Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

1

DEF12 V2

First release. Replaces and is equivalent to DEFCA304B. Prepare, operate and maintain small watercraft.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for watercraft operations 

1.1 Operating instructions  are interpreted to determine the task, the cargo, the destination and route, and navigation data is compiled in accordance with standard procedures. 

1.2 Hasty buoyancy/floatation calculations  are completed to ensure passengers and cargo are safe to move.

1.3 Equipment  is selected, checked for serviceability and unserviceable items are replaced or rejected, and reported to the supervisor in accordance with standard procedures.

1.4 Shore preparation  is conducted in accordance with standard procedures and the watercraft is prepared and readied for launch.

1.5 Appropriate personal protective equipment is selected and worn by all personnel.

1.6 Passengers and crew are given a safety brief by the operator prior to embarking on watercraft operations. 

2. Construct improvised watercraft 

2.1 Improvised flotation craft  are constructed/assembled, when required, in accordance with technical specifications and supervisor’s instructions.

2.2 Improvised flotation craft are inspected for safety prior to use and shore preparation is completed.

3. Operate small watercraft 

3.1 Watercraft is launched safely in accordance with standard procedures and local conditions.

3.2 Watercraft is loaded and trimmed to ensure safety of crew and load.

3.3 Watercraft is operated  consistent with hazards and environmental conditions , and in accordance with standard procedures.

3.4 Directions are provided, as necessary, to passengers in order to maintain safety and efficient boat operation.

3.5 Contingency and emergency drills  are carried out, as necessary, to minimise threat to personnel and equipment.

3.6 Personnel and/or loads are disembarked and/or unloaded safely in accordance with standard procedures.

4. Recover and restore vessel 

4.1 Watercraft is recovered from a ramp or improvised landing site.

4.2 Watercraft and associated equipment are checked for serviceability, cleaned and serviced, defects are reported and documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures.

4.3 Debriefing requirements are completed, as required, in accordance with standard procedures.

Required Skills 

• use knots and lashings to secure watercraft
• use clear interpersonal communication as operator of the vessel
• constantly monitor hazards and apply safety principles to operations
• follow instructions/directives and report information
• participate in team
• encourage other team members
• use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening
• read and interpret operating instructions
• calculate and record number and weight of passengers, stores and equipment

Required Knowledge 

• applicable statutory waterways rules for watercraft operation
• local water hazards and environmental conditions
• effects of water moving over objects and obstacles
• team work
• techniques for supporting others
• composition of teams, and roles and responsibilities of team members
• verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening
• hasty buoyancy/floatation calculations

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Small watercraft  may include:

• motorised and non-motorised boats up to five metres in length capable of accommodating a maximum ten personnel and the operator and crewman
• motorised and non-motorised rigid and non-rigid inflatable craft
• powered by outboard motors of up to 40 hp
• motorised and non-motorised bridge and ferry construction craft

Environment  include:

• under a range of water conditions
• in enclosed waters including tidal rivers, protected harbours, non-tidal rivers, lakes and dams
• in all weather conditions
• by day or night and under illumination

Operating instructions  may include:

• access and egress routes
• details of enemy threat and own force operations
• details of ramps or launching points
• details of resupply or evacuation requirements
• number and nature of personnel, including casualties to be transported
• potential hazards
• tidal information
• types of general cargo and weights
• weather forecast

Standard procedures  may include:

• manufacturer’s handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions
• procedures manuals, job guides, watermanship pamphlets and other publications
• statutory waterways rules
• WHS regulations for water safety
• written and verbal orders and instructions

Hasty bouyancy/floatation calculations  may include:

• freeboard when loaded within load limits
• number and weight of passengers within load limits
• weight of stores and equipment within load units

Equipment to be used  may include:

• appropriate rescue and recovery equipment
• items of stores and equipment
• personal protective equipment such as life jackets
• safety equipment that may be required under state/territory legislation or standard procedures
• vehicles and equipment used to transport boats

Shore preparation  may include:

• assembly for launch
• equipment checks
• loading of stores and equipment
• positioning vessel on ramp or launching site
• pre-start checks of engine

Watercraft operations  may include:

• a float for people operating near, in or over water
• transport of personnel
• support to bridge, ferry and raft operations
• evacuation of personnel, stores and equipment
• searches, rescues
• resupply operations
• support to divers
• providing safety

Improvised flotation craft  may include

• inflatable, rigid body or improvised watercraft constructed of timber, drums, canvas, inflatable tubes or any combination

Operating the watercraft  may include:

• compliance with waterways rules and regulations
• engine start-up procedures
• moving at a safe speed consistent with the conditions
• navigating to destination

Hazards and environmental conditions  may include:

• adverse weather
• eddies
• fast flowing streams and near still waters
• floating and submerged debris and snags
• fog or drizzle
• heat and cold
• reduced visibility due to after dark operations
• time pressure
• undertows
• underwater hazards
• wildlife

Contingency and emergency drills  may include:

• abandon ship drills
• action on capsize
• diagnosing and rectifying minor engine faults
• fire drills
• man overboard drills
• propeller replacement
• towing disabled vessels
• use of improvised rudder
• use of oars/improvised oars
• use of sail