Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1 

Apply emergency procedures 

1.1

Emergencies  are correctly identified according to organisational procedures

1.2

On becoming aware of an emergency or abnormal situation, organisational procedures for initial action are conformed with

1.3

Emergency and distress alerting systems  are activated according to manufacturer instructions and organisational procedures

1.4

False distress alerts are avoided and appropriate action is taken in the event of accidental activation of a distress alert according to organisational procedures

1.5

Orders are acknowledged and followed

1.6

Allocated duties for emergency situations are performed according to organisational procedures

1.7

Communications are maintained with others to facilitate the emergency response process

2 

Maintain integrity of emergency and distress alerting systems 

2.1

Emergency and distress alerting systems maintenance requirements are specified and managed

2.2

Systems maintenance is audited for compliance

2.3

Systems are assessed for useability and accessibility, and are reported according to organisational procedures

2.4

Procedures are followed to correct systems defects and deficiencies 

3 

Report and record emergency and distress alerting systems faults 

3.1

Schedule for verifying and reporting faults is developed and implemented

3.2

Details and nature of faults are recorded and where possible rectified according to manufacturer instructions and organisational procedures

3.3

Reports on faults are provided and contain recommendations for improvements according to organisational procedures

3.4

Frequency of occurrence of faults is monitored and reported according to organisational procedures

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required Skills: 

• Identify, isolate and report faulty or non-operational emergency and distress alerting systems

• Read and follow emergency procedures in real or simulated emergency situations

• Read and interpret basic instructions and standard operating procedures for emergency and distress alerting systems

• Recognise routine problems that may occur when operating emergency and distress alerting systems

• Select and use emergency and distress alerting systems

Required Knowledge: 

• Applicable sections of relevant maritime regulations dealing with emergency equipment and procedures

• Duties and responsibilities of shipboard personnel during emergencies

• Emergency duties and alarm signals

• Functions and purpose of pyrotechnic distress signals, satellite emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) and search and rescue transponders (SARTs)

• Identification of pyrotechnic expiry dates

• Procedures for:

• activating maritime emergency alarms
• emergency response on board a vessel
• testing EPIRBs and SARTs

• Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and related regulations

• Techniques for avoiding false distress alerts and action to be taken in the event of accidental activation

• Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices

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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:

• communicating clearly and concisely in an emergency or abnormal situation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

Resources for assessment include access to:

• industry-approved marine operations site where operating emergency equipment and applying emergency procedures can be conducted or simulated
• tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
• relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities
• range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments
• appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Method of assessment 

Practical assessment must occur in an:

• appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or
• appropriate range of situations in the workplace.

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:

• direct observation of the candidate operating emergency equipment and applying emergency procedures in actual or simulated emergency situations
• direct observation of the candidate applying Relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.

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

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.

Emergencies may include:

• Any situation leading to abandonment of a vessel
• Responding to distress alerts from other vessels

Emergency and distress alerting systems

• Internal public address system
• Pyrotechnic distress signals
• SARTs
• Satellite EPIRBs
• Ships whistle

Systems defects and deficiencies may include:

• EPIRB function test failure
• Out-of-date pyrotechnics distress signals
• SART not operating