1

Operate GMDSS subsystems and equipment to send and receive messages

1.1

GMDSS communication equipment is operated to send and receive various types of signals according to manufacturer instructions, established GMDSS procedures and regulatory requirements

1.2

GMDSS procedures appropriate for the sea area concerned are correctly applied according to regulatory requirements

1.3

Regulations and procedures applicable to vessel stations equipped with GMDSS communication equipment and digital selective calling facilities are applied during radio communication

1.4

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and hazard control strategies are applied when operating radio equipment according to vessel ISM Code safety management system

2

Maintain radio equipment

2.1

Routine maintenance checks are conducted on GMDSS equipment according to manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures

2.2

Out-of-specification performance and faults are investigated using fault finding techniques

2.3

Identified faults and defective equipment and component parts are rectified or replaced according to manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures

3

Provide radio services during emergencies

3.1

Emergencies are correctly identified according to organisational procedures

3.2

Organisational procedures are conformed with when taking initial action on becoming aware of an emergency or abnormal situation

3.3

Communications are established with others using GMDSS communication equipment to facilitate the emergency response process

3.4

Contact is maintained at all times with others to keep them briefed on the emergency response process

3.5

Radio procedures as defined in the international and national radio regulations and safety of life at sea (SOLAS) convention are applied during the emergency

4

Maintain records

4.1

Records are completed and maintained as required according to regulatory and organisational requirements

4.2

Relevant records are sent to appropriate bodies and copies are filed according to regulatory and organisational requirements

4.3

Documents are stored according to regulatory and organisational requirements

Required Skills:

Apply WHS/OHS procedures when operating GMDSS subsystems and equipment

Communicate effectively with others when using GMDSS subsystems and equipment

Conduct operational checks on GMDSS subsystems and equipment

Keep records of radio communications

Operate GMDSS subsystems and equipment according to manufacturer instructions

Read and interpret instructions for the use of GMDSS subsystems and equipment

Recognise typical faults with GMDSS subsystems and equipment, and take appropriate action

Use the phonetic alphabet

Required Knowledge:

Basic principles and features of marine radio communications including correct use of frequencies, frequency bands and modes of emission; frequencies for routine call and reply; distress, urgency and safety communication; definition of coverage and sea areas for digital selective calling (DSC); radio calling, replying and relaying procedures; purpose of silence periods when operating radio equipment; limitations on the performance of different types of marine radio equipment; purpose for and procedures for the monitoring of calling and working frequencies; methods of communicating vessel position

Different types of marine radio equipment, their features, applications, operating characteristics and operating procedures

Hazards associated with radio transmission and the repair and maintenance of radio equipment and related hazard control measures

International and national radio regulations applicable to mobile marine communication

Maintenance strategies and requirements for GMDSS equipment as defined in SOLAS and Radio Regulations

Means to prevent the transmission of false distress alerts

Operational checks including checking radio performance; testing fuses; measuring capacity of batteries and the specific gravity of the electrolyte; measuring on and off load voltage

Principles of radio propagation including basic propagation mechanisms at LF, MF, HF and VHF; maximum user frequency (MUF); optimum working frequency (OWF); frequency bands; classes of emission; duplex, simplex paired frequencies and ITU channels

Procedures for:

keeping records of radio communication

transmitting and decoding the phonetic alphabet excluding the figure code

using various GMDSS systems and services including Inmarsat services (B, C, M and E); Enhanced Group Calling system (EGC); DSC facilities and usage; EGC receiver; MSI services; NAVTEXT system; SafetyNET system

Prohibitions on connecting non-GMDSS equipment

Radio communication problems and appropriate actions and solutions

Radio equipment faults, defects and related fault finding techniques

Requirements of ship reporting systems

Types, applications and features of basic antenna systems used in marine radio communications

Use of radio medical services

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:

ensuring currency of relevant legislative and regulatory knowledge

attention to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping.

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:

industry-approved marine operations site where transmitting and receiving information by GMDSS subsystems and equipment can be conducted

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 transmitting and receiving information by GMDSS subsystems and equipment

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.

GMDSS communication equipment must include:

Antennas

Batteries

Digital selective calling (DSC) equipment

ECG receiver

Electrical and radio cable connections

Electrical fuses

Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)

Medium frequency/high frequency (MF/HF)equipment

Navtext receiver

Search and rescue transmitter (SART)

Very high frequency (VHF) equipment

Regulations must include:

IMO STCW 95 Code concerning radio communication

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Marine Orders

SOLAS Convention

ITU Regulations

Routine maintenance checks may include:

Battery level checks

Equipment testing

Emergencies may include:

Abandon ship

Assisting vessels in distress

Fire on board ship

Partial or full breakdown of radio installations

Rescuing persons from the water

Records may include:

Radio communication log

Records of radio communication