Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1 

Maintain watch on bridge when berthed or anchored 

1.1

Checks and inspections are scheduled to comply with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

1.2

Appropriate action is taken in the event of irregularities or abnormal conditions to maximise the safety and integrity of vessel

1.3

Restrictions on access to vessel by non-authorised persons are followed according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

1.4

Internal and external communications systems are used according to organisational procedures

2 

Maintain watch on bridge when at sea 

2.1

Proper watch is maintained at all times according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

2.2

Lights, shapes and sound signals are correctly recognised and acted upon

2.3

Frequency and extent of monitoring traffic, vessel and environment are scheduled to conform with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

2.4

Wheelhouse communication is maintained with other crew members on matters relevant to safety and integrity of vessel

2.5

Clear and concise wheelhouse communications are maintained and clarification is sought from or given to other crew members when watch information or instructions are not clearly understood

2.6

Internal and external communications systems are used according to organisational procedures

2.7

Log and record books are maintained according to regulatory requirements and organisational procedures

3 

Respond to potential emergency situations 

3.1

Watchkeeping problems and emergency situations are promptly reported to crew according to organisational procedures

3.2

Distress signals are recognised and acted upon

3.3

Appropriate action is taken to handle watchkeeping problems and emergency situations according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements

4 

Manage crew performing watchkeeping and lookout duties 

4.1

Watchkeeping schedule is developed with due regard to crew qualifications, experience and organisational procedures

4.2

Instructions are provided on watchkeeping and lookout requirements in relation to monitoring traffic, vessel and environment

4.3

Clear and concise roles and responsibilities of watchkeeping team are established

4.4

Effective communication is maintained with crew on matters relevant to safety and integrity of vessel

4.5

Fatigue management strategies are correctly applied in allocating watchkeeping and lookout duties

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.

Scheduled includes one or more of the following:

• coverage
• frequency
• timing

Irregularities or abnormal conditions include one or more of the following:

• fog and restricted visibility
• heavy weather, including cyclones

Lights, shapes and sound signals include:

• alternative power source for lights
• day time shapes for a vessel
• emergency lights
• means of making sound signals for a vessel up to 80 metres
• navigation lights

Wheelhouse communication includes one or more of the following:

• verbal instruction relating to watchkeeping duties
• written Master instructions

Internal and external communications systems include one or more of the following:

• global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) equipment
• handheld radios
• international single letter code flags
• MF and HF radios
• VHF radios

Watchkeeping problems include one or more of the following:

• dragging of anchor
• failure of bridge equipment, steering equipment, navigational lights
• loss of main engines or propulsion controls
• loss of mooring lines or winches when berthing
• machinery and bilge alarms

Emergency situations include one or more of the following:

• cargo shift
• collision
• fire
• fouled hawse
• grounding
• injured crew or passenger
• loss of watertight integrity
• missing crew or passenger
• person overboard
• reception of a distress signal
• retrieval of survivors from the water
• synchronous rolling

Fatigue management strategies must include:

• maintaining personal fitness and health and appropriate dietary habits
• observing appropriate hours of duty in a 24 hour period
• observing policy concerning alcohol/drug use prior to watchkeeping duties
• recognising symptoms of fatigue