1

Maintain watch on bridge when berthed or anchored

1.1

Checks and inspections are scheduled to comply with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

1.2

Appropriate action is taken in the event of irregularities or abnormal conditions to maximise the safety and integrity of vessel

1.3

Restrictions on access to vessel by non-authorised persons are followed according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

1.4

Internal and external communications systems are used according to organisational procedures

2

Maintain watch on bridge when at sea

2.1

Proper watch is maintained at all times according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

2.2

Lights, shapes and sound signals are correctly recognised and acted upon

2.3

Frequency and extent of monitoring traffic, vessel and environment are scheduled to conform with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

2.4

Wheelhouse communication is maintained with other crew members on matters relevant to safety and integrity of vessel

2.5

Clear and concise wheelhouse communications are maintained and clarification is sought from or given to other crew members when watch information or instructions are not clearly understood

2.6

Internal and external communications systems are used according to organisational procedures

2.7

Log and record books are maintained according to regulatory requirements and organisational procedures

3

Respond to potential emergency situations

3.1

Watchkeeping problems and emergency situations are promptly reported to crew according to organisational procedures

3.2

Distress signals are recognised and acted upon

3.3

Appropriate action is taken to handle watchkeeping problems and emergency situations according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

4

Manage crew performing watchkeeping and lookout duties

4.1

Watchkeeping schedule is developed with due regard to crew qualifications, experience and organisational procedures

4.2

Instructions are provided on watchkeeping and lookout requirements in relation to monitoring traffic, vessel and environment

4.3

Clear and concise roles and responsibilities of watchkeeping team are established

4.4

Effective communication is maintained with crew on matters relevant to safety and integrity of vessel

4.5

Fatigue management strategies are correctly applied in allocating watchkeeping and lookout duties

Required Skills:

Communicate effectively with others about watchkeeping issues, arrangements and requirements

Identify and solve problems that may arise during watchkeeping duties

Interpret and implement procedures relevant to the role and responsibilities of watchkeeper

Monitor and anticipate hazards and risks that may arise during watchkeeping duties and take appropriate action

Select and use appropriate internal and external communications equipment during watchkeeping duties

Required Knowledge:

Application and intent of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code as it applies to Australian coastal vessels and ports

Bridge instrumentation, controls and alarms relevant to the function of watchkeeper

Content, application and intent of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea

Fatigue management principles and techniques

Functions and responsibilities of the wheelhouse team on board a vessel

IALA buoyage system A

International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR)

International Code of Signals

Maritime communication techniques on board a vessel

Navigational hazards and implications for watchkeeping

Procedures for the relief, maintenance and handover of a watch

Procedures for the use of internal communications and alarm systems

Relevant sections of state and territory marine regulations, NSCV and USL Code

Typical watchkeeping problems and emergency situations, and appropriate actions and solutions

Wheelhouse procedures on board a vessel

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:

using bridge equipment in normal and emergency situations on vessels up to 80 metres

ensuring currency of relevant legislative and regulatory knowledge.

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:

appropriate vessel or simulator to demonstrate watchkeeping procedures and use of bridge equipment in normal and emergency situations on vessels up to 80 metres

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 managing and maintaining a navigational watch on board vessels up to 80 metres

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.

Scheduled may include:

Coverage

Frequency

Timing

Irregularities or abnormal conditions may include:

Fog and restricted visibility

Heavy weather, including cyclones

Lights, shapes and sound signals must include:

Alternative power source for lights

Day time shapes for a vessel

Emergency lights

Means of making sound signals for a vessel up to 80 metres

Navigation lights

Wheelhouse communication may include:

Verbal instruction relating to watchkeeping duties

Written Master instructions

Internal and external communications systems may include:

GMDSS equipment

Handheld radios

International single letter code flags

MF and HF radios

VHF radios

Watchkeeping problems may include:

Dragging of anchor

Failure of bridge equipment, steering equipment, navigational lights

Loss of main engines or propulsion controls

Loss of mooring lines or winches when berthing

Machinery and bilge alarms

Emergency situations may include:

Cargo shift

Collision

Fire

Fouled hawse

Grounding

Injured crew or passenger

Loss of watertight integrity

Missing crew or passenger

Person overboard

Reception of a distress signal

Retrieval of survivors from the water

Synchronous rolling

Fatigue management strategies must include:

Maintaining personal fitness and health and appropriate dietary habits

Observing appropriate hours of duty in a 24 hour period

Observing policy concerning alcohol/drug use prior to watchkeeping duties

Recognising symptoms of fatigue