This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to participate in monitoring emergency prevention and applying control procedures in an emergency onboard a vessel.

This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of:

Able Seafarer – Engine/Deck on a range of vessels

Integrated Rating.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Legislative and regulatory requirements are applicable to this unit.

This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as an Able Seafarer - Engine/Deck or Integrated Rating on a range of vessels and to meet regulatory requirements this unit must be delivered consistent with Marine Orders and with the relevant sections of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Those regulatory requirements include STCW International Maritime Organization (IMO) model course competencies and areas of knowledge, understanding and proficiency, together with the estimated total hours required for lectures and practical exercises. Teaching staff should note that timings are suggestions only and should be adapted to suit individual groups of trainees depending on their experience, ability, equipment and staff available for training.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Apply emergency procedures

1.1

Emergencies are correctly identified in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2

In the event of an emergency or abnormal situation, workplace procedures for initial action are confirmed with the officer of the watch

1.3

Emergency and distress alerting systems are activated according to manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures

1.4

False distress alerts are avoided and appropriate action is taken in an accidental activation of a distress alert according to workplace procedures

1.5

Orders are acknowledged and followed

1.6

Allocated duties for emergency situations are performed according to workplace procedures

1.7

Communications are maintained with others to facilitate the emergency response process

2

Maintain integrity of emergency and distress alerting systems

2.1

Emergency and distress alerting systems maintenance requirements are specified and managed

2.2

Systems maintenance is checked for compliance

2.3

Systems are assessed for useability and accessibility, and are reported according to workplace procedures

2.4

Procedures are followed to correct systems defects and deficiencies

3

Report and record emergency and distress alerting systems faults

3.1

Schedule for verifying and reporting faults is developed and implemented

3.2

Details and nature of faults are recorded and rectified according to manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures

3.3

Reports on faults are provided and recommendations are made for improvements according to workplace procedures

3.4

Frequency of occurrence of faults is monitored and reported according to workplace procedures

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

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

communicating clearly and concisely in an emergency or abnormal situation

identifying, isolating and reporting faulty or non-operational emergency and distress alerting systems

reading and following emergency procedures

reading and interpreting basic instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for emergency and distress alerting systems

recognising routine problems that may occur when operating emergency and distress alerting systems

selecting and using emergency and distress alerting systems, including:

internal public address (PA) system

pyrotechnic distress signals

satellite emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs), including float-free EPIRB

search and rescue transponders (SARTs)

ship’s whistle.

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

applicable sections of relevant maritime regulations dealing with emergency equipment and procedures

duties and responsibilities of shipboard personnel during emergencies

emergency duties and alarm signals commonly used on a vessel

emergencies, including:

any situation leading to abandonment of a vessel

responding to distress alerts from other vessels

escape routes from machinery spaces on a vessel

functions and purpose of pyrotechnic distress signals, satellite EPIRBs and SARTs

identification of pyrotechnic expiry dates

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and related regulations

procedures for:

activating maritime emergency alarms

emergency response onboard a vessel

testing EPIRBs and SARTs

relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices

systems defects and deficiencies, including:

EPIRB function test failure, improper housing and securing

out-of-date pyrotechnics distress signals

SART not operating

techniques for avoiding false distress alerts and action to be taken in an accidental activation.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within 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.

Practical assessment must occur in a workplace or realistic simulated workplace, under the normal range of workplace conditions.

Simulations and scenarios may be used where situations cannot be provided in the workplace or may occur only rarely, in particular for situations relating to emergency procedures and adverse weather conditions where assessment would be unsafe, impractical or may lead to environmental damage.

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 relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry.

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.

Not applicable.

F – Operational Quality and Safety