1

Prepare a berth

1.1

Relevant documentation and records are identified and accessed as required

1.2

Positioning information is obtained, checked and confirmed as accurate

1.3

Bridge marker is set

1.4

Briefing is obtained and interpreted on any issues related to mooring or untying operation

1.5

Communications equipment is prepared and set to correct channels

1.6

Berth conditions are checked and made clear and ready for mooring

1.7

Portainer cranes are correctly positioned for berthing of vessel

1.8

Safety concerns are communicated to pilot of vessel with due care not to interfere with tug and vessel communications

2

Receive heaving line from mooring launch

2.1

First line is received from mooring launch according to operational procedures and pilot directions

2.2

Assistance is provided in pulling mooring line ashore and making it fast to applicable bollard

2.3

Required precautions and safety procedures are followed during receival operations

3

Receive heaving lines from vessel

3.1

First lines are received and are made fast to appropriate bollards

3.2

Where possible, two headlines and two sternlines are made available each to two different bollards

3.3

Spring lines from forward and aft are received from vessel and are attached to applicable bollards

3.4

Additional lines are received from vessel and attached to applicable bollards

4

Return heaving line to vessel

4.1

Vessel crew are made aware of planned heaving line return operations

4.2

Lines are returned according to operational procedures

4.3

Required precautions and safety procedures are followed during heaving line return operations

5

Land a gangway

5.1

Precautions are taken to ensure all personnel are well clear of vicinity of gangway

5.2

Vehicle is used to locate gangway in correct position in a safe and efficient manner

6

Untie and let go vessel

6.1

Vessel crew is made aware of intentions to let go

6.2

Singling up processes are carried out according to operational procedures and required safety precautions

6.3

Due care is taken during singling up processes to ensure aft springs and stern lines are kept clear of propeller

6.4

Due care is taken when waiting for order for remaining lines to be released to stand clear of remaining lines because of strain to which lines may be subjected

6.5

Once order is given, remaining lines are released according to operational procedures and required safety precautions

6.6

When vessel crew inadvertently heaves on a line being handled by shore-side team, line is let go immediately

6.7

Required precautions and safety procedures are followed during untying operations

Required Skills:

Communicate effectively with other personnel when mooring and untying a vessel using standard nautical terms

Comply 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 untying operations on ocean-going vessels

Follow work instructions

Handle rope appropriately and correctly:

storing and caring for ropes and lines

tying knots such as bowline, reef knot, overhand knot, figure of eight knot, sheet bend and clove hitch

applying a chain stopper to a wire rope

heaving on a line in collaboration with other members of a mooring team

applying a stopper to a synthetic fibre rope

applying a chain stopper to a natural cordage rope

attaching a line to a bollard or bitt with all lines in correct order such as up through the eye

flaking down a rope

forming a bight

Identify and correctly use:

various types of ropes, steel wires and mooring equipment

personal protective equipment (PPE)

Implement port and vessel security procedures

Interpret and follow procedures for mooring and untying operations, including safety instructions and precautions

Recognise dangers and hazards before and during mooring operations, and take appropriate action to report and/or rectify them

Recognise problems that may occur during mooring operations and take appropriate action to report and/or resolve them

Take proper care of ropes and mooring equipment

Work effectively as a member of a mooring and untying team

Required Knowledge:

Communication techniques and equipment required during mooring and untying operations

Dangers associated with mooring systems:

being hit by a 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 or heaving on a line with one hand

‘snap back’ when a synthetic line breaks

trip hazards such as crane lines

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

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

Maritime regulations applicable to mooring and untying vessels

Methods for mooring and untying a vessel, including all required rope handling techniques and precautions

Operational characteristics of different types of lines, equipment and facilities used in mooring and untying operations

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

PPE required for use during mooring and untying operations

Procedures for assessing stresses on lines and gear used in mooring and untying operations

Relevant sections of STCW 95 and AMSA Marine Orders

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

Relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) codes of practice, policies and procedures

Standard nautical terms in relation to mooring activities and related equipment

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:

initiating timely action in response to defects or damage

being aware of own ability and limits to rectify irregularities and faults

following all orders carefully and systematically

ensuring behaviour reflects relevant current legislative and regulatory requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

Resources for assessment include access to:

industry-approved marine operations site where carrying out shore-based mooring and untying operations can be conducted

tools, equipment and PPE currently used in industry

relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities

range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments

appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

relevant and appropriate materials and equipment

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

Method of assessment

Practical assessment must occur in an:

appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or

appropriate range of situations in the workplace.

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:

direct observation of the candidate carrying out shore-based mooring and untying operations

direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.

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

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.

Relevant documentation and records may include:

Mooring and untying plans, procedures, checklists and instructions

Relevant maritime authority instructions

Relevant sections of maritime regulations concerning mooring and untying operations

Reports and records of mooring operations or any safety incident

Rope and equipment manufacturer instructions and procedures

Safety instructions and procedures

Bridge marker must include:

At night, vehicle with flashing hazard light positioned on bridge marker

Flag

Issues related to mooring or untying operations may include:

Bollard numbers

Special circumstances

Made clear and ready for mooring may include:

Removing obstructions

Stopping any work that creates excessive dust or noise

Safety precautions may include:

Checking:

own personal fitness and medical wellbeing

whereabouts of edge of wharf

whereabouts of other members of mooring/untying team

Confirming availability of a personal flotation device upon arrival at mooring operation

Keeping work area hazard-free

Obtaining and using required PPE (such as safety footwear, safety helmet, suitable gloves, safety vest and reflective braces, personal collar insert for flotation device)

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

Wearing suitable clothing