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 

Implement environmental work practices 

1.1

Workplace practices and work instructions  relating to potential environmental impacts are implemented

1.2

Relevant legislation, codes of practice and national standards  that impact on environmental work practices are recognised and followed

1.3

Environmental protection measures  are implemented

1.4

Containment procedures are applied according to workplace procedures where appropriate

1.5

Approved waste management procedures and practices are implemented

1.6

Signs or symptoms of a potential environmental threat  are recognised and reported to appropriate personnel/authorities

2 

Contribute to improved environmental work practices 

2.1

Information is gathered and suggestions  are made to appropriate personnel for improvements to work practices

2.2

Environmental issues and their relationship to work practices are discussed with colleagues and appropriate personnel

2.3

Contributions to the review of environmental work practices and policies are made within limits of own responsibility

3 

Maintain environmental records 

3.1

Environmental records are accurately prepared according to workplace procedures

3.2

Environmental records are stored securely

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

Required Skills: 

• Make suggestions for improved environmental work practices

• Prepare and keep environmental records

• Recognise procedures and follow instructions for environmental work practices

• Report environmental hazards and risks

Required Knowledge: 

• Environmental and resource hazards and risks associated with the maritime industry

• Environmental laws, regulations and standards relevant to work in the maritime industry

• Procedures and processes that support environmentally sustainable principles

• Procedures for reporting environmental hazards and risks

• Relevant environmental sustainability principles

• Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices

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:

• timely reporting of environmental hazards and risks
• attention to appropriate level of detail in reports and records
• awareness of limits of own personal responsibility.

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 following environmental work practices may 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 following environmental work practices
• 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.

Workplace practices and work instructions must include:

• Avoiding or minimising environmental risks
• Documented policies and procedures
• Emergency procedures
• Environmental data recording and reporting procedures
• Environmental hazard and risk identification
• Environmental management system
• Environmental monitoring
• Hazard and incident reporting and recording procedures
• Improving environmental performance
• Signs and labels
• Waste minimisation and segregation
• Work plans

Relevant legislation, codes of practice and national standards may include:

• Commonwealth, state and territory legislation
• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
• Local government by-laws and regulations
• Third party standards such as the ISO1400 series and those of the Marine Stewardship Council

Protection measures may include:

• Controlling emissions of gas and smoke
• Managing waste
• Observing restricted fishing areas
• Preventing cargo spillage
• Preventing fuel and oil spillage
• Proper use of refrigerant gases
• Using appropriate signage

Potential environmental threats may include:

• Anchoring
• Garbage
• Harm to marine life
• Noise
• Poorly maintained equipment and machinery
• Sewage
• Waste and debris for example from oil and fuel containers

Suggestions may include:

• Improving energy efficiency
• Increasing the use of renewable, recyclable, re-usable and recoverable resources
• Maximising opportunities such as the use of solar or alternative forms of energy
• Preventing and minimising risks
• Reducing emissions of greenhouse gas