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 

Prepare to communicate with others during mooring and untying operations 

1.1

Prior to mooring or untying activities, all radios and other communication equipment are checked to confirm they are functioning correctly

1.2

Safety precautions  are followed

1.3

Relevant documentation and records  are identified and accessed as required

2 

Check all communication equipment 

2.2

Batteries are checked to confirm they are operational and fully charged

2.3

Faulty communication equipment is reported, rectified or replaced

2.4

Radios are set to operate on channels required for mooring or untying operations 

3 

Communicate with others during mooring and untying operations 

3.1

Correct communication  is maintained throughout mooring and untying operations with others involved in mooring and untying vessels 

3.2

Clear and concise verbal communication is used and appropriate action is taken to confirm that other person/s concerned have correctly heard and interpreted the communication

3.3

Radio communication is conducted using required procedures and protocols

3.4

Appropriate methods are used to communicate with foreign crews on vessels

3.5

Any safety concerns are promptly and clearly communicated to pilot prior to and during, mooring and untying operations

3.6

Due care is taken when using radio communication equipment not to interfere with operational communication between tug crews and pilot of vessel

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

Required Skills: 

• Check functioning of radios and communication equipment

• Communicate effectively with others when mooring and untying a vessel

• Comply with relevant maritime regulations and IMO Conventions and Codes, including the relevant sections of Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Marine Orders as they apply to mooring and untying operations on ocean-going vessels

• Follow work instructions

• Identify and correctly use various types of radios and other relevant communication equipment

• Implement port and vessel security procedures

• Interpret and follow procedures for communicating with others during mooring operations

• Recognise and adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour, interactions and communication with others

• Recognise problems that may occur when communicating with others during mooring and untying operations and take appropriate action to report and resolve them

• Take proper care of radios and communication equipment

• Test and recharge batteries used in radios and other communication equipment

Required Knowledge: 

• Basic principles and procedures for marine radio communication:

• by day or night
• in normal and emergency situations
• under any permissible conditions of weather
• at a range of shore-side terminals and wharves

• Communication techniques and equipment required during mooring and untying operations, including protocols for radio use

• Factors that affect communication during mooring and untying operations, such as effects of noise, faulty equipment, discharged batteries, wind, weather

• Maritime regulations applicable to communication during mooring and untying of vessels

• Operational characteristics of different types of radios and other forms of communication equipment used in mooring and untying operations

• Practices and procedures for communicating with others during mooring operations

• Purpose of silence periods when operating radio equipment

• Radio calling and replying procedures

• Relevant manufacturer instructions relating to use of radios and other communication equipment

• Relevant maritime and radio communication regulations

• Relevant port and vessel security procedures, including operating radio communication channel instructions

• Relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) codes of practice, policies and procedures

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:

• initiating timely action in response to defects or damage
• being aware of own ability and limits to rectify irregularities and faults
• following all orders carefully and systematically
• ensuring behaviour reflects relevant current legislative and regulatory requirements.

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 communicating during shore-based mooring and untying operations can 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 communicating during shore-based mooring and untying operations
• 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.

Safety precautions may include:

• Checking:

• own personal fitness and medical wellbeing
• whereabouts of edge of wharf
• whereabouts of other members of mooring/untying team

• Confirming availability of a personal flotation device upon arrival at mooring operation
• Keeping work area hazard-free
• Obtaining and using required personal protective equipment (such as safety footwear, safety helmet, suitable gloves, safety vest and reflective braces, personal collar insert for flotation device)
• Removing rings from fingers to avoid them being caught on steel wire ropes
• Wearing suitable clothing

Relevant documentation and records may include:

• Mooring and untying plans, procedures, checklists and instructions
• Relevant maritime authority instructions
• Relevant sections of maritime regulations concerning mooring and untying operations
• Reports and records of mooring operations or any safety incident
• Rope and equipment manufacturer instructions and procedures
• Safety instructions and procedures

Mooring or untying operations may include:

• Landing a gangway
• Preparing a berth
• Receiving heaving line from:

• a launch
• a vessel

• Returning heaving line to a vessel
• Untying and letting go a vessel
• Working:

• by day or night
• in normal and emergency situations
• under any permissible conditions of weather
• at various shoreside terminals and wharves

Communication may include:

• Oral communication with mooring supervisor or Master and other members of mooring or untying team
• VHF radio between:

• tug crew and pilot on vessel
• tug crew and mooring launch crew
• mooring launch crew and pilot on vessel

• radio between mooring supervisor (shore-side) and:

• pilot on vessel
• mooring personnel (bow)
• mooring personnel (stern)

Others involved in mooring and untying vessels may include:

• Mooring launch crew
• Mooring master or supervisor
• Mooring team
• Pilot and crew on vessel being moored or untied and tug
• Tug crew
• Vessel crew