This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to shift mooring lines using mechanical means, including correctly using capstan and quick release systems.

This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry as a Linesperson.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this 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

Identify mechanical mooring techniques and their application

1.1

Appropriate mechanical mooring and unmooring techniques and equipment are identified

1.2

Features of mechanical mooring and unmooring equipment are established and their impact on safety is explained

1.3

Relevant documentation and records are identified and accessed as required

1.4

Types of berth and terminals where mechanical mooring and unmooring are applied are explained and documented

2

Prepare equipment

2.1

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected and assembled according to work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements

2.2

Equipment is located, selected and made ready according to organisational procedures

2.3

Routine pre-operational checks are carried out on tools and equipment according to manufacturer specifications and organisational requirements

2.4

Adjustments are made to achieve safe and efficient operation

2.5

Inability to start equipment is reported promptly and accurately to appropriate personnel

3

Respond to hazardous situation

3.1

Hazards associated with mechanical mooring and unmooring are identified

3.2

Risk is assessed and hazard control measures are applied to level of responsibility, or referred to appropriate person for further action according to organisational procedures

3.3

Inability to start equipment is reported promptly and accurately to appropriate personnel

4

Operate mechanical mooring and unmooring equipment

4.1

Appropriate safety procedures are followed and PPE is used to undertake mooring and unmooring operations according to organisational procedures

4.2

Tools and equipment are operated in a safe and controlled manner within defined operating limits to achieve optimum safety and efficiency

4.3

Malfunctions are promptly identified and appropriate action is taken in a malfunction or emergency

4.4

Action is taken to rectify basic operational faults to maintain optimum safety and efficiency

4.5

Irregularities or malfunctions are reported to appropriate personnel

5

Complete mechanical mooring and shut down equipment

5.1

Equipment is shut down according to manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures

5.2

Defective, damaged or malfunctioning equipment is recorded and reported according to organisational procedures

5.3

All required documentation is completed according to organisational procedures

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

applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices

communicating effectively with other personnel when mooring and unmooring a vessel

complying with relevant maritime regulations and International Maritime Organization (IMO) Conventions and Codes, including the relevant sections of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Marine Orders as they apply to mooring and unmooring operations on ocean-going vessels

ensuring behaviour reflects relevant current legislative and regulatory requirements

following work instructions

following all orders carefully and systematically

implementing port and vessel security procedures

initiating timely action in response to defects or damage

interpreting and follow procedures for mooring and unmooring operations, including safety instructions and precautions

operating mechanical mooring equipment appropriately and correctly

receiving mooring lines correctly

recognising dangers, hazards and problems before and during mooring and unmooring operations, and taking appropriate action to report and/or rectify them

taking proper care of ropes and mechanical mooring equipment

using capstans and quick release systems correctly

working effectively as a member of a mooring and /or unmooring team.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

communications techniques and equipment required during mooring and unmooring operations

continuous measurement of mooring loads

correct order of mooring lines

correct process/technique for receiving mooring lines

dangers associated with mooring systems:

being hit by a heaving line

being thrown down from a vessel

stepping inside the bight of a line

being struck by a parting line

mixing rings and wire rope

falling off the edge of the wharf into the water

back strain from carrying a line, heaving on a line

‘snap back’ when a line breaks

trip hazards such as crane lines

factors that affect mooring and unmooring operations, including the effects of wind, weather, tides, sea conditions, currents, draft changes and surges from passing vessels on mooring and unmooring operations

hazards and problems, and appropriate preventative and remedial action and solutions

maritime regulations applicable to mooring and unmooring vessels

mooring load monitoring systems

operation, features and application of integrated capstans

operation, features and application of quick release systems

operational characteristics of different types of lines and equipment

operational procedures and layouts of various types of shore-side loading and discharging terminals and wharves

personal protective equipment (PPE) required for use during mooring and unmooring operations

procedures for assessing stresses on lines and gear used in mooring and unmooring operations

reason for and correct method of, dipping mooring line

relevant manufacturer guidelines relating to use of machinery, including instructions on equipment capability and limitations

relevant sections of Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW) 95 and AMSA Marine Orders

remote control systems for remote hook release

safety drills and equipment used for lines launch

snapback zone and demarcated areas

standard nautical terms in relation to mooring activities and related equipment

technique for releasing fowled mooring lines under wharfs and around ship anchors

various types of hook assembly and their application

WHS/OHS codes of practice, policies and procedures.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

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.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where mechanical mooring and unmooring can be undertaken. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

applicable documentation such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operational manuals

tools, equipment, machinery, materials and personal protective equipment currently used in industry including:

counterbalanced hooks

docking aid system

integrated capstans

mooring instrumentation

quick release hooks

quick release systems

single and multiple hook assemblies.

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

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

Safety procedures include:

checking:

own personal fitness and medical wellbeing

whereabouts of edge of wharf

whereabouts of other members of mooring and unmooring team

confirming availability of a personal flotation device on arrival at mooring and unmooring operation

keeping clear of snapback zone and demarcated areas

keeping work area hazard-free

obtaining and using required PPE (such as safety footwear, safety helmet, suitable gloves, safety vest and reflective clothing, personal life jacket vest, safety glasses)

removing rings from fingers to avoid them being caught on steel wire ropes

Berth and terminals may include one or more of the following:

liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier berths

oil berths

liquid petroleum gas (LPG) berths

bulk liquids berths

coal/iron ore berths

RoRo terminals

container terminals

Relevant documentation and records include one or more of the following:

mooring and unmooring plans, procedures, checklists and instructions

relevant maritime authority instructions

relevant sections of maritime regulations concerning mooring and unmooring operations

reports and records of mooring and unmooring operations or any safety incident

rope and equipment manufacturer instructions and procedures

safety instructions and procedure

Mooring and unmooring operations include:

landing a gangway

placing or removing brow onto gangway

positioning lines launch

positioning mooring lines

preparing a berth

receiving mooring lines under a vessel

receiving heaving line from:

a launch

a vessel

returning heaving line to a vessel

unmooring and letting go a vessel

working:

by day or night

in normal and emergency situations

under any permissible conditions of weather

at various shore-side terminals and wharves

buoys