo, personal items and activities.

4.5 Gather and record physical evidence.

5. Finalise boarding operations

5.1 Disembark vessel.

5.2 Maintain and stow dress and equipment.

5.3 Attend and participate in boarding debrief.

5.4 Complete post-boarding reports.

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 observation and surveillance techniques

communicating and negotiating under stressful situations

minimising threat to self and others by use of appropriate force

recording and reporting information accurately according to legal and international law

using active listening skills in communication with colleagues and personnel

responding to directions


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.

composition of teams, and roles and responsibilities of team members

differing cultural and social practices

legislative and/or legal provisions, including provisions governing the use of force, reactive force, misuse of force, proactive force and the duty of care under criminal, civil and international law

powers and procedures for effecting arrest

search techniques for both persons and property

teamwork principles and strategies


Assessment Conditions

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

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.

ACSF levels indicative of performance:

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

Maritime Operations