Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to assist in a range of seamanship operations .

It covers the specific skills and knowledge required in seamanship operations, such as general rigging and load shifting, towing, buoy attachment, berthing and slipping, equipment recovery, sea boat operations, man overboard recovery, replenishment at sea, ladder and brow deployment.

Application of the Unit 

This competency typically applies to a Naval Defence environment and was developed for work undertaken by boatswains mates but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Tasks are carried out at sea in a range of conditions that would typically apply to a lengthy operation.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Pre-requisite Unit /s 

Nil

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare to assist in seamanship operation 

1.1 Operation briefing is received and recorded

1.2 Appropriate equipment  for the evolution is identified and selected based on information as directed by the supervisor

1.3 Hazards and risks associated with the specific operation are identified and noted

1.4 Personal protective equipment is selected and worn based on the nature of the evolution

2. Assist in seamanship operations 

2.1 Position within the team  and location  for the operation are identified and confirmed

2.2 Orders are received and acted upon within the timeframe and in accordance with shipboard procedures

2.3 Knots, bends, splices, whippings and hitches are correctly tied and applied

2.4 Lines and hardware  are prepared and handled in accordance with shipboard procedures

2.5 Clear and timely communications are used during operations and the correct communications equipment  is used where required

2.6 Operational hazards  are identified and action is taken in conjunction with other team members to minimise or eliminate risk to personnel, vessel and the environment

2.7 Shipboard emergency and contingency plans are followed in the event of a failure or emergency associated with the operation and equipment

3. Carry out post seamanship operations 

3.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained in accordance with organisational standards and manufacturers' procedures

3.2 Equipment is restowed to maintain operational readiness

3.3 Operational debriefing is attended and constructive feedback is provided where necessary

3.4 Competency log and work history sheet, with tasks performed, are completed

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• encourage team members
• follow instructions and report information verbally and non-verbally
• participate in a team
• use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques
• use active listening skills in communication with colleagues and personnel
• work in operationally low light conditions and moving platform by day and night

Required Knowledge 

• composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members
• definitions and terms associated with seamanship operations
• duties of personnel involved in seamanship operation
• knots, bends, splices, whippings and hitches
• occupational health and safety responsibilities/requirements
• range of communication equipment
• range of equipment used in seamanship operations
• standard operating procedures
• verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• work as a team member
• quickly and accurately respond to directions.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the individual is assessed across a wide variety of situations within the workplace.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• equipment and part of ship appropriate to the seamanship operation.

Method of assessment 

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Seamanship operations may include 

Amphibious operations (stern door marriages)

Berthing and slipping

Buoy attachment

Equipment recovery

General rigging and load shifting

Ladder and brow deployment

Man overboard recovery (swimmer, sea boat)

Replenishment at sea (heavy transfer, light jack stay, light line transfer)

Sea boat operations

Towing (supply/receive/forward/aft)

Equipment /hardware may include 

Awnings

Blocks

Bollards

Bottle screw slips

Brows

Buoys

Cargo bags and nets

Cleats

Communication

Cordage

Fenders

Fuel hoses and connections

Guardrails

Harnesses

Hooks

Lifejackets

Lifting strops

Line throwing equipment

Lines (manufactured or natural)

Pallets

Personal protective equipment

Shackles

Ships ladders

Shot mats

Steel wire rope

Targets

Test weight

Team and location may include 

Bowman

Buoy jumper

Capstan/brake operator

Communications number

Dump party member

Helmsmen

Lifebuoy century

Line handler

Line thrower

Lookout

Personnel and equipment handler

Quarter master's assistant

Replenishment at sea member (hose line, jackstay line, distance line, messenger, folk sail hammer)

Communications equipment may include 

Flags

Hand bats

Headsets

Internal telephone

Light sticks

Radios

Whistle

Operational hazards may include 

Change in sea state

Corroded or damaged hardware

Damaged lines

Emergency break away

Failure of hardware

Incorrect hardware used

Incorrect lines used

Out of date hardware

Vessels not maintaining correct position

Working at night