Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to operate a target designator system.

It includes preparing the equipment for operation, acquiring air and surface targets, interpreting position data and communicating information for use in targeting.

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.

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 visual target designation system 

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

1.2 Personal protective equipment is selected and worn in accordance with OH&S requirements

1.3 Target designation system components  are inspected, tested and faults are reported in accordance with standard procedures

2. Operate visual target designation equipment 

2.1 Task requirements are received and confirmed with supervisor

2.2 Communication is maintained with operations room throughout operations

2.3 Area search is conducted as directed by supervisor

2.4 Target information  is established and reported

2.5 Targets  are identified  and confirmed by supervisor

2.6 Targets are sighted and tracked using the system as directed and in accordance with standard procedures

2.7 System is used to fire remote weapon as ordered by supervisor

2.8 Emergencies/incidents are responded to in accordance with emergency response plans

3. Finalise operations 

3.1 System operation is transferred to new operator as required or is ceased as directed by supervisor

3.2 System is cleaned and secured in accordance with organisational procedures

3.3 Report is made to supervisor on completion in accordance with standard operating procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• effectively use correct voice and reporting procedure
• encourage team members
• follow instructions
• operate communication equipment, such as headsets
• participate in a team
• recognise potential threats
• use appropriate cleaning equipment
• use technology

Required Knowledge 

• appropriate actions to prevent injury to self and others
• composition of teams, and roles and responsibilities of team members
• effective verbal communication techniques
• group communication techniques
• gunnery terminology
• identification of potential threats
• interpretation of operational orders
• OH&S procedures specific to weapons
• team work principles and strategies

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 workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• equipment
• part of ship appropriate to target designation operations.

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.

Target designation system components may include 

Communications equipment

Firing limit stops (arc limits)

Remote firing controls

Sighting components

Target information may include 

Bearing

Crossing

Direction

Elevation

Inclination

Range

Target type/ID

Targets may include 

Air targets

Fall of shot (for surface gunnery and naval support)

Star shell (illumination target)

Surface targets

Identified targets may be 

Friendly

Hostile

Unknown