Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to operate an ammunition lighter. It includes the requirement to inspect and maintain the lighter and to communicate with the tug boat operator during towing operations.

It does not include the requirement to load or unload the lighter.

Application of the Unit 

This competency applies to the individual who is required to operate an ammunition lighter in order to move ammunition.

The individual is required to prepare the lighter for the towing operation, operate the lighter and communicate with the towing tug during the tow and complete all housekeeping related to the operation of the lighter.

Lighters are normally employed during ammunitioning and de-ammunitioning of warships.

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 lighter operations 

1.1 Requirements to operate a lighter  are identified and confirmed in accordance with standard procedures 

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 Lighter is inspected  for safe operation in accordance with standard procedures

1.4 Equipment and stores required for operation are identified, acquired and prepared in accordance with standard procedures

2. Operate the lighter 

2.1 Lighter is moored and manoeuvred in accordance with operational requirements and standard procedures

2.2 Hatches are opened, closed and secured in accordance with work requirements and standard procedures

2.3 Load security and protection  is established and maintained throughout the operation

2.4 Liaison is established and maintained with tow boat operators throughout the towing operation

3. Maintain the lighter 

3.1 Minor repairs and maintenance  are conducted in accordance with work procedures and policy

3.2 Bird nets  are erected and pulled down in accordance with standard policy and procedures

3.3 Lighter is cleaned  in accordance with standard policy and procedures

4. Complete housekeeping activities 

4.1 Equipment and tools are maintained in accordance with standard policy and procedures

4.2 All records and documentation are finalised in accordance with standard procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• apply characteristics of LPG
• apply emergency procedures
• apply OH&S requirements
• apply security and protection
• conduct inspection
• conduct maintenance
• conduct repairs
• identify, select and use equipment, stores and tools
• maintain documentation
• moor and manoeuvre lighters
• operate hatches

Required Knowledge 

• characteristics of LPG
• documentation requirements
• emergency procedures
• inspection requirements
• maintenance procedures
• mooring and manoeuvring procedures
• relevant OH&S requirements
• repair procedures
• security and protection procedures

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:

• apply relevant OH&S requirements
• apply emergency procedures
• move and manoeuvre operating lighter
• maintain documentation.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time and in a range of actual or simulated contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated work environment, in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisational requirements.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• lighterage
• associated equipment.

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.

Lighters are 

Commonly a flat bottomed unpowered barge designed to carry cargo that can be loaded or unloaded from ships

Standard procedures may include 

Australian Standards

Job guides, pamphlets and other publications

Manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

OH&S regulations

Organisational policies and procedures

Relevant local government by laws

Relevant state/territory or federal legislation

Verbal and/or written orders and job instructions

Lighter inspection may include 

Checking bollards and tie down points for serviceability

Filling firefighting buckets and checking fire extinguishers

Protection may include 

Operation of bilge pumps to avoid wetting

Use of tarpaulins

Minor repairs and maintenance may include 

Patching or replacing of tarpaulins

Bird nets may 

Normally be erected when lighter is moored to a buoy

Lighter cleaning may include 

Use of high pressure water hoses and water pumps