This unit has application to a deckhand role aboard a fishing vessel. Someone undertaking deckhand duties may also undertake other work roles, such as cooking, and onboard processing.

All enterprise or workplace procedures and activities are carried out according to relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements, including occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines, maritime and occupational diver codes of practice and procedures, and ecologically sustainable development (ESD) principles.

Equipment operation, maintenance, repairs and calibrations are undertaken in a safe manner that conforms to manufacturer instructions. Appropriate personal protectiveequipment (PPE) is selected, checked, used and maintained.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Use and maintain ropes and perform basic knots, bends, hitches, splices and common whipping

1.1. Operations are carried out safely.

1.2. Rope materials, methods of construction, measurement methods, physical characteristics and common areas of use are correctly identified.

1.3. Ropes are checked for wear, maintained, coiled and stowed correctly.

1.4. Knots, bends and hitches are tied neatly and securely and used according to their correct application.

1.5. Ropes are spliced neatly and securely according to their correct application and rope ends are whipped, where appropriate, to maintain good condition.

2. Operate winches, capstans and windlasses

2.1. Winches, capstans and windlasses are selected, as appropriate, checked and prepared for operation prior to use.

2.2. Winches, capstans and windlasses are safely operated to carry out fishing vessel deck operations.

3. Secure the vessel at anchor

3.1. Securing of the vessel is carried out.

3.2. Preparation of the anchor and equipment prior to letting go is appropriate to the depth of water, weather and sea conditions, and tidal range in area of operation.

3.3. Quantity of anchor cable run out or recovered complies with orders provided.

3.4. Control of the cable is maintained within safe operating limits during normal operation.

3.5. Degree to which the anchor and equipment is secured on completion of anchoring operations is appropriate to forecast conditions and complies with orders provided.

3.6. Manufacturer recommendations and anchoring requirements are followed during anchor winch operations.

3.7. Anchoring area is kept free of loose ropes, wires and debris throughout all operations.

4. Secure and adjust the vessel's position during mooring operations

4.1. Mooring of the vessel is carried out correctly.

4.2. Mooring lines and associated equipment are handled safely and efficiently at all times.

4.3. Mooring area is kept free of loose ropes, wires and debris throughout all operations.

4.4. Tension on mooring lines is maintained at a level appropriate to the stage and nature of the operation when warping the vessel or maintaining position.

4.5. Reports of incidents made to supervisory personnel are complete, clear and concise, and at a time designed to maximise the mooring security of the vessel.

4.6. Mooring lines are secured according to orders provided, forecast tidal conditions and planned vessel operations.

4.7. Equipment malfunction or problems during operations are promptly recognised and appropriate corrective action taken.

5. Monitor the situation of the vessel when moored or anchored

5.1. Monitoring operations are planned and carried out for safe operations.

5.2. Frequency, timing and coverage of scheduled checks and inspections comply with watch-keeping instructions.

5.3. Action taken in the event of irregularities or abnormal conditions is appropriate to their significance and within own responsibility to implement.

5.4. Reports of incidents made to supervisory personnel are complete, clear and concise, and at a time designed to maximise the safety and integrity of the vessel.

5.5. Restrictions on access to the vessel by visitors are in accordance with watch-keeping instructions.

6. Secure the vessel

6.1. Checks on vessel security are planned and carried out safely.

6.2. Coverage and frequency of checks and inspections on the vessel's seaworthiness comply with orders received.

6.3. Watertight integrity is checked and appropriate action taken to prepare for prevailing and forecast weather and sea conditions.

6.4. Degree to which the vessel is secured is appropriate to prevailing and forecast conditions and complies with orders received.

6.5. Action taken in the event of irregularities is appropriate to their significance and within own responsibility to implement.

6.6. Reports of conditions made to supervisory personnel are completed accurately and correctly.

6.7. Reports to supervisory personnel on irregularities beyond own ability to rectify are clear and concise, and made in time to enable remedial action to be taken.

Required skills

assisting in different types of mooring operations:

adjusting mooring during a port stay

making fast and letting go fore and aft to a wharf

making fast and letting go to a single-point mooring

preparing area for operation

rigging safe access to a vessel

using springs that manoeuvre a vessel to and from a wharf

checking cargo condition, such as catch temperature

handling ropes and wires:

coiling and stowing ropes

identifying different rope material and construction

performing an eye splice, back splice and a short splice

performing common whipping on ropes and line

preparing and throwing a heaving line

tying a half hitch, clove hitch, round turn and two half hitches, rolling hitch and timber hitch

tying a sheet bend and a double-sheet bend

tying an overhand knot, figure-eight knot, reef knot, bowline and cod-end knot

using knots, bends and hitches and securing arrangements

using stoppers

letting go and weighing anchor:

communicating with controller

displaying signals

handling anchor-securing arrangements

preparing an anchor buoy

recovering a foul hawse

removing debris from an anchor

single and twin anchor (such as running moor) operations

reporting incidents and events to supervisory personnel

securing equipment and objects for sea passage, transit in port or ready for use, including:

cargo

containers

drawers and cupboard doors in accommodation and storage spaces

galley utensils and stores

large pieces of vessel equipment, such as gangways, spare fishing gear and anchors

machinery spares

personal items

taking contingency actions when encountering a malfunction or problem caused by:

adverse weather

cargo or cargo-securing arrangements

damage to moorings

failure of moorings and equipment

inability to maintain vessel in position

insufficient mooring length or strength

poor leads

using and identifying synthetic rope and wire mooring lines:

back springs

bow and stern ropes

breast lines

fore and aft springs

using different anchoring and mooring winches:

stand-alone winches

tension winches operated in manual or self-tensioning modes

windlasses and capstans with drum ends

using power operated equipment:

capstans

cranes and derricks

winches associated with fishing

using securing arrangements, such as:

impounding

lashing

patent securing arrangements.

Literacy skills used for:

reading safety rules and regulations.

Numeracy skills used for:

estimating safe working loads of ropes and wires

reading levels of tanks and void spaces

reading temperature-monitoring devices.

Required knowledge

anchor cable markings

anchor, cable and equipment on a specific vessel

appropriate health and hygiene practices

characteristics of different types of mooring ropes

codes of safe work practice and safety rules and regulations

construction of the vessel sufficient to understand which areas need to be made watertight

curing the vessel for sea

different configurations of mooring lines for various parts of a vessel

different types of anchor

hazards that could occur if the operation is not controlled properly

how to make the vessel watertight

indications of, and hazards associated with, breaking mooring lines

knots, bends and hitches and their applications

means of access

requirements for access equipment

status of safety equipment

the method of operation of cargo-lifting and securing equipment

principles relating to:

effects of unequal tension on mooring lines and the use of fixed mooring lines

how a vessel is made fast to the wharf

how a vessel normally lies to an anchor and cable

how vessel displacement or profile and prevailing wind or current affect anchoring operations

mooring systems, including the specific functions of the mooring leads

the correct application of common knots, bends and hitches

procedures relating to:

checking and inspecting the seaworthiness of the vessel

displaying signals, flags, lights and shapes

effect of the rise and fall of tide when berthed

maintaining a deck watch in port

maintenance of different types of rope

operating powered equipment in all modes, including emergency operation

preparing deck machinery for use in ambient conditions

routine and emergency operation of anchors

securing all areas and equipment for sea prior to departure

splicing rope and tying common knots, bends and hitches

use of winches, capstans and windlasses

warping a vessel to various configurations at a wharf.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package..

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

deal with security contingencies

identify malfunctions or possible problems and implement contingency plans

monitor and control access

perform knots, bends, hitches, splicing and whipping

perform routine checks and inspections of vessel:

security

seaworthiness

watch-keeping duties

prepare anchor equipment for use and control during operation

prepare winches and capstans associated with fishing for use and control during operation

progress mooring operations to completion

report on conditions

secure anchoring equipment, winches and capstans on completion of operations

secure mooring area on completion of operations

use, maintain and repair ropes and lines

secure the vessel.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

procedures for entering dangerous and enclosed spaces

safety rules and regulations during operation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Resources may include:

facilities for negotiating buoyage systems and traffic

operational vessel with a range of equipment.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of practical demonstration

practical exercises

project work

written or oral short-answer testing.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.

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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:

business or workplace operations, policies and practices

correct marketing names and labelling

ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

maritime and occupational diving operations, safety at sea and pollution control

OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control.

OHS guidelines may include:

appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers

clean, uncluttered, hygienic workplace

codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector

enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards

hazard and risk assessment of workplace, maintenance activities and control measures

induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner

OHS training register

safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances

safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace

systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and exposed moving parts

the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.

Food safety and hygiene regulations and procedures may include:

Australian Shellfish Sanitation program

equipment design, use, cleaning and maintenance

exporting requirements, including Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) Export Control (Fish) orders

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and other risk minimisation systems

people, product and place hygiene and sanitation requirements

Primary Products Standard and the Australian Seafood Standard (voluntary)

requirements set out in Australian and New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) Food Standards Code

temperature and contamination control along chain of custody.

ESD principles may include:

applying animal welfare ethics and procedures

controlling effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution

controlling weeds, pests, predators and diseases, stock health maintenance

improving energy efficiency

increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources

minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions

reducing emissions of greenhouse gases

reducing use of non-renewable resources

reducing energy use

reducing interactions with native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas

reducing live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment

undertaking environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

undertaking facility quarantine, biosecurity and translocation of livestock and genetic material

using and recycling of water, and maintaining water quality.

PPE may include:

buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)

gloves, mitts or gauntlets, and protective hand and arm covering

hard hat or protective head covering

hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)

insulated protective clothing for freezers or chillers and refrigeration units

non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear

personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

protective eyewear, glasses and face mask

protective hair, beard and boot covers

protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions

respirator or face mask

safety harness

sun protection (e.g. sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)

uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons)

waterproof clothing (e.g. wet weather gear and waders).

Operations may include:

anchoring:

emergency

letting go and recovery

routine

anchor winches

at sea and ashore

cable and rope winches

communications and signalling

hydraulic, electric and mechanical

manual handling of equipment

monitoring:

departure

display of signals, flags, lights and shapes

environmental impact

mooring integrity during tidal movements

routine fire and security rounds and inspections

safe access to and about the vessel

visitors to the vessel

mooring:

adjustment from both fore and aft mooring positions

berthing and unberthing to a wharf

mooring and unmooring to a single point

rigging and recovering means of access to the vessel

net haulers

pot or trap haulers

powered winch, capstan and windlass

rope work

securing:

completion of operations and maintenance

heavy weather

long or short voyages

prior to departure

routine situations

three, four or eight-strand rope

varying weather conditions

wire rope.

Mooring may mean :

at a single point

berthed alongside a wharf.

Corrective action may include:

adjustment

reporting incident to supervisory personnel

temporary line repair.

Carried out may include:

by day

by night

in adverse weather conditions.

Irregularities or abnormal conditions are those that may affect the safety and integrity of:

crew

equipment

materials, such as cargo

vessel.

Coverage may include:

accommodation spaces

deck area

engine room

galley

personal facilities

processing area

storage spaces

wheelhouse.

Secured may include:

accommodation and storage spaces

anchors

galley, stores and equipment

large objects likely to move in a sea way

lifting appliances and associated equipment

material on deck and below, such as cargo

openings

slack tanks pressed up.

Unit sector

Fishing operations

This unit contains employability skills.