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 

Raise alarms 

1.1

Urgency of situation and nature of emergency  is identified promptly

1.2

Relevant alarms  are activated

1.3

Distress signals  are used to indicate need for assistance, if required

2 

Control onboard emergency 

2.1

Initial actions  on becoming aware of emergency are undertaken according to contingency plans and are appropriate to urgency of situation and nature of emergency

2.2

Onboard personnel are given information and instructions clearly and accurately

2.3

Procedures are implemented to combat emergency and to protect persons on board

2.4

Communications are established with others  to facilitate emergency response process

2.5

Injured persons are provided with assistance

2.6

Contact is maintained with others at all times to keep them briefed on emergency response process

2.7

Preparation for abandoning vessel is undertaken, if required

2.8

Cessation of emergency is communicated to appropriate personnel

3 

Respond to a distress signal at sea 

3.1

Distress signals from others are recognised immediately

3.2

Nature of assistance  required is identified

3.3

Capability to safely assist or relay emergency is determined taking into account own safety and physical proximity to emergency

3.4

Appropriate response to emergency is prepared for and implemented according to contingency plans and instructions in standing orders

3.5

Cessation of emergency is communicated to appropriate personnel

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

Required Skills: 

• Apply first aid

• Correctly using lifesaving appliances

• If appropriate, manoeuvre vessel, according to contingency plans

• Immediately recognise a distress or emergency signal

• Implement contingency plans and instructions in standing orders when responding to a distress signal at sea

• Promptly identify type and scale of emergency

Required Knowledge: 

• Common emergency actions

• Contents of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual

• Initial action to be taken following a collision or grounding

• Initial damage assessment and control

• Precautions for protection and safety of passengers in emergency situations

• Procedures to be followed for:

• rescuing persons from the sea
• assisting a vessel in distress
• responding to emergencies that arise in port

• Range of lifesaving appliances

• Types of maritime emergency incidents and situations

• 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:

• promptly identify type and scale of emergency
• awareness of one’s surroundings and changes to these surroundings
• working as part of a team.

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 responding to emergencies can be conducted
• 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 responding to emergencies
• 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.

Nature of emergency may include:

• Anchoring
• Assisting a vessel in distress
• Collision
• Contaminated fuel
• Emergencies which arise in port
• Engine breakdown or malfunction
• Fire
• Flooding
• Grounding
• Hypothermia
• Incidents
• Injuries/illness
• Lack of fuel
• Lost
• Person overboard
• Rescuing persons from sea
• Sinking
• Swamping

Relevant alarms may include:

• Abandon ship signals
• Fire and lifeboat muster alarms
• Mayday broadcast

Distress signals may include:

• Emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB)
• Flags
• Hand signals
• International Code Signal of Distress
• Light signals
• Pyrotechnic distress signals
• Radio
• Reflective mirror
• V-sheet

Initial actions may include:

• Damage assessment and control
• Manoeuvring vessel

Others may include:

• Aircraft
• Other vessels
• Search and rescue authorities

Nature of assistance may include:

• Assisting a ship in distress
• Rescuing persons from sea
• Responding to emergencies occurring in port