Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to assist in ship navigation.

It includes storing and maintaining navigational documentation and operating navigational equipment to assist the ship navigator.

Application of the Unit 

This competency typically applies to a Naval Defence environment and was developed for boatswains mates but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Tasks are carried out at sea in a range of conditions that would typically apply to a lengthy operation.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Pre-requisite Unit /s 

Nil

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for navigational operations 

1.1 Task requirements are received and confirmed with supervisor

1.2 Occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation in accordance with standard procedures

1.3 Navigational documentation  is stored, updated and completed in accordance with navigational procedures 

1.4 Navigational equipment  is stored, selected, inspected, tested and faults are reported in accordance with standard procedures

1.5 Bridge and navigational spaces are prepared for navigational operations

2. Assist in navigation of ship 

2.1 Communication is maintained with team members  throughout navigational operations

2.2 Instructions are received, interpreted, clarified and completed

2.3 Navigational information  is received, recorded, interpreted and used to inform navigational operations

2.4 Navigational equipment is operated in accordance with standard procedures

2.5 Navigational manoeuvres are accurately recorded and plotted

2.6 Hydrographical operations are assisted through the input of navigational information

2.7 Issues beyond own level of authority or competence to rectify are reported to supervisor and action is taken as directed

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• encourage team members
• follow instructions and report information
• operate communication equipment, such as radios and consoles
• participate in a team
• use active listening skills in communication with colleagues and personnel
• use verbal and non-verbal communication techniques
• work in operationally low light conditions
• work on a ship

Required Knowledge 

• definitions and terms associated with navigation
• duties of personnel involved in ship navigational operations
• OH&S responsibilities/requirements
• range of equipment used in navigation
• range of navigational equipment
• standard operating procedures
• verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• work as a team member
• quickly and accurately respond to directions.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the individual is assessed across a wide variety of situations within the workplace.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• navigational procedures
• information and equipment appropriate to the navigational tasks.

Method of assessment 

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Navigational documentation may include 

Audio records

Chart correction log

Charts

Hydrographical publications

Navigation data book

Navigational publications

Radio log

Ship log

Temporary and Preliminary notices (TMP)

Wheel and Engine Order Book

Navigational procedures may include 

AFGO Australian Fleet General Orders.

AHP15 Australian Hydrographic Publication 15

BR45 admiralty manual of navigation

Ship standing orders

Navigational equipment may include 

Astronomical sighting devices

Barometer

Navigational instruments

NDS navigator display system

Optical instruments

Plotting instruments

Time keeping devices

Wind speed indicators

Team members may include 

Bridge personnel

Navigator

Operations room personnel

Supervisor

Navigational information may include 

Internet data such as weather charts

Radio navigation warnings

Ship log

Ship navigator

Signals

Navigational manoeuvres may include 

Minefield transit

Naval gunfire support