Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers conducting basic checks on vessel sail systems.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to checking the sail equipment of recreational vessels in both land and water environments. It relates to workplaces in which vessels are built, repaired, stored, sold and transported.

The scope of the unit is limited to identifying and reporting on the general condition of the sails and their equipment and identifying potential problems that can be easily discerned. It includes basic operational checks similar to those routinely performed by machinery or vehicle operators. It does not include an assessment of seaworthiness or durability. The information would be reported to a supervisor or manager who would determine any further action.

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

Operational checking of other vessel components is covered by Unit MEM50006B (Check operational capability of marine craft).

Band : E 

Unit Weight : 0 

Prerequisite units 

Path 1 

MEM50002B

Work safely on marine craft

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. Inspect mast(s), boom(s), spars and fittings

1.1. Masts, booms and spars are inspected for security and integrity.

1.2. Fixed rigging is inspected for security and excessive corrosion.

1.3. Fittings and mountings are checked for security and excessive corrosion.

1.4. Reports of masts, booms, spars, rigging and fittings condition are completed on (any) approved workplace documentation and/or reported verbally.

2. Inspect sail condition

2.1. Sails are inspected for tears, rot and deterioration.

2.2. Sail runners, cleats and reinforcing points are inspected.

2.3. Reports of sails and fittings condition are completed on (any) approved workplace documentation and/or reported verbally.

2.4. Sails are correctly stowed after inspection.

2.5. Reports of sail condition are completed on (any) approved workplace documentation and/or reported verbally.

3. Check halyards, sheets, ropes and winches

3.1. Halyards, sheets, ropes, cables and winches are inspected for security and integrity.

3.2. Halyards, sheets, ropes and cables are secured and/or stowed correctly.

3.3. Winches and capstans are checked for operation, lubrication and condition.

3.4. Fittings and mountings are checked for security and condition.

3.5. Reports of sail control system condition are completed on (any) approved workplace documentation and/or reported verbally.

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 the general condition of masts, booms and spars
• identifying the general condition of sails
• identifying the general condition of sail hoisting and trimming equipment
• correctly stowing sails and ropes
• providing simple checklist and verbal reports

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• general methods of determining condition of masts, booms and spars
• methods of determining condition of sails and hoisting/trimming equipment in terms of whether they operate or not, are frayed or showing signs of distress etc.
• information collation methods to provide a verbal report

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 conduct basic checks on the operational condition of vessel sails and fittings/equipment in or out of the water to the extent of providing a simple report to a supervisor or manager. 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 associated with a marine environment, 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 specifi-cations, 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.

Masts , booms and spars 

Wood, aluminium and composite materials

Halyards , sheets , ropes , cables and winches 

Halyards, ropes, wires, cables, shackles, turning blocks, electric and hand powered winches, self-steer systems and self-furling sail systems

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Boating services