Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the MAR Maritime Training Package.

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage the dynamic factors affecting the stability of a vessel less than 80 metres.

It includes calculating stability, controlling vessel stress and stability, and maintaining records of stability management.

This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of:

• Master on commercial vessels less than 35 metres in length within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
• Master on vessels less than 80 metres in length in inshore waters
• Chief Mate or Deck Watchkeeper on vessels less than 80 metres in length within the EEZ
• Chief Engineer on vessels with inboard engines less than 1500 kW within the EEZ
• Second Engineer on vessels with inboard engines less than 3000 kW within the EEZ
• Engineer on vessels with outboard engines with unlimited propulsion power within the EEZ
• assistant under the direct supervision of the Chief Engineer
• worker in the engine room of a vessel less than 80 metres in length with propulsion power less than 3000 kW.

Licensing/Regulatory Information 

Legislative and regulatory requirements are applicable to this unit.

This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as a Master less than 35 metres Near Coastal, Mate less than 80 metres and Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal as defined in the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part D.

Not applicable.

A - Handling Cargo and Vessel Stability

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1  

Calculate stability 

1.1 

Vessel stability data book is made available and checked for endorsement

1.2 

Data is interpreted to determine safety parameters for vessel

1.3 

Stability is accurately calculated using data extracted from vessel stability data book

1.4 

Stability calculations are checked to ensure they correlate with data set out in vessel stability book

1.5 

Miscalculations or unsafe conditions are recognised and recalculated or checked

1.6 

Calculated stability data is recorded using appropriate units and correct number of significant figures

2 

Control vessel stress and stability 

2.1 

Information from vessel stability information is used to determine loading limits and displacement from draft

2.2 

Vessel weight distribution is managed to maintain stability condition within safe limits at all times and regulatory requirements are complied with under all conditions of loading

2.3 

Relevant stability information is correctly communicated to others, as required

2.4 

Stability conditions of vessel are managed in adverse weather conditions

2.5 

Emergencies that may jeopardise vessel stability are recognised and appropriate actions taken

3 

Maintain records of stability management 

3.1 

Data and information related to stability management is accurately recorded

3.2 

Data and information related to stability management is filed and stored 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.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to MARA004 Manage vessel stability.

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the MAR Maritime Training Package.

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

• attending to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping
• carrying out basic calculations associated with maintaining vessel stability which must include:

• dock water and freshwater allowance
• draft
• final height of the centre of gravity (CG) above the keel of a vessel
• trim
• final position of the longitudinal centre of gravity (LCG)
• free surface effect and vertical distance between keel and CG adjusted for free surface effect (CGf)
• metacentric height (GM) and GM adjusted for free surface effect (GMf)
• righting moments

• checking calculations to ensure correlation against stability book data
• managing loading and weight distribution of vessel to ensure assigned load line conditions are not exceeded.

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

• bilging and permeability
• centroids and CG
• change of draught and trim (MCT)
• conditions of stable, neutral and unstable equilibrium and effects of disturbing vessel from upright
• construction features and stress characteristics for vessels
• density and specific gravity
• dock water and freshwater allowance
• effects of free surface of liquids
• emergencies, including:

• adverse weather and water conditions
• any other emergency identified by risk assessment that may affect stability
• cargo shift
• damaged hull
• flooding of cargo spaces

• factors that affect the rolling period of vessel
• forces and moments
• information contained in stability data books
• loading and discharging weights
• loading limits, including:

• not exceeding allowable passenger carrying capacity and distribution
• not exceeding cargo carrying capacity of the vessel
• the effect of fuel, freshwater and ballast on cargo carrying capacity

• maintenance of stability during firefighting operations
• principal stresses that act on the structure of a vessel
• principles of vessel stability
• problems affecting vessel stability
• procedures for carrying out basic calculations associated with vessel stability
• relationship between light displacement, loaded displacement and deadweight tonnage
• stability curves
• stability of vessel in a range of conditions
• stability terms and definitions
• steps involved in bringing an unstable vessel to a stable condition
• stress calculations
• tonnes per centimetre (TPC) immersion
• transverse and longitudinal dynamics
• trim and stress tables
• work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices.

Assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Practical assessment must occur in a workplace, or realistic simulated workplace, under the normal range of workplace conditions.

Simulations and scenarios may be used where situations cannot be provided in the workplace or may occur only rarely, in particular for situations relating to emergency procedures and adverse weather conditions where assessment would be unsafe, impractical or may lead to environmental damage.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• applicable documentation, such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, safety management system (SMS), vessel stability books, workplace procedures and operational manuals
• tools, equipment, machinery, materials and personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry.