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 

Develop vessel environmental management plan framework 

1.1

Relevant legislation  and compliance documentation  for the implementation and maintenance of the marine environment is accessed and interpreted

1.2

Appropriate measures to prevent pollution of the marine environment are developed and documented in consultation with relevant personnel  according to organisational policies and procedures

1.3

Structures for the application of the environmental management plan are developed and documented in consultation with relevant personnel according to organisational policies and procedures

1.4

Responsibilities for applying the environmental management plan are defined and documented in job descriptions and duty statements

1.5

Strategies are established to encourage all crew members to meet high standards of environmental performance

2 

Develop processes to support vessel environmental management plan 

2.1

Existing and potential environmental hazards and risks  are identified from vessel inspection and record system

2.2

Organisational criteria for assessing and treating risks are clarified

2.3

Detailed procedures and practices  for the application of the environmental management plan are developed and documented to minimise environmental impacts

3 

Prepare and implement vessel environmental management plan 

3.1

Introduction of the environmental management plan is scheduled and documented

3.2

Resources  to support the introduction of the environmental management plan are made available

3.3

Information on the environmental management plan is provided in a readily accessible form to all crew members

3.4

Training is provided on the environmental management plan procedures and practices

3.5

Support and encouragement is provided to those responsible for the implementation of the environmental management plan

4 

Monitor environmental management processes 

4.1

Compliance with regulatory requirements and the environmental management plan is monitored

4.2

Appropriate action is taken where non-compliance is identified

4.3

Breaches of regulations and associated action taken are reported according to regulatory and organisational requirements

4.4

Currency and validity of certificates and other documents required are checked and appropriate plans for their renewal and extension are developed and implemented

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

Required Skills: 

• Apply legislative and organisational requirements and procedures

• Develop procedures for monitoring operations that comply with legislative requirements

• Identify fully and promptly, potential non-compliance

• Interpret technical information, rules, procedures and regulations

• Plan for the renewal and extension of certificates to ensure continued validity of surveyed items and equipment

Required Knowledge: 

• Environmental:

• hazard identification processes
• risk assessment processes
• risk treatment processes
• management reporting and recording procedures
• management system documentation methods

• Hazards (sources of potential harm or situations with the potential to cause loss)

• International maritime law embodied in international agreements and conventions

• Methods and aids to prevent pollution of the marine environment by ships

• Relevant marine environmental issues

• Responsibilities under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, as amended

• 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:

• ensuring currency of relevant legislative and regulatory knowledge
• developing effective planning documents.

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 managing compliance with environmental management legislation may 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 managing compliance with environmental management legislation
• 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.

Relevant legislation may include:

• Commonwealth, state and territory legislation
• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, as amended (MARPOL)
• International maritime law embodied in international agreements and conventions
• Third party standards such as the ISO1400 series and those of the Marine Stewardship Council

Compliance documentation may include:

• Australian standards
• Avoiding or minimising environmental risks
• Codes of practices
• Documented policies and procedures
• Emergency procedures
• Environmental:

• data recording and reporting procedures
• hazard and risk identification
• management system
• monitoring

• Hazard and incident reporting and recording procedures
• Improving environmental performance
• Legislative, organisational and vessel requirements and procedures
• Manufacturer guidelines and specifications
• Signs and labels
• Waste minimisation and segregation
• Work plans

Relevant personnel may include:

• Crew members
• Regulatory authorities
• Senior management
• Subject matter experts

Risks may include:

• Lack of proper waste, pollution and recycling processes
• Polluting emissions of gas and smoke
• Spillages of cargo
• Spillages of fuel and oil
• Spread and carriage of marine pests in ballast water

Procedures and practices may include:

• Allocation of responsibilities
• Certificate requirements
• Documentation and reporting requirements
• Emergency procedures
• Safe operating procedures
• Sampling, testing and inspection requirements
• Standard operating procedures
• Work instructions

Resources may include:

• Emission control equipment
• Finance
• People
• Pumps and valves
• Waste storage and recycling equipment
• Water management equipment, including cooling and ballast water and bilge systems