Application
This unit of competency was developed by the National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) and defines the skills and knowledge required to safely handle/operate a powered recreational boat on coastal and inland waters and includes manoeuvring and handling the boat as well as safe navigation and anchoring.
This unit is one of three core competencies that have been adopted by all government marine safety authorities to contribute to and promote the safe use of waterways and awareness of boating safety and applies specifically to mechanical powered recreational boats, including personal watercraft. However, it is recognised that some aspects of this competency apply to any recreational vessel.
Unit MEM50008 Carry out trip preparation and planning and unit MEM50010 Respond to boating emergencies and incidents are the other two NMSC core units.
Some jurisdictions may require the holder of this unit to be licensed or certified and users should check with the relevant authorities.
Band: A
Unit Weight: 2
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Manoeuvre and handle the boat | 1.1 | Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) |
1.2 | Comply with work health and safety (WHS) requirements at all times | ||
1.3 | Undertake a pre-start checks and start motor | ||
1.4 | Manoeuvre boat safely according to conditions and in accordance with water traffic regulations | ||
1.5 | Monitor performance of the boat and personnel at all times | ||
1.6 | Consider impact of boat use on others and the environment | ||
1.7 | Use safety equipment, stow and, as required, wear in accordance with legislation and recognised regulations and rules | ||
2 | Navigate safely | 2.1 | Identify aids to small craft navigation |
2.2 | Apply collision avoidance techniques when required in accordance with relevant legislation, recognised regulations and rules | ||
2.3 | Carry out operation of the boat at all times in accordance with relevant legislation, recognised regulations and rules | ||
2.4 | Use navigational aids and landmarks to determine and monitor boat position | ||
2.5 | Take into account hazards and conditions in navigating the boat | ||
3 | Anchor the boat | 3.1 | Select anchorage site in accordance with prevailing and forecast conditions and in accordance with legislation |
3.2 | Use type of anchor and anchoring system suitable for location | ||
3.3 | Lower, set and monitor anchor according to prevailing conditions | ||
3.4 | Retrieve and securely stow anchor |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those required skills (reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy) that are essential to workplace performance in this unit of competency.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
This field allows for 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. | |
Pre-start checks include the following: | fuel is connected battery is charged and connected kill switch fumes and petrol fuel and water leaks hatches/windows/doors are open ventilation sea-cock opening loose gear is secured marine radio is turned on and radio aerials raised bilge water levels checked navigation lights |
Manoeuvring conditions include the following: | from or to a ramp, pontoon, wharf, mooring, anchor, confined areas, such as narrow channels, marinas, moorings and obstructions sea-states, including bars, waves, rips, high seas, tidal surges, choppy conditions and wakes low speed/high speed poor visibility effect of wind large vessels |
Safe manoeuvring includes the following: | steer straight line astern figure-eight right of way port-starboard throttle control emergency stop trim and stability of vessel towing or being towed berthing standing-on/stemming the tide retrieval of person overboard |
Monitoring includes the following: | cooling system bilge portholes and hatches location and welfare of persons on board oil, fuel and water radio position of boat other water users battery and electrical systems |
Others and environment include the following: | noise wake safety of others disturbance or injury to wildlife disposal of waste and bilge water effects of detergent and anti-foul fuelling arrangements |
Aids to small craft navigation include one (1) or more of the following: | IALA Buoyage System ‘A’ charts compasses global positioning system (GPS) sounder tide tables passage plan marine references notices to mariners radio navigational warnings |
Relevant legislation, recognised regulations and rules include the following: | collision regulations: navigating in narrow channels giving way to other vessels overtaking, proper lookout sound signals lights and shapes responsibilities and duty of care use of buoyage system speed recognition of lights and markers rules of road recognition of operation areas specific activity rules, e.g. personal watercraft (PWCs), water skis and equipment requirements accident/incident reporting marine regulations: safety regulations licensing and registration speed limit restrictions distance off requirements port limits/rules marine incident reporting carrying capacity drug and alcohol limits/effects age of operators environmental and wildlife regulations as relevant and applicable to the operation of boats |
Hazards and conditions include the following: | weather set and drift effect of wind, tide and currents submerged objects other boats and wash restricted waters crossing bars |
Types of anchor include one (1) or more of the following: | Danforth Grapnel/Reef Bruce Plough Admiralty Sarca sea anchor |
Anchoring systems include one (1) or more of the following: | multiple anchors bow and stern anchors mooring buoy |
Competency Field
Boating services