This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manoeuvre a vessel less than 80 metres.

This includes manoeuvring vessel in normal conditions, manoeuvring vessel in adverse weather conditions, manoeuvring vessel in emergencies, and towing and being towed.

This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of Master on a range of vessels less than 80 metres.

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

Master of a commercial vessel less than 35 metres in length within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)

Master of a vessel less than 80 metres in length in inshore waters

Chief Mate or deck watchkeeper on a vessel less than 80 metres in length within the EEZ.

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 a Master of a commercial vessel less than 80 metres in length as defined in the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part D.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Manoeuvre vessel in normal conditions

1.1

Features of vessel that relate to its handling characteristics are recognised

1.2

Adequate resources are organised prior to and during operations

1.3

Details of manoeuvres are communicated to relevant personnel clearly and concisely using standard maritime vocabulary

1.4

Situational awareness is maintained to ensure safe manoeuvres

1.5

Manoeuvres are completed in relevant conditions of tide and wind to meet passage requirements

1.6

Propulsion equipment is used and monitored to assist in completing manoeuvres safely

1.7

Appropriate alterations to vessel heading and power are made in response to operational environment

1.8

Safe operating limits of propulsion and steering systems are not exceeded

2

Manoeuvre vessel in adverse weather conditions

2.1

Nature of adverse weather conditions is identified and implications for vessel operations are evaluated

2.2

Preparations are made and required precautions are taken to minimise risk and damage to vessel, personnel and time loss on passage

2.3

Manoeuvres are adjusted to allow for weather and sea conditions, and to keep vessel in safe water

2.4

Propulsion equipment is used and monitored to assist in completing actions safely

2.5

Heading is maintained within acceptable limits

2.6

Appropriate allowance is made for effects of deadweight, draft, trim, speed and underwater keel clearances during turning circles and stopping distance

2.7

Safe operating limits of propulsion and steering equipment are not exceeded

2.8

Situational awareness is maintained at all times to review actions and ensure safety of vessel

3

Manoeuvre vessel in emergencies

3.1

Nature of emergency is established and required action is determined

3.2

Risks to vessel and safety of persons onboard are assessed and safety of required action is confirmed

3.3

Details of action are communicated to relevant personnel clearly and concisely using standard maritime vocabulary

3.4

Appropriate manoeuvres are made during emergency to maintain safety of vessel and those onboard, and any other vessels or persons involved

3.5

Propulsion equipment is used and monitored to assist in completing actions safely

3.6

Safe operating limits of propulsion and steering equipment are not exceeded

3.7

Special handling techniques are correctly applied during launching of boats or life rafts and rescues of persons overboard

4

Tow and be towed

4.1

Preparations for towing are safely made according to established nautical practice

4.2

Correct towing procedures and precautions are applied when towing and being towed

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:

anchoring a vessel

determining required action for a range of emergency situations

handling a disabled or partially disabled vessel

issuing helm and engine orders

maintaining situational awareness

manoeuvring a vessel in normal and emergency situations

manoeuvring a vessel through:

anchor work

astern movements

berthing and leaving a berth

coming to and leaving a mooring

person overboard

positioning vessel to safely launch boats or life rafts in bad weather

steering astern through an ‘s’ configuration

turn short around

turning a vessel across the tide across the wind

manoeuvring a vessel to embark or disembark a pilot

manoeuvring in shallow water

preparing for towing, including:

ensuring appropriate lights and shapes for the tow are available and in working order

ensuring means of communication between the two vessels is available

ensuring tow line is of sufficient length

ensuring tow ropes are in good condition and of adequate strength for proposed tow

making appropriate reports to authorities

making provision for rapid slipping of tow in emergency situations

making tow fast to towing vessel to ensure steerage is maintained

preparing messenger ropes for passing tow lines.

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:

effects of displacement and planning hulls

effects of inboard propulsion units

effects of rudders and propellers

effects of deadweight, draught, trim, speed, under keel clearance, tide and current on vessel’s stopping distance and rate of turn

factors that could adversely affect vessel safety during operations

features of a vessel that relate to its handling characteristics

interaction with passing vessels, squat, shallow water and banks effect

launching boats or life rafts

lessening drift and use of oil

manoeuvres assisting a vessel or aircraft in distress

manoeuvres to:

beach and re-float the vessel

berth in a pen

crossing a bar

embarking and disembarking a pilot

means of keeping a vessel out of a trough

take on board survivors from lifeboats and life rafts

nature of emergencies, including:

collision

damage to vessel

disabled or partially disabled vessel

fire

grounding

loss of steering gear

person overboard

precautions in manoeuvring or launching boats or life rafts in bad weather

procedures for towing and being towed

radio communications

requirements for entering, departing and crossing a traffic separation scheme

use of a sea anchor

vessel in adverse weather conditions, including:

bad weather

fog and restricted visibility

following and quartering seas

heavy swell and surf

wind and sea conditions that may affect safety of vessel

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

Assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in 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:

a commercial vessel greater than or equal to 12 metres in length

applicable documentation, such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operational manuals

tools, equipment, machinery, materials and 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.

K – Manoeuvring Vessels