Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to load and unload explosive ordnance to and from sea, land and air military platforms.

Application of the Unit 

This competency normally applies to the individual who is required to load and unload explosive ordnance to and from sea, land and air military platforms, which include all military operational sea, land and air systems/equipments where the explosive ordnance is designed to be used by the system/equipment in support of its offensive or defensive characteristics/capabilities.

The loading and unloading of platforms would normally be conducted as a member of a team, but may be undertaken in isolation.

This unit does not address the administrative movement of explosive ordnance or the arming of the explosive ordnance.

Pre-requisite Unit /s 

Nil

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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 explosive ordnance for loading /unloading 

1.1 Explosive ordnance  is identified and characteristics are taken into consideration in determining appropriate handling, loading /unloading  and storage requirements and in identifying special to purpose handling /transport equipment  and safety/emergency procedures  associated with the task

1.2 Additional fittings and aids for loading/unloading are identified and their availability and serviceability is ascertained

1.3 Explosive ordnance is prepared  for loading/unloading in accordance with current instructions/procedures

1.4 Lifting/transfer equipment appropriate for the loading/unloading task is identified, prepared and positioned

2. Load /unload platform 

2.1 Explosive ordnance is lifted/moved/relocated in accordance with the instructions/procedures  relating to the item

2.2 Additional fittings and/or loading aids are positioned and utilised in accordance with current instructions and OH&S requirements

2.3 Explosive ordnance is positioned in/removed from the platform  in accordance with current instructions/procedures

2.4 Emergency procedures and OH&S requirements pertaining to the item/s are applied throughout the transfer operation

3. Secure explosive ordnance 

3.1 Explosive ordnance is secured in accordance with current instructions/procedures

3.2 Associated documentation is completed in accordance with current instructions/procedures and forwarded to relevant personnel

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• identify serviceability of safety systems
• prepare and inspect items of explosive ordnance for loading/unloading
• safely and efficiently load/unload items of explosive ordnance to/from a platform
• secure and document the loading/unloading of items of explosive ordnance to/from a platform
• use and apply safety mechanisms such as locking mechanisms and dead man brakes

Required Knowledge 

• OH&S requirements for the operation including emergency procedures to be implemented
• procedures for loading/unloading a specific item of explosive ordnance to/from a platform
• relevant characteristics and requirements of the explosive ordnance to be loaded/unloaded
• use and application of any special to purpose loading/unloading equipment to be used
• use and capacity of lifting/transfer equipment

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• safely and efficiently load and unload items of explosive ordnance to/from a military platform
• safely and effectively use special to purpose loading/unloading and handling equipment associated with the explosive ordnance
• ensure the appropriate preparatory, execution, securing and documentation actions are taken.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual or simulated explosive ordnance contexts over time to ensure that a range of explosive ordnance, handling and transport equipment is being utilised in a variety of situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace while loading and unloading a range of explosive ordnance in a fixed installation such as a wharf, transport terminal, airfield area, or at sea or in the field or its close simulation and in accordance with all relevant legislation and Defence requirements.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• relevant explosive ordnance and weapon systems
• relevant military platforms.

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed with the following unit:

• PUADEFEO101D Work safely with explosive ordnance.

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 according to the workplace environment.

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.

Explosive ordnance may include 

Bombs

Explosives

Grenades and pyrotechnics

Gun ammunition

Missiles

Small arms ammunition

Torpedoes

And may:

• be positioned in or removed from special to item storage on the platform
• have special for purpose loading/unloading fittings or equipment

Loading /unloading of explosive ordnance to /from platforms includes 

Fitting/removal of attachments and packaging materials and the securing of the ordnance for the task

Special to purpose handling /transport equipment may include 

Purpose built containers, frames, missile dollies, rails/tracks, cradles, hoists, ramps and/or racks

Preparing explosive ordnance for loading /unloading may include 

Alignment of missile dollies and launch systems

Fitting of attachments (such as propulsion units)

Fitting of special to purpose loading/unloading equipment

Fuse adjustment

Removal of/provision of packaging materials

Securing/restraining item

Load /unload procedures and equipment may be 

Trialled prior to the transfer of explosive ordnance using inert items

Platforms may include 

All military operational sea, land and air means of transport, which may be required to carry explosive ordnance; this includes ships, submarines, tanks, gun tractors and transport aircraft, both fixed and rotary winged