Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1 

Operate VHF radio equipment to transmit and receive messages 

1.1

VHF radio equipment is selected for operation within limits of specifications

1.2

VHF radio equipment is operated to transmit and receive various types of signal according to manufacturer instructions, established radio operation procedures and regulatory requirements

1.3

Regulations and procedures applicable to vessel stations equipped with radio and digital selective calling (DSC) facilities are applied during radio communication

1.4

Work health and safety/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) procedures and hazard control strategies are applied when operating radio equipment

2 

Access search and rescue VHF radio facilities 

2.1

Information that may be required is identified and documented

2.2

Request is made to the appropriate organisation for the provision of the information in the required format and on the correct channel

2.3

Information is provided and received in the required format and on the correct channel

3 

Operate an EPIRB in a distress situation  

3.1

Routine checks are carried out on EPIRBs to confirm their operational capability according to manufacturer instructions and specifications

3.2

EPIRB is operated according to manufacturer instructions and regulatory requirements

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

Literacy - required for reading and interpreting regulations and procedures and documenting communication problems.

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.

Radio communications involves the application of principles of marine radio and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) to accurately transmit and receive messages, including distress calls. Use of correct procedures for transmitting and receiving signals using VHF equipment is required.

Radio communication includes one or more of the following:

• Distress, Urgency and Safety communications
• normal vessel to vessel service (ship to ship)
• normal vessel to shore service (ship to shore)

Organisations with which radio communication may be conducted include one or more of the following:

• coast stations
• fishing organisations and co-operatives
• limited coast stations
• private shore stations, including boating clubs
• state/territory police forces

Available radio services include one or more of the following:

• Automated Weather Stations
• DSC
• public communications
• scheduled broadcasts (skeds)
• search and rescue

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

• accurately and consistently using VHF equipment to send and receive messages and signals under normal and emergency situations according to international and national VHF radio regulations/standards
• applying the principles of marine radio and DSC to accurately transmit and receive messages, including distress calls
• cancelling an inadvertent Distress Alert or call
• carrying out radio communications in compliance with the relevant sections of the maritime provisions of the Radio Regulations adopted by the World Radiocommunication Conference (as amended), including Chapters VII and IX
• communicating effectively with other stations by using standard voice procedure, the phonetic alphabet, push to talk (PTT) switch and common radio terminology
• deploying an EPIRB
• sending and receiving Distress Alerts, and Urgency and Safety announcements by DSC
• sending, acknowledging and relaying Distress, Urgency and Safety communications by voice using recognised format
• setting up VHF equipment for use including selecting the channel, adjusting transmitter power level, adjusting squelch and using dual watch facility
• using correct procedures for transmitting and receiving signals using VHF equipment

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

• basic principles of and procedures for marine VHF radio communications
• basic understanding of the Australian maritime search and rescue system, including satellite distress beacons
• EPIRB frequencies:

• 406 MHz
• 121.5/MHz (homing)

• marine VHF repeater stations
• methods of communicating vessel position
• procedures for transmitting and decoding the phonetic alphabet
• purpose of monitoring the VHF Channel 70 used for DSC, including an awareness of the procedures used in making a DSC Distress Alert, Urgency and Safety Announcement
• sections of relevant regulations related to marine VHF radio communications
• VHF radio calling, replying and relaying procedures.