Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Plan the stow 

1.1

Loading manual is interpreted to determine operational loading conditions

1.2

Still water shear forces and bending moments in any load or ballast condition are known and not exceeded

1.3

Load is planned to ensure stresses in vessel are minimised by evenly distributing cargo

1.4

Load is planned to avoid incompatible cargo stowage

1.5

Regulations relating to hazardous materials/dangerous goods are observed, where appropriate

1.6

Load is planned for unloading sequence

1.7

Vessel cargo carrying capacity is not exceeded for appropriate load line

1.8

Vessel trim is calculated to allow for optimum vessel performance at sea

2 

Plan load/unload with stevedores 

2.1

Available port/vessel cargo handling gear and equipment is determined

2.2

Handling capacity of cargo handling gear and equipment is established

2.3

Pumping capacity of cargo pumps is verified

2.4

Availability and status of human resources is resolved

2.5

Cargo manifest is made available

2.6

Cargo stowage plan is completed and agreed with stevedores

2.7

Stability calculation is made and checked against vessel stability information manual

2.8

Notice of readiness to load/unload is provided

3 

Prepare for loading 

3.1

Holds are checked to ensure they are clean, dry and free of smell

3.2

Safety arrangements in holds are verified to ensure they are operational

3.3

Supplies of dunnage and mats are reviewed to ensure there are sufficient available

3.4

Bilges are covered with tarpaulins/wrappers before loading

3.5

Checks are made to ensure cargo is correctly identified, inspected and confirmed against documentation

3.6

Preparations for loading are monitored according to stowage plan and organisational procedures

4 

Control loading/unloading of cargo 

4.1

Instructions are given to crew and stevedores involved in cargo loading/unloading according to cargo stowage plan

4.2

Compliance with regulations, procedures and instructions pertaining to type of cargo being handled is managed during loading/unloading operations

4.3

Loading/unloading is monitored to ensure loading rate is not exceeded in the case of bulk or liquid cargo

4.4

Vessel stability is observed during loading/unloading operations

4.5

Loading/unloading operations are checked against stowage plan

4.6

Cargo is secured and lashed according to lashing plan

4.7

All cargo handling documentation is completed according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

5 

Manage ballast management operations 

5.1

Ballast discharge requirements of port authority are complied with

5.2

Ballast management activities are monitored according to organisational procedures and port authority requirements

5.3

Ballast management problems are identified and appropriate action is taken to minimise risk to the environment

6 

Monitor care of cargo during voyage 

6.1

Vessel plan for care of cargo during the voyage is implemented according to organisational and customer requirements, and relevant regulations

6.2

Ventilation and humidity control systems are checked

6.3

Action required to maintain the wellbeing of cargo during the voyage is initiated according to customer requirements and organisational procedures

6.4

Compliance with safety and hazard minimisation procedures and regulations related to cargo care is managed at all times during the voyage to maintain safety of personnel, cargo and vessel

6.5

Appropriate action is taken in the event of a cargo-related incident or emergency to rectify problem, secure cargo and maintain safety of vessel and personnel

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Cargo includes one or more of the following:

• bulk cargo
• containerised cargo
• deck cargo
• liquid cargo
• refrigerated cargo
• any other material, equipment or machinery that may be safely handled and stowed on the vessel

Hazardous materials/dangerous goods include one or more of the following:

• any cargo described in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code as hazardous or dangerous

Cargo handling gear and equipment includes one or more of the following:

• cargo pumps
• cranes
• derricks
• grabs
• hooks, wires and shackles
• slings

Cargo stowage plan must include:

• cargo weight
• correct description and stowage of hazardous and dangerous goods
• description of cargo to be loaded
• load/discharge port
• segregation of non compatible cargo

Ballast management problems include one or more of the following:

• confirmation that the stowage plan conforms to stability requirements at all stages of loading and discharging
• contaminated ballast
• failure of ballast pumps

Cargo-related incidents or emergencies include one or more of the following:

• cargo handling gear failure
• cargo shift
• leakage
• spontaneous combustion