MARH002
Apply weather information when navigating inland waters as Master


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