SFISHIP202C
Contribute to safe navigation

This unit of competency involves assisting the officer of the watch safely navigate the vessel or conducting a watch in sole charge of a vessel. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.

Application

This unit has application to the safe navigation of a small vessel as may be used in aquaculture, fishing operations or fisheries compliance work where a maritime regulatory certification is not required. For advice on certifications refer to the current TDM07 Maritime Training Package.

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, 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 protective equipment (PPE) is selected, checked, used and maintained.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Contribute to monitoring and controlling a navigational watch

1.1. Information required for the exchange of a watch is complete, accurate and relevant to both the personnel and the existing circumstances.

1.2. Handover and relief of the watch conforms to accepted principles and procedures of watch keeping.

1.3. Watch information/instructions that are unclear or ambiguous are clarified.

1.4. Lights, shapes and sound signals displayed or given conform with the requirements contained in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and to instructions received.

1.5. Lookout is maintained at all times according to accepted principles and procedures.

1.6. Reports and exchanges of navigational information are clear and concise.

1.7. Traffic, the vessel, weather watch keeping and hazards are monitored with appropriate frequency and intensity.

1.8. Frequency and degree of performance checks to navigational equipment complies with skipper's and owner's requirements.

1.9. Advice or clarification is sought immediately whenever in doubt and from the appropriate people.

2. Manoeuvre the vessel when contributing to the efficient running of the watch

2.1. Manoeuvres are made to safely progress the planned voyage and comply fully with instructions received.

2.2. Engine control systems are operated to progress the planned passage and are designed to complement helm movements.

2.3. Course is steered steadily within acceptable limits according to the area of navigation and the existing sea state.

2.4. Course alterations are smooth and controlled with minimal over shoot.

2.5. Communication is clear, concise and acknowledged at all times.

2.6. Steering modes are changed according to operating instructions, area, wind and sea state, and marine notices.

2.7. Vessel steering systems remain within safe operating limits during normal manoeuvres.

Required Skills

Required skills

maintaining a watch keeping routine:

manoeuvring to:

berth

cross bars and narrow entrances

maintain a steady course

offer timely and obvious responses to potential collision

steer a vessel under pilotage

monitoring:

communications equipment

condition of vessel and personnel

depth

meteorological instruments

meteorological updates

navigation marks and hazards

safety of the vessel and personnel

sea state

traffic by RADAR, aural and visual means

weather

using engine control systems

using steering systems:

auto pilots, including changeover procedures and operation of system controls for optimum performance

back-up and emergency systems

hand steering

primary

Literacy skills used for:

identifying buoyage and navigational marks from a chart

reading meteorological information and instruments.

Required knowledge

principles and procedures relating to:

basic meteorology sufficient to recognise imminent change in the weather and assist in reading meteorological instruments

echo sounding equipment

nautical terminology and the methods of reporting

identification of sources of information

operation of RADAR equipment

responsibilities of a look out

buoyage and navigation mark lights

buoyage and navigation mark sound signals and top marks sufficient for them to be recognised

classes of and responsibilities between vessels

distress signals

give way and stand on rules

International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG), 1972

sound signals

procedures relating to:

assessing the risk of collision by sight and RADAR

bridge communications

bridge control failure

emergency manoeuvres

emergency steering systems

occasions when convention is to seek assistance

use of helm and engines

use of operational controls on an auto pilot

information relating to:

bridge procedures guides

enterprise procedures

International Maritime Organisation operational guidance for officers in charge of a navigational watch

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG), 1972.

Evidence Required

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:

delay the need for a navigational response if in doubt

display manoeuvring signals

hand over and take over a navigational watch

identify hazards

inform appropriate authority

maintain a lookout

perform basic navigation, monitoring and control to ensure the safety of a vessel when keeping a watch

seek advice when required.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

negotiating buoyage in narrow waters

negotiating traffic.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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

Resources may include:

operational vessel with the range of equipment

facilities for negotiating buoyage systems and traffic.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of practical demonstration

practical exercises

project work

simulator exercises

written or oral short-answer testing.

Guidance information for assessment

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


Range Statement

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

ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and 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 and 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.

ESD principles may include:

applying animal welfare ethics and procedures

controlling effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution

improving energy efficiency

increase use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources

minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions

reduce 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

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).

Watch includes:

routines to be maintained when in charge of the bridge watch, such as:

at anchor

during the day

in coastal waters

in narrow waters

in ocean areas

in poor visibility

in severe weather conditions

under pilotage.

Principles and procedures of watch keeping:

as itemised in:

bridge procedures guide

enterprise procedures and standing orders

International Maritime Organisation 'Basic principles to be observed in keeping a navigational watch'

routines to be maintained when watch keeping.

Hazards may relate to:

bar and sea entrance crossings

status of equipment and systems

traffic and other obstructions

vessel position

weather and sea state.

Monitored may be by:

echo sounder

RADAR

sight

sound.

Manoeuvres may be in response to:

crew overboard

going astern

stopping.

Engine control systems may include:

gear box

steering systems

throttle.

Sea state may include:

calm

in a current

rough

tidal conditions.


Sectors

Unit sector

Vessel operations


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor