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 

Determine relevant rules and regulations impacting on work practices 

1.1

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea are appreciated

1.2

Responsibilities as the person in charge of a vessel are identified

1.3

Relevant commonwealth, state, territory and local legislation governing the vessel and the passage are comprehended

2 

Comply with industry and professional codes of practice 

2.1

Relevant industry and professional codes of practice are sourced

2.2

Commitment to comply with industry and professional codes of practice is demonstrated through own behaviour

3 

Apply legislative and regulatory requirements to the operation of the vessel 

3.1

Regulatory requirements relating to operational aspects of the vessel  are recognised and appropriate procedures are developed

3.2

Situations where rules must be applied in order to avoid collisions are recognised

3.3

Safety requirements are implemented in accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements

3.4

Compliance with all relevant rules and legislation is demonstrated while operating the vessel

4 

Identify changes in laws and regulations and their implications for vessel operation  

4.1

Changed legislation and regulations are accessed

4.2

Changes in regulatory requirements are identified and applied

4.3

Operational procedures are reviewed to reflect changes in legislation and regulations

5 

Maintain statutory records 

5.1

Copies of relevant records  are maintained

5.2

Evidence of current authorisation, training and relevant licences are maintained according to legislative and regulatory requirements

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

Required Skills: 

• Apply regulations pertaining to the safe operation of a vessel

• Apply safety management plan standards and emergency operating procedures

• Conduct inductions for crew where applicable

• Identify the duties and responsibilities of the Master

• Obtain information from commonwealth, state and territory Acts, legislation, codes of practices and other publications relating to the safe navigation of a vessel

Required Knowledge: 

• Assisting in distress

• Certificates on board a vessel

• Certificates to be carried on board

• Contents of marine notices, annual notices to mariners

• Distress signals

• Duties and responsibilities

• International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Buoyage System A

• International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

• Large commercial traffic

• Lifesaving and firefighting appliances

• Lights, shapes and sounds

• Log book or vessel record book

• Marine pollution prevention

• National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part C Section 7

• Operational areas and classifications of vessels

• State and territory marine legislation

• Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation

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:

• ensuring behaviour reflects relevant current legislative and regulatory requirements
• ensuring currency of relevant legislative and regulatory knowledge
• attention to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping.

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 complying with regulations to ensure safe operation of vessels 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 applying current commonwealth, state, territory Acts, legislation, codes of practice and other publications relevant to the safe operation of a vessel.

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.

Regulatory requirements relating to operational aspects of the vessel may include:

• Assisting in distress
• Certificates on board a vessel
• Distress signals
• Duties and responsibilities of the Master
• IALA Buoyage System
• International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
• Lifesaving and firefighting appliances
• Lights, shapes and sounds
• Log book or vessel record book
• Marine pollution prevention
• Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law, Regulations, Marine Orders and NSCV
• Operational areas and classifications of vessels
• Safety management systems or plans
• WHS/OHS legislation

Records may include:

• Applicable log books
• Environmental control
• Survey certificates