Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1 

Scope legislative and regulatory framework 

1.1

Relevant legislation and standards  for the role of surveyor in auditing SMSs are identified and evaluated

1.2

Relevant safety management legislation and standards for vessel owners and operators, and implications for managing safety of crew and others is identified and evaluated

1.3

Sources of information and data for impact on hazards, risks and management of SMSs on commercial vessels  are monitored

2 

Determine safety management priorities and identify implementation plans 

2.1

Safety management priorities  are determined in consultation with colleagues and other workplace consultative arrangements  

2.2

Appropriate implementation plans  are identified to ensure preparedness for SMS audit

2.3

Input from surveyors, SMS specialists and technical advisors  is sought when required

3 

Audit vessel safety management systems for vessel operations and provide advice to control risks 

3.1

Vessel SMSs are identified and assessed for compliance

3.2

Existing safety management arrangements are identified and advice on proposed changes is provided

3.3

Appropriate advice is provided to vessel owners and operators on risk mitigation 

3.4

Disputes relating to SMS implementation issues are handled effectively and negotiation skills are employed to ensure agreement on SMS action plans 

3.5

Regulatory documentation and vessel history are updated to reflect advice provided and agreed actions plans, according to organisational or legislative requirements

4 

Evaluate effectiveness of approach to audit of safety management systems 

4.1

Sources of external and internal SMS information and data  are accessed as part of evaluation

4.2

Need for any external evaluation input is identified and action is taken as appropriate

4.3

Stakeholders  are consulted for evaluation input

4.4

Areas for improvement are identified, documented and actioned

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.

Relevant legislation and standards include one or more of the following:

• commonwealth, state and territory WHS/OHS legislation
• Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law
• National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV)
• National Standard for the Administration of Marine Safety (NSAMS)

Commercial vessels must include:

• vessels defined as commercial vessels in Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law

Safety management priorities include one or more of the following:

• identifying:

• high risk vessels
• known hazards to vessel operations
• range and types of additional compliance arrangements

Consultative arrangements include one or more of the following:

• health and safety representatives
• industry associations and peak bodies
• involvement in SMS activities such as observing inspections and surveys
• regulatory and other SMS consultative and planning committees
• unions
• work group meetings

Implementation plans include one or more of the following:

• communicating with vessel owners and operators about new requirements
• developing procedures and policies for SMS audit
• negotiating compliance timeframes based on risk documented plans developed in negotiation with vessel owners and operators to improve SMS management, which allocates items to be addressed and timeframes
• procedures for reporting hazards and non-compliance
• SMS performance indicators for a range of different commercial operations

SMS specialists include one or more of the following:

• industry peak bodies
• ISM code auditors
• other surveyors
• regulators
• risk management specialists
• WHS/OHS specialists

Technical advisors include one or more of the following:

• engineers
• legal practitioners
• maintenance and trades people
• naval architects
• shipwrights
• workplace trainers and assessors

Risk mitigation include one or more of the following:

• engaging consultants
• interpreting legislation to vessel operations and size
• ongoing self-assessment and testing of systems
• reducing operational capacity
• repairs and maintenance
• safety data sheets/material safety data sheets
• training of crew

SMS action plans include one or more of the following:

• changes to:

• management practices
• operational environment
• operational practices and conditions
• work processes and systems

• equipment purchases
• introducing new technology
• introducing training and instruction
• material purchases
• organisational restructure
• other labour market changes
• refreshing skills

Sources of external and internal SMS information and data include one or more of the following:

• consultants
• employees/colleagues
• government departments/agencies including SMS authorities and organisations such as AMSA
• industry networks and associations
• internet sites
• manufacturer manuals and specifications
• newspapers and journals, trade/industry publications
• SMS and other relevant legislation
• SMS specialists
• technical data

Stakeholders include one or more of the following:

• colleagues and other supervisors
• managers/employer
• maritime safety authorities
• SMS committees
• tradespeople
• vessel owners and operators

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:

• addressing disputes relating to safety management system (SMS) implementation issues
• applying relevant work health and safety/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) requirements and work practices
• building relationships with stakeholders (internal and external to organisation)
• communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• consulting on and negotiating the development, implementation and audit of SMS requirements for commercial vessels
• ensuring integrity of data
• inspecting compliance level of SMS
• producing accurate and reliable information
• relating to people from diverse backgrounds and to people with diverse abilities
• researching and evaluate relevant SMS information and data
• sequencing tasks and meet timelines
• using a range of software and office equipment to access internal and external SMS information and data.

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:

• communication skills and strategies to communicate effectively with people at all levels within the organisation
• internal and external sources of SMS information and data
• internal and external survey environment
• legislative requirements for:

• compliance timeframes
• consulting with vessel operators and owners
• exercising powers to enforce compliance requirements
• information and data collection
• recordkeeping

• organisational policies and procedures for the audit of SMSs
• principles and practices of systematic approaches to surveying and improving SMSs for commercial vessels
• principles relating to:

• hazard identification
• hierarchy of control
• risk management
• systematic approaches to SMSs

• relevant state/territory and commonwealth legislation, codes of practice and standards
• roles and responsibilities of surveyors as specified in relevant legislation
• WHS/OHS legislation, policies and procedures.