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 

Use code to send and receive messages by flashing light 

1.1

Codes  for letters and numerals are correctly recognised

1.2

Message  is correctly coded and sent using a flashing light 

1.3

Message transmitted in code by flashing light is correctly decoded

2 

Use International Code of Signals to send and receive messages with flags 

2.1

Flags used in the International Code of Signals are correctly recognised

2.2

Message is correctly coded and sent with flags using the International Code of Signals

2.3

Message coded and sent with flags using the International Code of Signals is correctly decoded

3 

Maintain records of visual communications 

3.1

Records of messages sent and received are completed and maintained as required according to regulatory and organisational requirements

3.2

Relevant records are sent to appropriate bodies if requested and copies are filed according to regulatory and organisational requirements

3.3

Documents are stored according to regulatory and organisational requirements

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

Required Skills: 

• Communicate effectively with others, including the Master, when transmitting and receiving information by visual signalling

• Keep records of visual signalling communications

• Read and interpret maritime regulations relating to visual signalling

• Transmit and receive by Morse light, distress signal SOS as specified in Annex IV of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, and Appendix 1 of the International Code of Signals

• Transmit and receive messages using flags according to the International Code of Signals

• Use the International Code of Signals

Required Knowledge: 

• International Code of Signals

• Australian Maritime Safety Authority

• Procedures for sending visual messages with flags using the International Code of Signals

• Procedures for using a flashing light to send messages using Morse code

• Visual signalling of single-letter signals as specified in the International Code of Signals

• 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:

• ensuring currency of relevant legislative and regulatory knowledge
• attention to appropriate level of detail in recordkeeping.

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 transmitting and receiving information by visual signalling can be conducted or an approved simulated environment
• 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 transmitting and receiving information by visual signalling
• direct observation of candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices
• computer-based assessment that measures the speed and accuracy of transmitting and receiving visual signals.

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.

Codes must include:

• Morse code
• Single letter and numeral international code flags

Messages may include:

• Distress signal SOS
• Medical advice
• Single letter flag signal codes

Flashing lights may include:

• Fixed mast installation
• Mirrors
• Morse signalling lamp