Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to operate small watercraft .

It includes the requirement to prepare the watercraft for operations, to conduct buoyancy calculations, to carry out appropriate tasks, and to clean and maintain the watercraft.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to the individual who is required to operate small watercraft to conduct a range of tasks including:

• transporting personnel and/or equipment across water
• assisting mounting and maintaining wet crossing activities
• patrolling range boundaries
• recovering proof ordnance.

While the technical aspects of this competency are concerned with 'operating a boat', the specialisation of the skill, and safety issues associated with waterborne operations confer additional responsibilities upon the operator. For all watercraft operations  the individual may need to provide directions to personnel within the boat concerning specific safety matters such as seating, movement and actions on incidents such as man overboard and capsize. The individual must demonstrate sound judgement in the use of authority, and where possible, work within the existing lines of authority. The individual will usually operate the boat with minimum supervision.

The watercraft will normally be operated:

• in protected or calm waters
• day or night
• in training, on exercise and on operations.

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 watercraft operations 

1.1 Operating instructions  are interpreted to determine the task, cargo, destination and route, and navigation data is compiled in accordance with standard procedures 

1.2 Buoyancy /floatation calculations  are completed to ensure passengers and cargo are safe to move

1.3 Equipment  is selected, checked for serviceability and unserviceable items are replaced or rejected and reported to the supervisor in accordance with standard procedures

1.4 Shore preparation  is conducted in accordance with standard procedures and watercraft is prepared and readied for launch

1.5 Appropriate personal protective equipment is selected and worn by all personnel

1.6 Passengers and crew are given a safety brief by the operator prior to embarking

2. Operate small watercraft 

2.1 Watercraft is launched safely in accordance with standard procedures and local conditions

2.2 Watercraft is loaded and trimmed to ensure safety of crew and load

2.3 Watercraft is operated  consistent with hazards and environmental conditions , and in accordance with standard procedures

2.4 Directions are provided, as necessary, to passengers in order to maintain safety and efficient boat operation

2.5 Contingency and emergency drills  are carried out, as necessary, to minimise threat to personnel and equipment

2.6 Personnel and/or loads are disembarked and/or unloaded safely in accordance with standard procedures

3. Recover and maintain vessel 

3.1 Watercraft is recovered from a ramp or improvised landing site

3.2 Watercraft and associated equipment are checked for serviceability, cleaned and maintained

3.3 Defects are reported and documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures

3.4 Debriefing requirements are completed, as required, 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 

• calculate and record number and weight of passengers, stores and equipment
• constantly monitor hazards and apply safety principles to operations
• encourage other team members
• follow instructions/directives and report information
• participate in team
• read and interpret operating instructions
• use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening
• use clear interpersonal communication as operator of the vessel
• use knots and lashings to secure watercraft

Required Knowledge 

• applicable statutory waterways rules for watercraft operation
• buoyancy/floatation calculations
• composition of teams, and roles and responsibilities of team members
• effects of water moving over objects and obstacles
• local water hazards and environmental conditions
• team work
• techniques for supporting others
• 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 safely operate selected small watercraft on various waterways under a range of environmental conditions. The operator must demonstrate competency at carrying both equipment and personnel, and demonstrate the ability to manage the full range of contingency and emergency actions.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over a timeframe that allows for the preparation, operation and maintenance of small watercraft under a range of water operating conditions carrying personnel and cargo.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed under a variety of water operating conditions. Evidence should be gathered by observing the individual preparing, operating and maintaining small watercraft on a variety of tasks that address all the requirements of the critical aspects of evidence.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• watercraft, equipment and accessories
• safety equipment appropriate to the task
• appropriate cargo to be loaded, transported and unloaded
• training areas with access to a suitable body of water.

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.

Small watercraft may include 

Hovercraft

Improvised watercraft such as rafts, pontoons, inflatable, rigid body or improvised watercraft constructed of timber, drums, canvas, inflatable tubes or any combination

Motorised and non-motorised boats up to five metres in length capable of accommodating a maximum of ten personnel and the operator and crewman

Motorised and non-motorised bridge and ferry construction craft

Motorised and non-motorised rigid and non-rigid inflatable craft

Watercraft powered by outboard motors of up to 40 hp

Watercraft operations may include 

Evacuation of personnel, stores and equipment

Float for people operating near, in or over water

Providing range safety

Providing safety

Resupply operations

Searches, rescues

Support to bridge, ferry and raft operations

Support to divers

Support to proof firings

Transport of personnel

Operating instructions may include 

Access and egress routes

Details of enemy threat and own force operations

Details of ramps or launching points

Details of resupply or evacuation requirements

Number and nature of personnel, including casualties to be transported

Potential hazards

Tidal information

Types of general cargo and weights

Weather forecast

Standard procedures may include 

Manufacturer's handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

OH&S regulations for water safety

Procedures manuals, job guides, watermanship pamphlets and other publications

Statutory waterways rules

Written and verbal orders and instructions

Buoyancy /floatation calculations may include 

Freeboard when loaded within load limits

Number and weight of passengers within load limits

Weight of stores and equipment within load units

Equipment to be used may include 

Appropriate rescue and recovery equipment

Items of stores and equipment

Personal protective equipment such as life jackets

Safety equipment that may be required under state/territory legislation or standard procedures

Vehicles and equipment used to transport boats

Shore preparation may include 

Assembly for launch

Equipment checks

Loading of stores and equipment

Positioning vessel on ramp or launching site

Pre-start checks of engine

Operating the watercraft may include 

Compliance with waterways rules and regulations

Engine start-up procedures

Holding a marine license from a relevant authority

Moving at a safe speed consistent with the conditions

Navigating to destination

Hazards and environmental conditions may include 

Adverse weather

Eddies

Fast flowing streams and near still waters

Floating and submerged debris and snags

Fog or drizzle

Heat and cold

Reduced visibility due to after dark operations

Tidal flats

Time pressure

Undertows

Underwater hazards

Wildlife

Environment includes 

By day or night and under illumination

In all weather conditions

In waters including:

• enclosed waters
• lakes and dams
• non-tidal rivers
• open waters
• protected harbours
• protected waters
• tidal flats
• tidal rivers

Under a range of water conditions

Contingency and emergency drills may include 

Abandon ship drills

Action on capsize

Diagnosing and rectifying minor engine faults

Fire drills

Man overboard drills

Propeller replacement

Towing disabled vessels

Use of improvised rudder

Use of oars/improvised oars

Use of sail