Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Recognise types of anchor handling and towing equipment, vessels and towed objects 

1.1

Required safety precautions, including fatigue management are identified

1.2

Features of various AHTS are outlined

1.3

Types of anchor handling and towing operations are identified

1.4

Properties of towed objects are identified and their impact on safety, the environment and vessel operations is recognised

1.5

Properties of anchor handling and towing equipment and tools are identified and their impact on safety and vessel operations is recognised

1.6

Hazards associated with anchor handling and towing are identified

1.7

Hazard controls associated with anchor handling and towing are employed according to organisational procedures

2 

Prepare anchor handling and towing deck equipment, tools and machinery for use 

2.1

Appropriate personal protective equipment and machinery is selected, used and stored according to work health and safety/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) requirements

2.2

Routine pre-operational checks are carried out on anchor handling and towing deck equipment, tools and machinery according to manufacturer specifications, regulatory and organisational requirements

2.3

Deviations from the norm are promptly identified and rectified

2.4

Adjustments are made to achieve a safe and efficient operation

2.5

Inability to start machinery is reported promptly and accurately to appropriate personnel

3 

Operate anchor handling and towing deck tools and equipment 

3.1

Deck equipment, tools and machinery is operated in a safe and controlled manner within defined operating limits when running, to achieve optimum safety and efficiency

3.2

Deviations from normal operations are promptly identified

3.3

Action is taken to rectify basic operational faults to maintain optimum safety and efficiency

3.4

Appropriate action is taken in a malfunction or emergency

4 

Check and complete anchor handling and towing deck equipment , tools and machinery operations 

4.1

Equipment and machinery shut-down procedures are carried out according to manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures

4.2

Equipment and machinery damage, malfunctions or irregular performance is recorded and reported according to organisational procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Pre-operational checks must include:

• deck equipment
• equipment operational readiness
• inspecting safety guards
• pre-start and safety checks including:

• oils, greases and lubricants
• emergency stops

Anchor handling and towing equipment, tools and deck machinery must include:

• anchors
• buoys (surface and subsea)
• capstans
• capstan winches and wires
• chains
• connecting links (kenter, baldt, hinge, pear)
• fibre rope
• gob arrangements
• grapnels
• J hooks
• oil rig cranes
• shackles
• swivels
• towed rigs
• towed barges
• towing pins
• tugger winches and wires
• wire stoppers/shark jaws
• wires (towing and work)

Safe and controlled manner must include:

• maintaining safe workloads within ships specifications including:

• safe working load (SWL)
• working load limit (WLL)

• selecting and using appropriate machinery and equipment
• using operational techniques for specific location, operation and weather conditions

Basic operational faults must include one or more of the following:

• failure of deck tools and equipment
• breakage of wire
• machinery break downs

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

• following manufacturer recommendations, regulations and vessel operating procedures
• implementing and working in a safe and controlled manner
• using anchor handling, towing and deck equipment
• using deck machinery
• using deck tools
• using verbal and non-verbal means of communication in a clear and appropriate manner to effectively communicate with other crew members

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

• anchor handling and towing tools including:

• anchors
• buoys (surface and subsea)
• capstans
• capstan winches and wires
• chains
• connecting links (kenter, baldt, hinge, pear)
• fibre rope
• gob arrangements
• grapnels
• J hooks
• oil rig cranes
• shackles
• swivels
• towed rigs
• towed barges
• towing pins
• tugger winches and wires
• wire stoppers/shark jaws
• wires (towing and work)

• legislation and guidance affecting anchor handling and towing operations
• anchor handling and towing equipment including:

• capstan winches
• towing winches
• tugger winches
• towing pins
• working winches
• wire stoppers/shark jaws

• safe working procedures
• terminology and abbreviations used in the maritime industry specific to anchor handling and towing operations
• work health and safety/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) requirements and work practices