Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the MAR Maritime Training Package

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to comply with regulations to ensure seafarers develop basic skills, including working effectively as a crew member and contributing to a safe lookout on a commercial vessel.

This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry under the direct supervision of the Master and Engineer of a commercial vessel in the capacity of a General Purpose Hand to:

• assist as a general hand on deck or in the engine room of a commercial vessel length as described in Marine Order 505 within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
• assist as a general hand in the engine room only for a vessel with propulsion power as described in Marine Order 505.

Licensing/Regulatory Information 

Legislative and regulatory requirements are applicable to this unit. This unit is one of the requirements to obtain Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification as a General Purpose Hand Near Coastal as defined in the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part D.

Not applicable.

G – Teamwork

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1 

Perform work duties 

1.1 

Tasks are completed within designated timeframes and according to work instructions and workplace procedures

1.2 

Work instructions and workplace procedures are interpreted correctly

1.3 

Factors affecting work requirements are identified and appropriate action is taken according to supervisor instructions and workplace procedures

1.4 

Progress with task is communicated to supervisor as required

1.5 

Workplace forms are completed clearly and concisely within designated timeframes according to workplace procedures

2 

Communicate with crew 

2.1 

Appropriate lines of communication are identified and used according to supervisor instructions and workplace procedures

2.2 

Effective questioning is used to seek assistance from other crew members and supervisor when difficulties arise in achieving allocated tasks

2.3 

Clarification is sought from workplace supervisor when any instruction or procedure is not understood

2.4 

Communication is used to develop and maintain positive relationships, mutual trust and confidence

2.5 

Cultural differences are considered, and all crew members are treated with respect, courtesy and sensitivity

3 

Perform basic lookout duties  

3.1 

Follow supervisor instructions to monitor vessel situation when moored, anchored and at sea

3.2 

Proper lookout is maintained at all times according to supervisor instructions and workplace procedures

3.3 

Scheduled checks and inspections are conducted to comply with supervisor instructions

3.4 

Sighting of lights, shapes and sound signals are reported to the Master or officer of the watch

3.5 

Appropriate action is taken in the event of irregularities or abnormal conditions to maximise the safety and integrity of the vessel according to supervisor instructions and workplace procedures

3.6 

Restrictions on access to the vessel by visitors are followed according to supervisor instructions and workplace procedures

3.7 

Very high frequency (VHF) equipment is monitored, and information is communicated to the Master or officer of the watch according to workplace procedures, as required

3.8 

Emergency situations are promptly reported to the Master or officer of the watch according to workplace procedures

3.9 

Distress signals are recognised and reported to the Master or officer of the watch according to workplace procedures

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

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment. Non-essential conditions may be found in the MAR training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to MARG011 Work effectively as part of a crew on a vessel up to 80 metres and MARO010 Perform basic lookout duties.

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the MAR Maritime Training Package.

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

• assisting with watchkeeping duties under direct supervision
• communicating effectively in the workplace relevant to own work responsibilities
• communicating effectively with the Master or watchkeeper on safety and integrity of the vessel during lookout duties
• communicating required information in a timely manner
• completing work tasks and relevant workplace documentation as directed
• complying with workplace requirements, including:

• supervisor instructions
• work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and safe work practices
• workplace procedures

• interpreting spoken instructions correctly and responding promptly, including:

• responding to helm and engine orders given by the Master

• monitoring communications equipment
• providing constructive feedback when communicating with crew
• reading and interpreting work instructions and workplace procedures
• reporting other ships, objects, lights, sound signals and navigation marks to the Master or the watchkeeper
• requesting advice, receiving and responding to feedback and working with crew members
• using appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication
• working safely and collaboratively as part of a team.

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

• anchor watch
• awareness of own specific role and responsibilities, including:

• Code of Practice for Health and Safety in Shipboard Work
• state/territory WHS/OHS legislation

• basic navigation lights, shapes and sound signals, including the following components of International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) buoyage system:

• anchor, port, starboard, steaming and stern lights
• cardinal, danger, lateral and special marks and lights
• dredging, fishing, not under command (NUC), restricted ability to manoeuvre (RAM) lights and shapes
• 1, 2, 3 and 5 short blasts
• 1 long, 2 long and 1 long + 2 short blasts

• hazards, including:

• cargo handling
• dangerous goods
• rescue boats
• rope handling
• snap back zones
• vehicle lashing
• working load limits (WLL)

• lookout coverage, frequency and timing of checks and inspections
• making adjustments from both fore and aft mooring positions
• passenger monitoring and safety
• relating appropriately to people from diverse backgrounds using culturally appropriate language
• routine work instructions and procedures relevant to the workplace and own work responsibilities, including:

• engine room procedures for:

• carrying out housekeeping tasks
• reporting and tagging of faulty equipment
• safe handling and stowage of cleaning liquids, fuels and oils
• safe work practices for hot surfaces and pressure pipes
• signage for refuelling operations

• limitations of watchkeeping duties for general purpose hand

• Safety Management System (SMS) and that it varies according to the operational requirements of the vessel
• standard marine communication phrases (SMCPs), including communicating effectively with others on lookout issues and arrangements
• typical emergency situations and appropriate actions to be taken for:

• collision
• fire
• heavy weather
• loss of engine or propulsion controls
• loss of watertight integrity
• person overboard
• personal injury or other medical emergency

• watch in port
• workplace forms, including hazard/incident/accident report forms.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Practical assessment must occur in a workplace or realistic simulated workplace, under the normal range of workplace conditions.

Simulations and scenarios may be used where situations cannot be provided in the workplace or may occur only rarely, in particular for situations relating to emergency procedures and adverse weather conditions where assessment would be unsafe, impractical or may lead to environmental damage.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• a commercial vessel
• applicable documentation, such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, SMS, workplace procedures and operational manuals
• tools, equipment, machinery, materials and relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry.