Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers preparing slipping facilities, hauling out and launching vessels using a range of methods appropriate to the slipping facility.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to a range of marine vessels such as work/pleasure craft, yachts etc. to suit capacity of slipping facility.

Work is undertaken in a team environment. Predetermined standards of quality and safety are observed and work is carried out following standard operational procedures.

All work and work practices are undertaken to regulatory and legislative requirements.

Where boat is to be moored using the vessel's engine or with the assistance of a work boat, Unit MEM50009B (Safely operate a mechanically powered recreational boat) should be selected.

Where travel lifts, forklifts and/or cranes are used, Unit MEM11010B (Operate mobile load shifting equipment) or other appropriate units should also be selected.

If skills for drawing interpretation, marking out and constructing structures for slipping are required, appropriate units should also be selected.

Band : A 

Unit Weight : 2 

Prerequisite units 

Path 1 

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

MEM18002B

Use power tools/hand held operations

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Set up slipping facilities

1.1. Set-up of slipping facility is determined to suit vessel in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements.

1.2. Where applicable, measurements to suit hull structure are taken.

1.3. Where applicable, hull support bearers are safely positioned to suit hull structure.

2. Perform hauling out procedures

2.1. Slipping facilities are positioned to suit slipping application.

2.2. Vessel is positioned to suit slipping set-up.

2.3. Vessel retaining ropes are selected and secured correctly, in accordance with slipping facility and vessel retaining requirements.

2.4. Vessel is grounded/levelled for positioning of hull support.

2.5. Hull support mechanics are correctly positioned.

2.6. Safety checks of vessel stability are carried out.

3. Perform launching procedures

3.1. Vessel support and slip devices are checked for safety.

3.2. Pre-launch safety checks for vessel seaworthiness are applied.

3.3. Launch practices are carried out according to standard procedure and organisational requirements.

3.4. Hull support devices are re-positioned to prevent obstruction during vessel removal.

3.5. Where applicable, vessel is moored using appropriate restraints.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• identifying measurements relevant to positioning of hull structure on slipping facilities from plans/verbal instruction
• setting slip to accommodate vessel according to design, dimensions and weight
• providing/positioning relevant support bearer/blocks and arms according to design, dimensions and vessel weight
• operating slip and slipping machinery
• manoeuvring vessel in accordance with set-up of slipping facility
• securing vessel in preparation for slipping
• inspecting vessel when slipped to ensure adequacy of hull support
• adjusting and fixing support mechanisms as required
• clearing site and preparing vessel for launching
• performing safety checks to ensure vessel stability and watertight integrity
• positioning hull supports, such as arms, slings, to allow clear passage for removal of vessel
• mooring vessel in accordance with requirements of mooring facility

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• types of slipways and operational procedures
• interpretation of ships/boats drawings, slipping specifications or instructions
• safety and legislative requirements for slipping and launching vessels
• different types of hull structures, dimensions, vessel weights and appropriate slipping arrangements
• methods of supporting/securing vessel ready for slipping
• methods of supporting hull during and after slipping
• procedures for operating slipway and slipway machinery
• procedures for positioning slip and manoeuvring vessels
• techniques for trimming and final securing of slipped vessel and disengaging slipway machinery
• knots, lashings and their applications
• pre-launch preparation requirements
• safety checks to be performed
• checks to ensure stability and watertight integrity
• procedures used in launching vessels
• mooring methods
• procedures for recovering and securing slip

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to perform marine slipping operations. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with performing marine slipping operations, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment 

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment 

RANGE STATEMENT 

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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Vessel support and slip devices 

Slings, shoring, cables, stays, blocks, chocks etc.

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Marine craft construction