Application
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to predict meteorological conditions and apply them to ensure the safe navigation of a vessel. It includes interpreting and applying information obtained from observations, reports and instruments and forecasting weather for an intended inland waters passage using all available data.
This unit applies to those working in the capacity of a Master Inland Waters on any commercial vessel up to 24 metres engaged in inland waters navigation.
This unit has links to legislative and certification requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Obtain weather information | 1.1 | Relevant weather forecasts are obtained from a range of sources and correctly interpreted |
1.2 | Weather conditions are observed and correctly interpreted according to established nautical and meteorological practice | ||
1.3 | Basic measurements of meteorological conditions are correctly made and recorded using established procedures | ||
1.4 | Relevant meteorological charts, publications and related documentation are obtained, used, updated, stored and maintained | ||
2 | Apply weather data to safe navigation | 2.1 | Weather condition hazards relevant to a proposed voyage are identified using relevant forecasts based on interpretation of meteorological observations, reports and measurements |
2.2 | Voyage is modified as required to take into account weather and water condition hazards according to established navigational practice and operational instructions | ||
3 | Maintain records of weather and oceanographic information | 3.1 | Meteorological measurements, observations, reports and forecasts are recorded and stored according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements |
3.2 | Actions taken to maintain safety of navigation and to minimise risk to safety of vessel as a result of weather and oceanographic forecasts, are documented according to organisational procedures |
Evidence of Performance
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:
completing required records and documentation
identifying and evaluating weather forecasting problems and determining appropriate solutions
navigating under a range of conditions (day and night, clear visibility and restricted visibility)
reading, interpreting and applying weather information
recognising problems that may occur when interpreting and applying weather information to navigation and taking appropriate action
selecting and using relevant instruments and equipment according to instructions
using relevant communication skills when navigating a small vessel as Master
using weather forecasts to ensure safe navigation.
Evidence of Knowledge
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:
basic principles and procedures interpreting meteorological information
effects on navigation and vessel handling of wind, currents and bottom topography
maritime communication techniques
meteorological and oceanographic parameters:
atmospheric pressure
pressure gradient and isobar patterns
air temperature
relative humidity
wind strength
wind direction
visibility (in conditions of fog, mist, rain and snow)
cloud
problems in forecasting weather information to navigate a vessel and appropriate action and solutions
procedures for applying forecast of likely weather and water conditions to the development of a typical voyage
procedures to be followed during gale conditions and cyclones, including the means of securing a vessel in a cyclone mooring
principles of weather forecasting using information obtained from observations, reports and instruments, including:
vertical division of the atmosphere
air masses and fronts
cloud classifications
heat exchange process
synoptic chart analysis
pressure systems, cold and warm fronts
cyclones, storms and gales
tropical meteorology
sources of weather data
relevant sections of state and territory regulations, National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) and Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code dealing with responsibilities of a Master Inland Waters
sources of weather reports and methods for their interpretation.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (NVR)/Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) assessor requirements.
Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.
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.
Resources for assessment must include access to:
tools, equipment, machinery, materials and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
applicable documentation such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operational manuals
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |
Range Statement
Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment. | |
Sources include one or more of the following: | charts instruments observations reports satellite images |
Documentation include one or more of the following: | meteorological publications navigational charts of inland waterways notices and instructions of relevant maritime authorities operational orders organisational procedures relevant sections of state and territory marine regulations, National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) and Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code vessel log vessel manufacturer instructions and recommended procedures weather reports, charts and satellite images |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Competency Field
H – Navigation