1

Raise alarms

1.1

Urgency of situation and nature of emergency is identified promptly

1.2

Relevant alarms are activated

1.3

Distress signals are used to indicate need for assistance, if required

2

Control onboard emergency

2.1

Initial actions on becoming aware of emergency are undertaken according to contingency plans and are appropriate to urgency of situation and nature of emergency

2.2

Onboard personnel are given information and instructions clearly and accurately

2.3

Procedures are implemented to combat emergency and to protect persons on board

2.4

Communications are established with others to facilitate emergency response process

2.5

Injured persons are provided with assistance

2.6

Contact is maintained with others at all times to keep them briefed on emergency response process

2.7

Preparation for abandoning vessel is undertaken, if required

2.8

Cessation of emergency is communicated to appropriate personnel

3

Respond to a distress signal at sea

3.1

Distress signals from others are recognised immediately

3.2

Nature of assistance required is identified

3.3

Capability to safely assist or relay emergency is determined taking into account own safety and physical proximity to emergency

3.4

Appropriate response to emergency is prepared for and implemented according to contingency plans and instructions in standing orders

3.5

Cessation of emergency is communicated to appropriate personnel

Required Skills:

Apply first aid

Correctly using lifesaving appliances

If appropriate, manoeuvre vessel, according to contingency plans

Immediately recognise a distress or emergency signal

Implement contingency plans and instructions in standing orders when responding to a distress signal at sea

Promptly identify type and scale of emergency

Required Knowledge:

Common emergency actions

Contents of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual

Initial action to be taken following a collision or grounding

Initial damage assessment and control

Precautions for protection and safety of passengers in emergency situations

Procedures to be followed for:

rescuing persons from the sea

assisting a vessel in distress

responding to emergencies that arise in port

Range of lifesaving appliances

Types of maritime emergency incidents and situations

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

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:

promptly identify type and scale of emergency

awareness of one’s surroundings and changes to these surroundings

working as part of a team.

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 responding to emergencies can be conducted

tools, equipment and personal protective equipment 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 responding to emergencies

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.

Nature of emergency may include:

Anchoring

Assisting a vessel in distress

Collision

Contaminated fuel

Emergencies which arise in port

Engine breakdown or malfunction

Fire

Flooding

Grounding

Hypothermia

Incidents

Injuries/illness

Lack of fuel

Lost

Person overboard

Rescuing persons from sea

Sinking

Swamping

Relevant alarms may include:

Abandon ship signals

Fire and lifeboat muster alarms

Mayday broadcast

Distress signals may include:

Emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB)

Flags

Hand signals

International Code Signal of Distress

Light signals

Pyrotechnic distress signals

Radio

Reflective mirror

V-sheet

Initial actions may include:

Damage assessment and control

Manoeuvring vessel

Others may include:

Aircraft

Other vessels

Search and rescue authorities

Nature of assistance may include:

Assisting a ship in distress

Rescuing persons from sea

Responding to emergencies occurring in port