1

Steer a steady course within acceptable limits in normal conditions

1.1

Features of vessel that relate to its handling characteristics are recognised

1.2

Navigational equipment is used to steer a steady course

1.3

Situational awareness is maintained to ensure safety of vessel

1.4

Propulsion equipment is used and monitored to assist in steering a steady course within acceptable limits having regard to the area of navigation and prevailing state of sea

1.5

Safe operating limits of propulsion and steering equipment are not exceeded

1.6

Automatic pilot and hand steering are used to steer a steady course and course is altered smoothly and in a controlled way

1.7

Helm orders are followed and effective communication is maintained with the Master on matters relevant to the safety and integrity of the vessel

2

Steer a vessel in adverse weather conditions

2.1

Nature of adverse weather conditions is identified and potential impact on the manoeuvrability of the vessel is determined and confirmed with the Master

2.2

Propulsion equipment is used and monitored to assist in steering a steady course within acceptable limits having regard to the area of navigation and prevailing state of sea

2.3

Safe operating limits of propulsion and steering equipment are not exceeded

2.4

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

2.5

Automatic pilot and hand steering are used to steer a steady course and course is altered smoothly and in a controlled way

2.6

Helm orders are followed and effective communication is maintained with the Master on matters relevant to the safety and integrity of the vessel

3

Steer a vessel in emergencies

3.1

Nature of the emergency is established and required action is determined and confirmed with the Master

3.2

Helm orders are followed and effective communication is maintained with the Master on matters relevant to the safety and integrity of the vessel

3.3

Vessel is steered during the emergency to maintain the safety of the vessel and those on board and any other vessels or persons involved in the emergency

3.4

Propulsion equipment is used under the direction of the Master and is monitored to assist in completing steering safely

3.5

Safe operating limits of propulsion and steering equipment are not exceeded

4

Steer a vessel while towing and be towed

4.1

Correct towing procedures and precautions are applied when towing and being towed in relation to helm orders

4.2

Helm orders are followed and effective communication is maintained with the Master on matters relevant to the safety and integrity of the vessel

Required Skills:

Change over from automatic pilot to hand steering and vice versa

Maintain situational awareness

Steer a vessel:

in bad weather

in heavy swell and surf

through coming to and leaving a mooring

through towing and being towed

in the vicinity of large vessels

Required Knowledge:

Effects of:

displacement and planing hulls

outboard and inboard propulsion units

rudders and propellers

trim and displacement on the steering characteristics of a vessel

Features of a vessel that relate to its handling characteristics

Helm orders

Steering characteristics

Use of magnetic and gyro-compasses

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:

awareness of one’s surroundings and changes to these surroundings

ensuring behaviour reflects relevant current legislative and regulatory requirements.

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 to demonstrate steering a vessel in normal conditions, heavy weather and emergency situations

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 steering a vessel under direction of the Master

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.

Features of vessel may include:

Displacement and planing hulls

Outboard and inboard propulsion units

Rudders and propellers

Navigational equipment may include:

Auto pilot

Gyro and magnetic compass

Manual steering arrangements

Off course alarms

Propulsion equipment may include:

Inboard engine

Outboard engine

Adverse weather conditions may include:

Fog and restricted visibility

Wind and sea conditions that may affect the safety of the vessel

Nature of the emergency may include:

Beaching

Collision

Disabled or partially disabled vessel

Grounding

Person overboard