Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare to abandon vessel

1.1

Nature of emergency is determined to minimise potential dangers and threats

1.2

Muster and abandon vessel signals are responded to according to vessel safety procedures

1.3

Survival equipment is organised to maximise chances of survival

1.4

Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) is operated to transmit distress signal

1.5

Distress calls are made using radio equipment on distress call frequency, if time allows, to communicate the nature of the emergency

1.6

Others are assisted to maximise their chances of survival

2

Determine operational safety requirements

2.1

Relevant maritime legislation is identified, accessed and reviewed

2.2

Safety requirements for a range of near coastal vessels are identified, accessed and reviewed

2.3

Lifesaving and survival equipment required on board a near coastal vessel are accurately identified

2.4

Lifesaving equipment on board is checked and confirmed as serviceable

2.5

Lifesaving and survival equipment certificates and documentation are checked for validity

2.6

Vessel safety management systems (SMS) and plans are located, interpreted and applied

3

Practise survival techniques

3.1

Typical emergency alarms and types of alarm systems are accurately identified

3.2

Need to abandon vessel is determined according to established safety practice and procedures

3.3

In-water survival techniques are implemented according to established safety practice and procedures

3.4

Threats to survival are identified and treatment options are outlined

4

Apply survival techniques

4.1

Lookout for vessels and aircraft is maintained and distress signals are released on sighting

4.2

During an emergency, work is carried out collaboratively with other shipboard personnel and passengers as required

4.3

During emergency and survival situations, appropriate communication skills and techniques are implemented

4.4

Instructions given by rescue personnel to safely access rescue craft are followed

5

Operate lifesaving and survival equipment

5.1

Range of pyrotechnic and distress signals are operated according to established safety practice and procedures

5.2

Survival equipment is operated according to instructions and accepted survival practice

5.3

Survival radio equipment is operated according to manufacturer instructions and regulatory protocols

5.4

Lifejackets and other lifesaving equipment are operated and used according to instructions

6

Participate in abandon vessel drills

6.1

Regulatory requirements and company procedures for musters and drills are identified and implemented

6.2

Actions required for a range of muster signals are correctly identified

6.3

Action is taken promptly to address problems that may arise when following vessel abandonment procedures

6.4

Hazards are identified that may occur when abandoning vessel risks are minimised according to SMS, and established safety practice and procedures

6.5

Information relevant to use of lifesaving equipment is accessed and correctly interpreted

6.6

Range of emergencies that may lead to vessel abandonment are outlined

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

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

Survival equipment must include the following:

EPIRBs

flares

life jackets

immersion suit

person overboard combination light and smoke float

search and rescue transponders (SARTs)

survival craft

Radio equipment includes one of the following:

high frequency (HF)

very high frequency (VHF)

Lifesaving and survival equipment must include the following :

immersion suit

lifebuoy

personal floatation devices

Certificates and documentation must include the following:

instructions for use of lifesaving equipment

pyrotechnic expiry dates

record of inspection of equipment

Emergency alarms must include one or more of the following:

electronic alarms

muster and abandon vessel alarms

verbal communication

In-water survival techniques must include the following:

floating with or without a lifejacket

heat loss techniques

swimming with a lifejacket

Threats to survival include the following:

dehydration

hypothermia

ingestion of seawater

Rescue craft include one of the following:

another vessel

helicopter

Pyrotechnic and distress signals include the following:

orange smoke flare

red handheld flare

Risks and hazards include the following:

expired pyrotechnics

inaccessible lifejackets

no defined abandon ship procedures established

poorly maintained equipment